If you’re interested in keeping a pet that is a little more unusual than the run of the mill dog, cat or guinea pig, exotic pets could be ideal for you.

Exotic pets are unlikely to be cute and cuddly but they will provide hours of fascination and interest.

They include reptiles/ amphibians, rodents, insects, exotic birds and even wild animals.

It is almost certain that an exotic pet will cost you more to buy and more to keep than a domestic pet. Housing and habitats will be more complicated to create and maintain and they will need special food. Some exotic pets such as snakes even need a regular diet of live bait!

Exotic pets are also more likely to live longer and can grow much larger than you may think. Insurance costs and vet fees may be higher than you might expect.

It is also important to remember that exotic pets are invariably wild animals or creatures that have been removed from (or bred away from) their natural environment.

A number of organisations campaign against the trafficking and trading of exotic pets believing that, by their nature, wild animals do not respond well to being transported and held in captivity.

It is unsurprising then, that there are a number of legal requirements when it comes to keeping an exotic pet and the keeping of some species is illegal. The exotic pets you can legally own are likely to require a license.

It is important therefore, to do your research and take time to make sure that an exotic pet commitment is right for you and for your family. After doing your homework, if you decided you do want to own exotic pets it may be a good idea to start with a smaller, easier to maintain exotic pet and grow from there!