A pet is typically a companion animal and should be chosen for that. There are exceptions of course. Many people select an animal based on what they love. Snakes and other exotics are common pets these days. If you decide to go the route of the more exotic pet, do choose with some common sense.
A snake, a lizard, or other reptile can be a good pet for the apartment dweller (Provided it is well secured in the cage) and may eliminate the need for morning walks, for rabies shots, and other things like flea treatments and monthly medications.
They are not without their own little expenses however. Simply because you have a reptile doesn’t mean that it’s going to be completely without the need for care. Quite the contrary in fact, the reptile has some specific requirements that you want to be aware of.
Snakes can grow at a relatively rapid rate. They may gain four or five feet in as many years. Very large snakes are not recommended for children. Likewise poisonous snakes are not a good bet for a household.
While it may be the cool way to go, it’s not common sense.
Exotic pets such as the Sugar glider are small and easy to house but have some remarkable foibles so far as what they can eat. Be prepared for those when you select this as a pet.
You would probably be amazed how many people own giant animals, big cats, or other things simply not designed for a household, and can’t imagine why they outgrow their pens, need special care or escape from cages that are too small and not designed to hold them.
Recently the people of Las Vegas got a surprise when a tiger, being kept as a pet, was wandering the streets of the city and found itself in someone’s back yard. Animal control was called, who of course probably were not expecting a tiger. To give them credit the tigers owner was notified (which begs the question, had this happened before) who was given a discussion on how to secure his or her pet according the reports) and the tiger was removed without incident.
Less than a few months past, a giant snake were recovered from an apartment building where he had escaped when a former owner lived there. Apparently unable to recapture the snake before he moved, the snake was left behind.
These kinds of incidents are becoming more common as people have a little more disposable income and select a pet that is entirely unsuitable for them.
If you’re considering an exotic pet, think long and hard about all aspects of the care that it will need before you get one. Make sure that you are equipped to care for it.