In October of 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics released a study entitled Exposure to Nontraditional Pets at Home and to Animals in Public Settings: Risks to Children (by Larry K. Pickering, MD, Nina Marano, DVM, MPH, Joseph A. Bocchini, MD, Frederick J. Angulo, DVM, PhD and the Committee on Infectious Diseases).

This study, and the focus of subsequent news coverage, could be a bit scary for exotic pet owners with kids, but it is important to have some perspective about the risks.

Related Reading:

• Are Exotic Pets Good for Kids?
• Top 7 Exotic Pets for Kids

Photo: Ventura, Loki and Ace - Pet Rats © by Lianne McLeod DVM

The fennec fox is the world's smallest wild canine, with adults usually weighing in under four pounds, although they have amazingly large ears.

They make good pets, although they are quite active and curious, and in some ways are like a very small dog. Find out more about fennec foxes in this profile.

Also See: Fennec Fox Photos

The decision to adopt a pet - any pet - requires consideration and thought. How long is the expected lifespan? What are expected veterinary costs per year? How much will this pet eat, and what type of food? Where will this pet be housed and exercised? The answers help shape decisions to find the best pet for your lifestyle.

The decision to adopt or purchase an exotic pet involves asking all of the above questions and quite a few more. Two top considerations, according to author Lianne McLeod DVM, question the motivation to own an exotic pet and to make sure that the pet is legal to have where you live.

Read more about choosing the right exotic pet for you.

Photo: Giant African Millepede by Lianne McLeod DVM

From Lianne McLeod DVM: Did you know that most rabbits take pretty well to litter training? Litter training not only helps keep the cage cleaner but makes it possible to have them out and about with less mess.

My rabbit Specky had a decent track record with litter training, though I didn't work as hard at it as I could have (that's him on the right sitting in his empty box at cleaning time).

In general, it's best not to expect perfection from your bunny in this department, but if you put in the effort, you and your bunny should be able to get close. Big exception: if your rabbit isn't spayed or neutered , retaining litter training beyond puberty will be much more difficult. The process of litter training does take a bit of patience as explained in "Litter Training Rabbits."

More: Top Ten Alternatives to Cedar and Pine Shavings - this list provides some ideas for what to use in your rabbit's litter box.

Photo © Lianne McLeod DVM