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ExNOTic: Should We Be Keeping Exotic Pets?

By Rachel A Grant, V Tamara Montrose, Alison P Wills

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Category Journal Articles
Abstract

There has been a recent trend towards keeping non-traditional companion animals, also known as exotic pets. These pets include parrots, reptiles, amphibians and rabbits, as well as small species of rodent such as degus and guinea pigs. Many of these exotic pet species are not domesticated, and often have special requirements in captivity, which many owners do not have the facilities or knowledge to provide. Keeping animals in settings to which they are poorly adapted is a threat to their welfare. Additionally, owner satisfaction with the animal may be poor due to a misalignment of expectations, which further impacts on welfare, as it may lead to repeated rehoming or neglect. We investigate a range of commonly kept exotic species in terms of their suitability as companion animals from the point of view of animal welfare and owner satisfaction, and make recommendations on the suitability of various species as pets.

Submitter

Spencer CW Au

Publication Title Animals
Volume 7
Issue 6
Pages 11
Publisher MDPI AG
Location of Publication Basel, Switzerland
DOI 10.3390/ani7060047
URL http://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/7/6/47
Language English
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Tags
  1. Amphibians
  2. Animal health and hygiene
  3. Animal housing
  4. Animal nutrition
  5. Animal roles
  6. Animal welfare
  7. Birds
  8. Exotic animals
  9. Frogs
  10. Guinea pigs
  11. Mammals
  12. Pet ownership
  13. Pets and companion animals
  14. rabbits
  15. Reptiles
  16. Rodents