The global exotic pet trade is worth between $31–$43 billion annually, fueled by a growing fascination with unconventional companions.1
Exotic pets offer a unique and exciting alternative to traditional cats and dogs. From adorable sugar gliders to majestic serval cats, there’s an exotic pet out there for every type of owner.
But before you rush out to adopt one, it’s important to do your research. Owning an exotic pet comes with special challenges and responsibilities.
Here are 15 of the best exotic pets and some key information to help you decide if one of these extraordinary creatures is right for you.
1. Sugar Gliders

Sugar gliders are small, nocturnal marsupials native to Australia and Indonesia. These social creatures form strong bonds with their owners and thrive in pairs or small groups.
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With their soft, silky fur and adorable faces, sugar gliders make charming and entertaining companions.
- Lifespan: 10-15 years in captivity
- Diet: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and a protein source such as insects or a special sugar glider diet
- Housing: Tall, spacious cage with plenty of branches, toys, and a nesting box
2. Axolotls
Axolotls, also known as the “Mexican Walking Fish,” are unique amphibians that spend their entire lives underwater. These fascinating creatures are known for their ability to regenerate lost body parts, making them a popular choice for both pet owners and scientific research.
- Lifespan: Up to 15 years with proper care
- Diet: Live or frozen foods such as worms, small fish, and crustaceans
- Housing: Aquarium with cool, clean water and a substrate suitable for burrowing
3. Fennec Foxes
Fennec foxes are the smallest members of the fox family, known for their oversized ears and playful personalities. Native to the deserts of North Africa, these pint-sized canids have become increasingly popular as exotic pets.
- Lifespan: Up to 14 years in captivity
- Diet: High-quality, protein-rich diet consisting of meat, insects, and vegetables
- Housing: Spacious, escape-proof enclosure with plenty of sand for digging and a variety of enrichment items
4. Marmoset Monkeys
Marmosets are tiny, intelligent primates native to the rainforests of South America. These social animals require dedicated care and attention from their owners to thrive in captivity.
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With their expressive faces and engaging personalities, marmosets can make wonderful companions for experienced exotic pet owners.
- Lifespan: Up to 18 years with proper care
- Diet: Specialized diet consisting of insects, tree saps, fruits, and a commercial primate diet
- Housing: Large, vertically-oriented enclosure with plenty of branches, ropes, and enrichment items
5. Spotted Genets
Spotted genets are small, cat-like carnivores native to Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Europe. These nocturnal animals are known for their beautiful spotted coats and curious, playful nature.
They require a dedicated owner who can provide them with a stimulating environment and appropriate care.
- Lifespan: Up to 15 years in captivity
- Diet: Varied diet consisting of small mammals, insects, fruits, and eggs
- Housing: Tall, spacious enclosure with plenty of climbing opportunities and a secure sleeping area
6. Hedgehogs
African pygmy hedgehogs have become increasingly popular as exotic pets due to their cute appearance and relatively low-maintenance care requirements.
These small, spiny mammals are native to parts of Africa and are known for their nocturnal habits and unique personalities.
- Lifespan: 4-7 years on average
- Diet: High-quality, protein-rich diet consisting of commercial hedgehog food and occasional insects
- Housing: Spacious cage with a solid-surface wheel, hiding spots, and appropriate bedding
7. Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons are medium-sized lizards native to Australia. Known for their calm temperaments and charming personalities, these diurnal reptiles have become one of the most popular exotic pet lizards.
With proper care and a well-maintained enclosure, bearded dragons can make excellent companions.
- Lifespan: 10-15 years in captivity
- Diet: Omnivorous diet consisting of insects, vegetables, and fruits
- Housing: Spacious terrarium with appropriate lighting, heating, and substrate
8. Kinkajous
Kinkajous, also known as “honey bears,” are small, arboreal mammals native to the rainforests of Central and South America. These nocturnal animals are known for their long, prehensile tails and curious, playful personalities.
- Lifespan: Up to 20 years in captivity
- Diet: Omnivorous diet consisting of fruits, insects, small mammals, and eggs
- Housing: Large, vertically-oriented enclosure with plenty of climbing opportunities and a secure sleeping area
9. Wallabies
Wallabies are medium-sized marsupials native to Australia and surrounding islands. These herbivorous animals are known for their powerful hind legs and gentle, curious nature.
- Lifespan: Up to 15 years in captivity
- Diet: Herbivorous diet consisting of grass, hay, and fresh vegetables
- Housing: Large, secure outdoor enclosure with plenty of space for grazing and exercise
10. Serval Cats
Servals are medium-sized wild cats native to Africa. Known for their tall, slender build and striking spotted coats, these athletic felines have become increasingly popular among exotic pet enthusiasts.
- Lifespan: Up to 20 years in captivity
- Diet: Carnivorous diet consisting of whole prey items or a high-quality, meat-based diet
- Housing: Large, secure outdoor enclosure with plenty of space for running, jumping, and climbing
11. Emperor Scorpions
Emperor scorpions are large, impressive arachnids native to the rainforests and savannas of West Africa. These docile creatures make interesting and low-maintenance terrarium pets. With proper care, emperor scorpions can thrive in captivity.
- Lifespan: 5-8 years on average
- Diet: Carnivorous diet consisting of insects such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms
- Housing: Terrarium with appropriate substrate, humidity, and hiding spots
12. Chuckwallas
Chuckwallas are large, herbivorous lizards native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico.
These docile reptiles are known for their unique defense mechanism of wedging themselves into rock crevices and inflating their bodies to prevent predators from pulling them out.
- Lifespan: Up to 25 years with proper care
- Diet: Herbivorous diet consisting of leafy greens, vegetables, and occasional fruits
- Housing: Large, desert-themed terrarium with plenty of hiding spots and basking areas
13. Short-tailed Opossums
Short-tailed opossums, also known as “sugar gliders’ cousins,” are small, nocturnal marsupials native to South America. These adorable creatures are known for their soft, silky fur and gentle, curious nature.
- Lifespan: Up to 6 years in captivity
- Diet: Omnivorous diet consisting of insects, fruits, and a commercial diet designed for small omnivores
- Housing: Large, multi-level cage with plenty of climbing opportunities, hiding spots, and nesting areas
14. Degus
Degus are social, diurnal rodents native to Chile. These energetic animals are known for their playful personalities and love of interaction with their owners.
As exotic pets, degus require a spacious cage with plenty of enrichment items and a diet high in fiber.
- Lifespan: 5-8 years on average
- Diet: Herbivorous diet consisting of hay, commercial pellets, and fresh vegetables
- Housing: Large, multi-level cage with plenty of toys, exercise wheels, and hiding spots
15. Tarantulas
Tarantulas are large, hairy spiders that have become increasingly popular as low-maintenance exotic pets. With hundreds of species available in the pet trade, tarantulas come in a variety of colors and sizes.
- Lifespan: Up to 20 years for females, shorter for males
- Diet: Carnivorous diet consisting of live insects such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms
- Housing: Terrarium with appropriate substrate, humidity, and a secure hiding spot
Owning an exotic pet can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s important to remember that these animals have unique needs and challenges.
Before bringing home any exotic pet, thoroughly research its care requirements and check local laws and regulations. With the right preparation and commitment, one of these 15 extraordinary creatures could become your new best friend.
Source:
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.