The animal world is changing and animal lovers are no longer interested in traditional cats, dogs but seeking unique, rare and exotic breeds. Be it their exotic looks, peculiarities, or the mere fact that holding a different kind of pet is ever cool, these pets are causing a sensation.

What are the best rare and exotic pet breeds of the year and what should you know before taking one home? Let us take a look.

Why are Exotics  pets becoming popular?

The social media has contributed massively to that through the viral videos and social media posts, it can make even zany pets like fennec foxes and sugar gliders appear unbearably adorable. This has made owning exotic pets a trending lifestyle thanks to the likes of Instagram and the famous TikTok.

The other issue is that there is greater availability due to special breeders and in the online marketplaces as well. Although this makes the acquisition of exotic pets easier, there are concerns on the same concerning impulse buying. Most customers do not have the full knowledge of the lifetime bond they will have with these animals.

Human beings are also finding unusual friends since they need special friends other than conventional animals. Exotic pets are novel and can make good conversation starters, but their care requirements are usually far more complicated than normal pets.

Enhancements in veterinary science have also made it easier to keep exotic pets. And more clinics provide special care to reptiles, small mammals and exotic species. These services can however be at very high charges which most owners are underestimating.

Top 10 Rare & Exotic Pet Breeds on the Rise

1. Savannah Cat

The beautiful cross breed between a domesticated cat and an African serval is becoming popular due to its wild look and its affectionate dog-like nature. Savannahs can weigh up to 12-25 pounds, so they are active and should have a lot of areas where they can roam around and be stimulated. The fact that they have exotic lineage makes them prohibited in ownership in a number of states. As they are high-protein and require games that involve interaction, they are most suitable to skilled owners. Depending on generation, prices are $1,500 – $ 20,000.

2. Fennec Fox

They have gained fame on social media because of their over-sized ears and their amicable charms. They only weigh 2-3 pounds, they have a specialized diet, and need a lot of space to dig in. They are active at night and are difficult pets that require permits in the majority of the states. Their appearances (chirps and barks) may surprise first time owners. The correct care involves a big enclosure as well as stimulation to the mind.

3. Axolotl

These tailed amphibians known as Mexican walking fish or, more often, as water salamanders, endear themselves to proprietors by their perpetual smiles and the delicate plumes of their gills. They measure between 6-12 inches, and unlike many of the species they survive in cool water tanks and feed on live or frozen food. Most amphibians leave the water, but not these, as they live as water dwellers. Although they are easy to care for as opposed to mammals, they need exact water conditions. Wild axolotls are now extremely endangered, and you should never buy wild ones.

4. Sugar Glider

They are small marsupials who are also very attachment-heavy towards owners and enjoy living luxuriously between helpings of perching. They are very sociable: they cannot be isolated alone, they would be happier in pairs or collectives. They eat fresh fruits, insects and specialized pellets. They are illegal in certain states because of welfare reasons, nocturnal and vocal. Care and keeping requires a big cage, vertical with many opportunities to climb.

5. Blue-Tongued Skink

These are Australian natives and one of the most tame pet lizards, they are recognized due to their bright blue tongues. These reach 18-24 inches and are both vegetarian and meat eaters (and will eat snails and vegetables). They can be handled differently with a lot of reptiles. They have moderate care requirements which would be a warm enclosure with places to hide. With such a long life span of 15-20 years, they are a long-term investment.

6. Kinkajou

They are also referred to as the honey bears and are fun engaging mammals yet are demanding. They love fruit, and require a high enclosure to climb. They are night creatures who nip when they are frightened, so these are not easy pets. Most places require the use of permits because of their wilderness effect. This is a big responsibility because they live to be 20+ years or older.

7. Serval Cat

The spotted athletic haired leggy African wild cats have amazing coats. A variety of 20-40 pounds, they require raw meat feed and outdoor enclosures. Most states prohibit keeping them because they have wild instincts. They still have great hunting instincts even when they are bred in captivity. Consider taking one only when you are sure that you can fulfill their high physical and mental demands.

8. Capybara

Surprisingly, the largest rodents in the world are very social and they get along with other pets. They weigh as much as 150 pounds, require space to swim and warm climates. They have a simple grass diet, however, discovered to be too large to live indoors. Only permitted in some states, they are hardly ever even used as an exotic pet.

9. Sphynx Cat

Sphynxes are hairless and hypoallergenic, with wrinkled skins and outgoing temperaments which are a sure way to win hearts. They want to be warm (and wear sweaters in winter eh?) and should be bathed once every week to avoid accumulation of oil. They are also prone to cardiac diseases and thus should be taken to vet routinely. They look exotic, but are thoroughly domesticated and fully legal everywhere.

10. Wallaroo

These are mini kangaroo jiggers bringing themselves into the exotic pet collection. They weigh 40-50 pounds, and they require big outdoor areas to move. They are strict vegetarians grazing on grasses and leafy vegetables. They have space requirements that result in closed restrictive ownership. Consider only one provided you have acreage and specialized knowledge.

Note: It is best to research state laws and responsible breeders before purchasing an exotic pet. Other needs are more complex and most species are more than just needing novelty.

Exotic Pet Comparison Chart

Pet	Size	Care Level	Legal Status	Avg. Cost
Savannah Cat	Medium	High	Restricted	$1,500-$20,000
Fennec Fox	Small	Very High	Permit Required	$2,500-$4,000
Axolotl	Small	Moderate	Legal in Most States	$30-$100
Sugar Glider	Tiny	High	Banned in Some States	$200-$500
Blue-Tongued Skink	Medium	Moderate	Legal Everywhere	$150-$400
Kinkajou	Small	Very High	Restricted	$3,000-$8,000
Serval Cat	Large	Extreme	Banned in Many States	$5,000-$20,000
Capybara	XL	Extreme	Permit Required	$1,000-$3,000
Sphynx Cat	Small	Moderate	Legal Everywhere	$1,500-$3,000
Wallaroo	Medium	Extreme	Restricted	$4,000+

Is an Exotic Pet Suitable to You?

Although exotic pets may be very interesting, most of them also need special incubation, special permission, and commitments. 

Always:

• Do lots of research prior to buying.
• Enquire on local legislations.
• Locate an exotic vet.
• Think about pet adoption (exotic pets are sometimes the specialty of a rescue).