More unusual animals kept as pets - for example snakes, terrapins, frogs and degus - are known as non-domestics or exotics. These are animals that haven’t been domesticated, unlike traditional pets like cats, rabbits and hamsters. For this reason, we think of them as wild animals that are kept in captivity.

1. Exotic
Pets

2. More unusual animals kept
as pets - for example
snakes, terrapins, frogs and
degus - are known as non-
domestics or exotics. These
are animals that haven’t
been domesticated, unlike
traditional pets like
cats, rabbits and hamsters.
For this reason, we think of
them as wild animals that
are kept in captivity.

3. We have certain concerns about how difficult it is to meet
the needs of these animals. Their needs are just the same
as they would be in the wild and are often fundamentally
linked to a specialist environment, diet or a particular
behaviour. This means it can be very challenging to look
after them properly, which you need to do under the
Animal Welfare Act.

4. Due to the growing
popularity of exotic pet
species being kept, we
dedicated Pledge 5 of the
RSPCA Pledges to exotic
pets:
"We pledge to reduce the
number of exotic animals
kept as pets and increase
their humane care."

5. Non-domestics can be challenging pets
Before taking on a non-domestic animal, it’s really important to find
out as much as you can about what they need - and whether they are
a realistic pet for you and your lifestyle. Looking after them correctly
can be very expensive and time consuming.

6. Some things to think about
How long does it live?
How big does it get?
What and how much food does it eat?
How much space does it need? Remember that this may increase as the animal grows!
Does it need to be kept alone or with others of its kind?

7. Some things to think about
What does it need in its enclosure? For example, branches for climbing or perching, water or
dust for bathing, or rough rocks to help reptiles lose their skin when moulting.
Is it active at night or during the day?
Is there a vet nearby who knows about this type of animal?
Do you need a licence to keep it?
Are there any legal restrictions on selling this kind of animal?

8. You can research by reading books
and leaflets, and looking on the
Internet for a reputable specialist
organisation. We also strongly
advise that you visit and talk to a
breeder so that you can see the
animals and satisfy yourself that
they are kept properly. Not only
will this give you a specialist point
of contact but it could also be a
source of 'home-bred' animals
rather than specimens taken from
the wild, which would be
subjected to all the welfare
concerns of capture from the wild
and transport.

9. On the right you’ll find
care sheets for some of the
more commonly kept
exotic pets. As a starting
point, we examined the
animal’s natural life in the
wild and looked carefully
at how this might be
supplied in captivity. We’ve
also taken into account
good practice from
specialist private
keepers, zoos and vets.

10. These only give basic
information though so you
still need to do some
further research!
Want to know more about
non-domestic pets?
You might be interested in
reading the following
reports, which highlight
some of our concerns:
Exotic pet trade
Reptiles in captivity
Illegal trade in tortoises

11. For more information visit the RSPCA
Thank You