Twelve states currently ban private possession of most exotic animals, seven states have a partial ban, and 16 states require licensing or permitting. While there is no state law in Washington, many cities and counties have restrictions or bans in place or are increasingly considering enacting such bans. Many people believe the United States Department of Agriculture monitors private ownership of dangerous animals but the USDA requires licensing only to exhibit or breed exotic animals. The USDA may still issue licenses even if local ordinances prohibit the keeping of these animals within that jurisdiction. Some species, such as reptiles and birds are entirely exempt.
Many animals naturally live in colonies, yet are kept as single pets.
Boredom replaces normal behaviors like grooming one another, climbing, foraging for food, mating and rearing young that would occupy their time and attention. Differences in climate can also create stress on animals and shorten their lifespans. The average person lacks the expertise to provide proper nutrition, medical care, and husbandry and even finding a veterinarian willing to work on these animals may prove difficult. Some animals grow so large that their owners find they cannot afford to feed them adequately and they suffer hunger and malnutrition. Unnecessary declawing and defanging is often performed in attempts to keep the animals from being able to inflict serious harm.