Legal issues are also involved with nontraditional pets. Laws prohibit taking, keeping and confining native animals without a license, Carpenter said. He said licenses are out there, though, and wild animals are on the market. It's up to people to consider the responsibility of owning nontraditional pets in advance and to make sure they can provide adequate care for the animals, he said. They should not buy an animal on a whim or simply because it's a novelty.
Some nontraditional pets are easier to care for than others.
Carpenter said most other wild and exotic species should be avoided. Carpenter encourages people considering a nontraditional pet to contact a local veterinarian or zoo for more information on the specific animal before purchasing it. Sorry, we are unable to answer questions about specific pet health problems.