Resolutions for Responsible Exotic Pet Ownership

Buy Your Pet Wisely

Guinea Pigs can often be found at shelters

Photo © 2006 Lianne McLeod, Licensed to About.com, Inc.

• Source - will you go to a pet store, breeder, or shelter? Depending on the pet you get, your choices may be limited, but there are some pros and cons of different sources of pets covered in "Where to Get a Pet."
• Captive Bred is Best - for the wilder set, this is really the best option. A captive bred animal is likely to be less stressed, and therefore healthier, and also much easier to handle. They are also more likely to feed well (especially important for snakes). Not only that, you won't be contributing to the problem of declining wild populations due to capture for the pet trade.
• Shelters Aren't Just for Dogs and Cats - you might be surprised at the variety of critters available from shelters and rescues. If possible, please give a shelter animal a second (or third, etc.) chance at a happy life.
• Pick a Healthy Pet - if you look around a bit at some different animals, you will get a sense of what a healthy pet looks like. Check for things like bright eyes free of discharge, alert expression, quiet breathing, healthy-looking skin and coat, good body condition, and no evidence of nasal discharge or diarrhea.

• Avoid the Impulse Buy
• Avoid "Rescuing" Pet Store Animals
• Buy Your Pet Wisely
• If you Choose a Big Constricting Snake, Be Careful
• Never Release your Exotic Pet
• Find a Veterinarian that will Treat Exotic Pets
• Wilder is not Necessarily Better
• Diet and Exercise for Exotic Pets
• Provide a Safe Environment
• Be Aware of Human Health Risks from Keeping Exotic Pets