Examples of animals you can keep as pets include bearded dragons, parakeets, Asian palm civet, Chacoan maras, and garden eels.
Whether you want to own an exotic animal or something more commonplace, there are more pets available than ever before.
Many of these pets require special permits or specific training, so depending on where you are in the world, you may want to do a little more research!
Exotic animals that are legal to keep as pets in the US
Exotic animals that are legal to keep as pets in the US
These animals are legal to own in some states.
Several of them require additional certifications and training in order to maintain them.
Check the latest federal, state and county updates to investigate further.
Keeping anteaters is largely unregulated at the federal level, but state and local laws need to be taken into account.
Skunks can be kept as pets in only a few states, most of which require you to obtain a permit.
While big cats are banned in most states, the hit show Tiger King proves that keeping tigers as pets is possible for the determined exotic pet owner.
Porcupines as pets are not regulated in several states.
You can only have a fox in a few states.
In fact, even states like Nevada that allow the ownership of animals like elephants, for whatever reason, heavily regulate foxes as pets.
Boa constrictors are an unregulated pet in several states.
Snakes are a common pet, so there are plenty of good facilities for keeping and caring for snakes as pets.
Tarantulas are some of the most common exotic pets in the United States.
Cougars, like tigers, are highly regulated in most jurisdictions.
Some states, however, allow you to own them with permits.
At the time of writing, the alligators may be owned by some states, such as Utah.
Two-toed sloths can be kept in many states.
Permits and health certificates may be required.
Most states prohibit keeping kangaroos, but some allow it with a permit.
Bears used to be owned by a variety of universities that used them as live mascots.
Nowadays, you usually need a permit.
Llamas and alpacas are popular pets on hobby farms.
Monkeys are regulated in most states, but capuchin monkeys can also be kept as support animals in some situations.
More examples of animals that you can have as pets
More examples of animals that you can have as pets
African jungle cat
African jungle cat
Scientific nameFelis chausType of animalMammalRangeAfricaDietCarnivore
The African Jungle Cat is a medium-sized cat that lives in the grasslands, forests, and savannahs of Africa.
It has been reported that some owners have been able to train their African Jungle Cats as pets with great success.
However, they are known to be high-strung by nature, so you have to be patient with them.
This means that they may not be the best pet for children, but they are very affectionate and friendly towards humans.
Scientific nameDasyproctaType of animalRodentRangeTropical forestsDietHerbivore
The agouti is a large rodent native to Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
Agoutis are often kept as pets due to their laid-back nature and easy-care requirements.
asian palm civet
asian palm civet
Scientific name Paradoxurus hermaphroditus Animal type Mammal Range India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan Diet Omnivore
One of the most popular pets in recent years is an Asian palm civet.
With their unique appearance, they are very easy to care for and can live up to 15-20 years.
They require little space, but should be kept indoors where they are safe from outside dangers, such as large birds of prey, which could kill them if allowed outside.
Asian palm civets can eat a basic diet of fruits and vegetables, but they also love to eat insects.
This makes it even easier for you to care for them as all that is required is a little fruit or vegetable every once in a while with plenty of live crickets, mealworms and wax worms available at the pet store.
eared fox
eared fox
Scientific NameOtocyon megalotisType of AnimalMammalGrasslands and arid savannahsDietCarnivore
This adorable creature is actually a member of the canine family.
They are also known as ‘Foxes on Fleek’ and they make excellent pets.
With his big ears, he hears very well and will warn you if there is any danger nearby.
Its name comes from its large ears that perk up when excited or curious.
They are very friendly animals and will love you unconditionally.
Scientific namePogonaType of animalReptileRangeAustraliaDietOmnivore
Bearded Dragons originate from the dry, rocky, and hot areas of Australia.
They can grow between 16 and 24 inches long, thus requiring a large tank as pets.
They are omnivorous, so they need to be fed with vegetables and fruits.
Pet owners should also keep them warm with the proper temperature between 75 and 85°F (24 and 29°C).
Scientific name Bettongia Type of animal Marsupial Range Australia Diet Omnivore
The bettong is a small marsupial native to Australia.
Also known as a boodie, it looks like a cross between a rat and a chipmunk, with a squirrel thrown in for good measure.
These animals are very social creatures which makes them excellent pets, they love to be around other members of their species.
They are highly intelligent creatures and are fast learners, so they can be trained.
They also have a natural curiosity, which means punters love to explore!
Scientific name Arctictis binturong Type of animal Mammal Range Southeast Asia Diet Herbivore
The binturong, also known as the bearcat or “bearcat,” is a viverrid native to South and Southeast Asia.
Binturongs have long, heavy bodies and short legs.
I’m sorry to tell you this, but binturongs are not found in houses or apartments.
Instead they need a large enclosed space with trees and places to climb.
Scientific NameMelopsittacus undulatusType of AnimalBirdWorldRangeDietOmnivore
A parakeet is a small parrot that can be found in the wild.
They make great pets, but need to be handled regularly or they will become aggressive and fearful.
If you want a bird as a pet, then a budgie may be for you.
However, it is important to know your requirements before bringing one into your home.
Scientific name Nickname Animal type Amphibian Range Tropical regions Diet Carnivore
The caecilian is a limbless burrowing amphibian.
They are often mistaken for snakes or eels due to their serpentine appearance and undulating swimming motion.
Caecilians are predators that feed on earthworms, insects, and slugs.
Sometimes they can be kept as pets, but they need a large terrarium with a deep substrate to bury themselves in; otherwise they won’t live long!
Scientific nameHydrochoerus hydrochaerisType of animalMammalRangeNorthern and central South AmericaDietHerbivore
This is the largest rodent in the world, but it is also one of the gentlest creatures to keep as a pet.
In South America, where these little ones come from, people keep them as farm animals to eat grass all day.
If you have a large backyard or farm, this might be the pet for you.
Scientific NameDolichotis salinicolaType of AnimalMammalRangeSouth AmericanDietHerbivore
This animal is a relative of the guinea pig and is native to South America.
It has thick paws, small ears that hide in its fur, large eyes with nocturnal tendencies, and looks like a stuffed toy.
Scientific nameNasua nasuaType of animalMammalRangeArizona to South AmericaDietOmnivore
Having a coati as a pet will be quite an adventure.
They are very active and intelligent animals, but they can also be mischievous at times.
crab-eating raccoon
crab-eating raccoon
Scientific NameProcyon cancrivorusType of AnimalMammalRangeCentral and South AmericaDietOmnivore
The crab-eating raccoon is rarely kept as a pet, but it can be an excellent choice.
This animal mainly feeds on crabs and other aquatic animals in the wild, so you will need to provide some fish for them to eat.
Scientific nameCrossarchus obscurusType of animalMammalRangeGuinea, Sierra Leone, LiberiaDietOmnivore
The cusimanse is a small mammal that can be found in West Africa.
It belongs to the same family as mongooses and meerkats, which means it’s not too far from being related to your beloved cat or dog.
They are highly social animals who enjoy playing with their owners, but they also have quite an independent streak.
Scientific NameOctodon degusType of AnimalRodentRangeCentral ChileDietHerbivore
These little ones are related to chinchillas and look a lot like gerbils.
They are very curious animals who love to explore new things.
Degus can live in groups, but they will need lots of toys to keep them occupied throughout the day.
They also like to burrow and need a deep layer of bedding in their cage.
Scientific nameMadoquaType of animalMammalRangeEastern AfricaDietHerbivore
Dik-diks are small antelopes that can be found in the savannahs and forests of East Africa.
Dik-diks are just 70 centimeters tall, but they also weigh as little as 13 pounds.
They live alone or in pairs, where there is a dominant male that protects his group from predators.
Related article: Does the name Dik-dik sound funny?
Scientific namePhilanderType of animalMammalRangeCentral and South AmericaDietOmnivore
This is an animal that you can have as a pet.
They make excellent pets for people who like exotic animals.
Scientific nameCricetomys gambianusType of animalRodentRangeSub-Saharan AfricaDietOmnivore
Another good pet choice would be the African bag rat.
It is not as popular as other animals, but it can make a great pet for those who are willing to take proper care of it.
They have their specific needs and requirements, so you should definitely check them out before buying one.
garden eel
garden eel
Scientific nameHeteroconger hassiType of animalFishRangeIndo-Pacific and NW AustraliaDietCarnivore
There are around 800 species of eels and this is one of them.
They can be found in the shallow waters around Florida, where they eat small fish and invertebrates like crabs and clams that you might feed to your pet.
It should be kept to itself, as it does not play well with other exotic pets.
They live between 35 and 40 years and grow to an average of 60 cm in length.
Scientific NameLeopardus geoffroyi Type of AnimalMammalRangeArgentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and UruguayDietCarnivore
Geoffroy’s cat is one of the most common cats in South America.
If you want a fit and active pet, this could be your new best friend.
Scientific nameCarassius auratusType of animalFishWorldRangeDietOmnivore
Fish make a great first pet, as they can be kept in tanks and don’t require a lot of work.
Goldfish make good pets since you only need to feed them once or twice a day, but any other fish may need more food depending on their size.
However, fish are not cute like cats and dogs.
Scientific nameOtolemur crassicaudatusType of animalMammalRangeAngola, Tanzania, southern KenyaDietOmnivore
This animal is also known as the fat-tailed bushbaby, which originates from Africa.
It is nocturnal and lives in trees most of the time.
They eat insects like grasshoppers or crickets, but can chew on fruit if necessary!
If you are interested in owning one of these animals, be careful as they are known for their jumping ability.
Scientific NameCavia porcellusType of AnimalRodentWorldRangeDietHerbivore
Guinea pigs are one of the most popular pets.
They come in a variety of colors and enjoy being around humans, so they make great companions if you have kids.
They are very social animals and get along well with other pets, so if you plan to have more than one, they will make great company.
Scientific nameErinaceinaeType of animalMammalRangeEurope, Asia and Africa, and in New ZealandDietOmnivore
A popular choice for many people is a hedgehog.
They are friendly and easy to care for, with the only drawback being that they do not like to be handled too much.
Hedgehogs can live up to five years, which means you’ll have plenty of time with them.
However, some may find it difficult to get along with a pet that is not very affectionate.
Scientific NameHyracoideaType of AnimalMammalRangeAfrica and in Lebanon, IsraelDietHerbivore
Hyraxes, or dassies, are a family of small, rodent-like mammals.
They have rat tails and rounded ears on their short heads.
These animals have been domesticated as pets, but seem to be kept primarily for their appearance rather than companionship.
Additional Companion Animal Ideas
Additional Companion Animal Ideas
Living in South Africa, I have had the pleasure of seeing most of these animals up close and personal.
When I was younger, I always wanted to be a ranger, but unfortunately, life happens and now I can at least write about them and tell them about my experiences.