Exotic Animals are animals that are not from the area, or not considered domesticated. So Yes, even your tropical fish can be considered Exotic animals. So many times people are drawn to own Exotics because of their beauty or the mystery the surrounds' them, and a lot of them are so cute when their little. There is danger in cuteness. Most first time Exotic animal owners don't have a full understanding of what their getting into when the acquire these animals. If they did, most responsible adults would not take on that challenge. They understand that it's not fare to the animal and to purchase them is encouraging an unwanted market.

Most of the time Cities will not even allow Exotic pets, and if they do there is a licenses to be purchase in the hundreds of dollars each year, if there is the manpower, inspections of living arrangements.

Exotic animals normally don't have papers and their breeding is unknown. Some are bred by people to get out as many on the market as possible, it is assumed that if there are a lot out there the law won't do anything. So what's not known is if there was inbreeding or not, which in animals causes aggression, retardation, birth defects and makes them more susceptible to diseases. What is worse is sometimes these exotic animals are trapped from their mothers at an early age from the wild, causing emotional trauma to the baby and unknown diseases being brought in the country.

When Exotics reach adulthood or sexual maturity, they loose their cuteness, they still need all the extra attention, exercise, a lot more food, not to mentioned if they're not fixed they have other urges that cause unwanted behavior that can be very dangerous, to you, your children or someone else's, or one of your neighbors beloved pets.

Things that have to be taken into consideration if you were to own an exotic pet. Do you have the time, it takes much more time and training then domestic animals. Do you have the knowledge or just think you do. Do you have the money, exotic pets usually take specialized diets, shots, and Veterinarian care. Will your Veterinarian take your exotic in if something goes wrong. Do you have enough area to be able to let them exorcize on a daily basis. Is there living area to your county's or states regulations. Does your county or state require special licensing for exotics. Here is one most forget or don't consider, are you neighbors going to be alright with you owning an exotic pet.

We have to remember that animals are animals and things happen. To be a responsible exotic pet owner, if you must, your neighbors should have an understanding that you own such animals and how they are kept and if one should get out your contact numbers to they can get a hold of you.

A friend of mine owned serval cats, one happened to get out, the neighbor never new and shot it thinking it was a bobcat trying to get to their chickens. Sometimes people won't be happy that exotics are in their area, but they will appreciate knowing the owner is responsible by informing them and being able to contact you. My own wolf hybrid was shot because the sheep farmer thought she was a wolf hunting his sheep. That was my fault, that is his living. He had no idea that my girl would mother the babies instead of eating them. Now he knows her and has my number, and is very sorry. She is still alive, good thing he was a bad shot!

Be a responsible pet owner no matter what type of animal you have. There cute and cuddly, but if you can't get them their shots, fixed, exorcize them, make sure they have water all the time, and feed them, you have no business owning any animal. Please always remember your Humane Society first.