Discrimination based on your choice of a pet is still discrimination. Even though many exotic pet species have been bred in captivity for a long time now, the laws still treat them like second class pets in some areas. They often blow isolated incidents out of proportion or treat those with exotic pets like criminals. They accuse pet owners of causing the decline of species, when in fact many endangered species are bred by private individuals and are declining due to habitat destruction. Some species have no chance other then captive breeding.
Vets are hard to locate at times and rescue groups are even scarcer.
Zoos often will not take unwanted exotic pets nor help the owners learn how to care for them. Too many shelters who end up with an animal that is not a domestic dog or cat resort to euthanasia, because they are unwilling to allow a dedicated or qualified private individual adopt an animal they believe only a zoo is qualified to keep. Some wildlife rehab groups also would rather put the exotic pet or non-releasable animal to sleep rather then place it in a new home. Lets help people understand and love our misunderstood alternative pets. The National Alternative Pet Association is here to help.