Why do people keep exotic pets?
Research has shown that some people choose to buy and keep exotic pets for largely the same reason that people keep traditional pets such as cats and dogs: they have an affection for, and a desire to be close to, animals. Many exotic animal
keepers also have a keen interest in wildlife¹. Some people are drawn to the novelty and challenge of keeping exotic pets².
However, the ready availability and mis-marketing of exotic animals as ‘easy to keep’ and ‘beginner pets’ leads to
impulse purchases³. The complex care needs of many exotic pet species are beyond the scope of most pet keepers⁴˒⁵.
