Although cats and dogs are the most popular pets in the United States, these aren’t the only pets you can have. If you are looking for a pet other than a dog and cat, you may be interested to know what types of animals you can legally own in your home.
From creepy crawlies to amazing amphibians, bewitching birds, to marvelous marsupials, keep reading to discover six surprising animals you can own as a pet in the U.S.
Turtles
Intelligent, low maintenance, and completely fascinating to watch, not many people know that turtles can make great family pets. Available in a wide range of different sizes and breeds, the most common being the Red-Eared Slider, you can find the perfect turtle to suit your lifestyle and budget.
Plus, they have a very long lifespan, living anywhere from 10-80 years, so you can enjoy their company for many years.
Hyacinth Macaw
If your child can’t get enough of the movie Rio, you will be happy to hear they could own their own blue macaw. The Hyacinth Macaw is smart, loves to play, and can make a great family pet with training from a young age.
The only downside is that as an endangered species, this bird can cost tens of thousands of dollars, so you may want to consider a more cost-effective pet bird such as a:
- Cockatoo
- Parrot
- Domestic canary
- Lovebird
Don’t forget that if you get a bird as a pet, you must sign up with an avian veterinarian to ensure that they are properly cared for.
Dwarf Pigs
Super cute and fun to play with, dwarf pigs are more familiarly known as teacup pigs and are the ideal pet for anyone who suffers from allergies as they are hypoallergenic. It is worth noting that this breed of pig is incredibly sociable, so they may not be the best option if you are away from home for long periods. However, you could get around this by investing in two dwarf pigs to have each other for company.
Capybara
Weighing up to 140 pounds, this pet is not suited to everyone. One of the biggest rodents in the world, capybaras, loves water, so you must ensure you have sufficient space to replicate their natural environment.
They are also very sociable animals, so it is advised to get more than one if you want to keep this pet happy. Plus, some states require you to apply for a license before you can own one.
Burmese Python
For those who want a more extreme pet, the Burmese Python makes a great choice. Not one for the faint-hearted; this type of snake is easy to take care of and is a wonder to watch. Furthermore, if you are worried about your safety, you should know that the Burmese Python is one of the most docile snakes in the reptile kingdom.
However, be warned that they can grow quite big and weigh over 200 pounds!
Tarantula
If you would like a smaller exotic pet and you don’t suffer from arachnophobia, you want to think about getting yourself a tarantula. A definite conversation starter, the average tarantula lasts 10 to 25 years if looked after properly.
Needing a warm environment not exposed to strong light, you need to know exactly how to care for this creepy crawly if you want it to be happy and healthy. Plus, don’t let it roam around the house unless you want to risk its venomous bite.
It is worth noting that just because the above animals can legally be kept as pets in the United States, this does not necessarily mean that this is the best option for animal welfare.