Some pets are fluffy, some are scaly, and some look like they belong in a nature documentary instead of your living room. Yet, across the U.S., people are legally keeping some of the most unexpected creatures as pets.
These animals aren’t your typical house companions, but that’s part of the charm. They bring curiosity, personality, and sometimes a bit of chaos to everyday life. Owning one isn’t just about having a pet—it’s about embracing something truly unique.
Of course, not all of them are easy to care for. Some require special permits, while others need plenty of space or a carefully controlled environment. But for those willing to put in the effort, the rewards are unforgettable.
If you’ve ever wanted a pet that surprises, fascinates, and keeps life interesting, this list is for you!
Fennec Fox
A fennec fox can make a delightful pet, known for its playful and energetic nature. They are small, with large ears and a sandy-colored coat, perfectly adapted to desert environments. Owning a fennec fox requires a commitment to creating a suitable habitat that mimics its natural surroundings, including warm temperatures and plenty of space to dig and play. These nocturnal animals thrive on a diet of meat, insects, and fruits. Their social nature means they enjoy interaction but can be shy at first. Patience and gentle handling are essential for building a bond.
Sugar Glider
Sugar gliders are small, nocturnal marsupials known for their ability to glide through the air. They have a soft, furry coat and a distinctive membrane stretching from wrist to ankle. As pets, they require a spacious cage with plenty of climbing opportunities and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and insects. Social creatures, they thrive on companionship, so keeping them in pairs is advisable. They are active at night and enjoy exploring their surroundings. Sugar gliders can form strong bonds with their owners, but they do require consistent handling to stay tame.
Hedgehog
Hedgehogs are small, nocturnal mammals with spiky quills that make them unique pets. They are solitary creatures and can be a good choice for those looking for a low-maintenance pet. A hedgehog’s enclosure should include hiding places and a wheel for exercise. Their diet consists mainly of high-quality cat food, supplemented with insects. Though they can be shy, regular gentle handling helps them become more comfortable with human interaction. Hedgehogs are generally quiet pets, making them suitable for apartment living. Their quirky behaviors and curious nature make them endearing companions.
Capybara
Capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, are gentle giants that can make unique pets. Known for their social nature, they thrive in groups and enjoy spending time in the water. A capybara’s habitat should include a large outdoor space with access to a pond or pool. They require a diet rich in grass, hay, and fresh vegetables. Capybaras are intelligent and can be trained to respond to commands. Their calm demeanor makes them compatible with other pets and children. However, due to their size and specific needs, they require dedicated care and attention to ensure a healthy, happy life.
Skunk
Skunks, with their distinct black and white markings, can be surprisingly affectionate pets when domesticated. Removing their scent glands makes them odorless companions. Skunks require a spacious environment with plenty of enrichment activities to stimulate their curious nature. Their diet should be varied, including vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins. Known for their playful and gentle demeanor, skunks can bond well with their human family. Regular handling from a young age helps them become sociable. They enjoy exploring and can be litter trained, making them suitable for indoor living with proper supervision.
Wallaby
Wallabies, small relatives of kangaroos, can be delightful pets for those with the space and commitment to care for them. They require a large, secure outdoor area to hop and explore. Wallabies thrive on a diet of grass, hay, and specialized pellets. Known for their gentle and shy nature, they bond well with patient owners. Hand-reared wallabies are particularly friendly and can be trained to respond to their names. Their nocturnal habits mean they are more active in the evenings. Owning a wallaby can be a rewarding experience for those who appreciate their unique characteristics and needs.
Prairie Dog
Prairie dogs, with their social and inquisitive nature, can make engaging pets. These burrowing rodents thrive in groups, so it’s best to have more than one. Their habitat should replicate their natural environment, with plenty of space to dig. A diet of fresh grasses, hay, and leafy greens keeps them healthy. Prairie dogs are active during the day and enjoy interacting with their owners. They communicate through a range of vocalizations and can be trained to perform simple tricks. Regular handling and attention are crucial for maintaining their friendly disposition and keeping them tame.
Kinkajou
Kinkajous, also known as “honey bears,” are charming nocturnal creatures with a playful disposition. They are known for their prehensile tails and large, expressive eyes. Kinkajous require a spacious enclosure equipped with climbing structures and enrichment toys to stimulate their active nature. Their diet should include fruits, vegetables, and specially formulated foods. These social animals enjoy interaction and can form strong bonds with their human caretakers. However, they can be wary of strangers and should be handled with care. Kinkajous are best suited for experienced pet owners who understand their unique needs and behaviors.
Serval
Servals, with their striking spotted coats and large ears, are exotic cats that captivate pet enthusiasts. Native to Africa, they require a secure outdoor enclosure to accommodate their energetic nature. Servals are solitary animals and can be aloof, but they bond well with dedicated owners. Their diet consists of raw meat and specially formulated cat foods. Servals are known for their incredible leaping ability and enjoy interactive play sessions. While they can be affectionate, it’s essential to respect their wild instincts and provide ample space and mental stimulation to keep them content.
Tarantula
Tarantulas are fascinating arachnids that appeal to exotic pet lovers. They are low-maintenance pets, requiring a simple terrarium setup with appropriate humidity and temperature levels. Tarantulas feed on insects like crickets and mealworms. These solitary creatures are best observed rather than handled, as they can be delicate and stress easily. While tarantulas may not offer the same interaction as traditional pets, they provide a unique opportunity to observe their behaviors and lifecycle. Owning a tarantula involves understanding their needs and respecting their space, making them suitable for those seeking a low-key pet experience.
Emu
Emus, large flightless birds native to Australia, can be kept as pets for those with plenty of land. They require a spacious outdoor area to roam and forage. Emus are known for their inquisitive nature and can be quite playful. Their diet consists of seeds, fruits, and green vegetation. Emus can be social and enjoy interaction with humans and other animals. However, they are best suited for experienced owners due to their size and specific care needs. Emus can form strong bonds with their caretakers, offering a rewarding and unique pet experience for those prepared for the commitment.
Ball Python
Ball pythons are popular pet snakes known for their docile nature and manageable size. They are generally easy to care for, requiring a terrarium with regulated heat and humidity. Ball pythons feed on appropriately-sized rodents, and their diet should be monitored to prevent obesity. These snakes are solitary and enjoy a quiet environment. Regular handling helps keep them accustomed to human interaction, but they are also content being left alone. Ball pythons are ideal for first-time snake owners due to their calm demeanor and relatively low maintenance requirements, providing a fascinating glimpse into the world of reptiles.
Chinchilla
Chinchillas are small rodents known for their incredibly soft fur and playful nature. They require a spacious cage with multiple levels for climbing and exploring. Chinchillas enjoy taking dust baths to keep their fur clean and healthy. Their diet should include hay, chinchilla pellets, and occasional treats like fresh vegetables. Social animals, chinchillas thrive on interaction and can form strong bonds with their owners. They are most active during the evening and enjoy gentle handling. Chinchillas can be a joyful addition to a household, offering entertainment and companionship for those willing to meet their specific care needs.
Fox
Foxes, with their striking appearance and intelligent nature, are becoming popular as exotic pets. They require a large, secure outdoor enclosure to roam and play. Foxes are known for their playful antics and can be trained to follow basic commands. Their diet should be varied, including meat, vegetables, and specially formulated foods. While foxes can form bonds with their owners, they retain many wild instincts and require experienced care. They are best suited for those who appreciate their unique behaviors and are committed to providing a stimulating environment. Foxes offer a unique pet experience for dedicated enthusiasts.
Llama
Llamas are gentle, social animals that can make excellent pets for those with ample outdoor space. They are known for their calm demeanor and inquisitive nature, often forming strong bonds with their owners. Llamas require a pasture with access to fresh water and shelter from the elements. Their diet consists of hay, grass, and specially formulated llama feed. Llamas can be trained to walk on a lead and participate in activities like packing. They are generally low-maintenance but benefit from regular grooming and health check-ups. Llamas offer companionship and a unique pet experience for those prepared for their specific care requirements.
Green Iguana
Green iguanas are popular reptilian pets known for their striking appearance and unique personalities. They require a large terrarium with ample space to climb and bask. Iguanas thrive in environments with controlled humidity and temperature levels. Their diet should be herbivorous, consisting of leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits. Although they can be territorial and require experienced handling, iguanas can become accustomed to human interaction over time. They are best suited for pet owners who understand their behavior and are willing to invest in their care. Green iguanas offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of reptiles.
Raccoon
Raccoons, known for their intelligence and dexterous paws, can be kept as pets by those willing to meet their complex needs. They require a spacious, enriched environment with activities to keep them mentally stimulated. Raccoons have a varied diet, including fruits, vegetables, and proteins. These nocturnal animals are social and can form strong bonds with their owners. However, they retain many wild instincts, and their mischievous nature requires careful supervision. Raccoons are best suited for experienced pet owners who appreciate their unique behaviors and are prepared for the challenges of owning such an adaptable creature.
Cockatoo
Cockatoos are highly intelligent and social birds that can form strong bonds with their owners. They require a spacious aviary with plenty of toys and activities to stimulate their active minds. Cockatoos thrive on a diet of seeds, fruits, and specially formulated pellets. Known for their vocal nature, they enjoy mimicking sounds and engaging in interactive play. Owning a cockatoo requires a significant time commitment, as they need regular social interaction to remain happy and healthy. Cockatoos offer companionship and entertainment for those willing to invest in their care and appreciate their lively personalities.
Ferret
Ferrets are playful and curious pets that thrive in interactive environments. They require a spacious cage with tunnels and toys to keep them entertained. Ferrets have a carnivorous diet, primarily consisting of high-quality ferret food and occasional treats. Known for their mischievous nature, they enjoy exploring and can be trained to use a litter box. Ferrets are social animals that form strong bonds with their owners and other ferrets. Regular handling and playtime are essential for keeping them happy. Ferrets offer companionship and a lively pet experience for those who appreciate their unique antics and require moderate care.
Crested Gecko
Crested geckos are small lizards known for their distinctive crests and gentle nature. They require a terrarium equipped with branches and foliage, providing humidity and climbing opportunities. Geckos thrive on a diet of specially formulated gecko food and occasional insects. These nocturnal reptiles are easy to care for and suitable for beginners. Crested geckos enjoy gentle handling and can become quite friendly with regular interaction. Their unique appearance and engaging behaviors make them popular pets for those interested in reptiles. They are low-maintenance and provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of exotic pets.
Miniature Donkey
Miniature donkeys are gentle and affectionate animals that make wonderful pets for those with sufficient space. They require a pasture with shelter and a companion, as they are social creatures. Their diet includes hay, pasture grass, and donkey-specific feed. Miniature donkeys enjoy human interaction and can be trained for various activities. They are generally low-maintenance but benefit from regular grooming and health check-ups. Miniature donkeys are known for their friendly and curious nature, offering companionship and joy to those prepared for their care needs. They provide a unique pet experience for livestock enthusiasts.
Pot-Bellied Pig
Pot-bellied pigs are intelligent and social pets that require dedicated care. They are best suited for experienced owners with ample outdoor space. Pigs need a secure, mud-free area to explore and root. Their diet consists of pig-specific feed, vegetables, and occasional fruits. Known for their intelligence, pot-bellied pigs can be trained to perform tricks and follow commands. Regular interaction is crucial to keep them sociable. They can form strong bonds with their owners, offering a rewarding pet experience. Pot-bellied pigs are inquisitive and entertaining, making them unique additions to a household prepared for their needs.