SNAKES AND
LIZARDS CREEP INTO U.S. HEARTS AND HOMES
Exotic pet ownership is on the rise
Many people have fond memories of growing up with a
favored pet, usually a dog or cat for most of us.
Increasingly though, many children are growing up with
“Hissy” the snake or “Iggy” the iguana.
According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers
Association’s website, www.appma.org, more than 11
million reptiles and 18 million small mammals have found
homes across the United Sates. These numbers, when added
to the 17 million pet birds, have topped 15% of American
pet owning households.
Although many people shudder at the thought of a scaly
creature in their homes, reptile owners state it is that
uniqueness and individuality that has attracted them to
their pets. Low maintenance, low food bills, and an
ability to house these pets in smaller apartments have
city dwellers becoming more interested in these
distinctive animals. Common reptile pets include large
constricting snakes such as Ball and Burmese Pythons,
iguana, chameleons, tortoises, and even such oddities as
scorpions, tarantulas, and millipedes.
Not to be outdone, exotic mammals have also entered the
contest to win the hearts of pet owners. Unusual
mammals, like the African Pygmy Hedgehog, are showing up
in pet stores across most of the U.S. Other hairy
oddities might include the Australian Sugar Glider, a
marsupial squirrel-like pet, and the American Prairie
Dog. Each pet has its own supporters, but all agree that
properly socialized, these animals make interesting,
even lovable, pets.
Before purchasing any of these pets, potential owners
should be aware of all of the peculiar needs of that
animal. Housing can become an issue as many of the
snakes and lizards out grow their initial aquariums.
Appropriate food sources are also a concern. Many of
these creatures, including the mammals, have a need for
live prey. Zoonotic disease transmission can also occur
since most reptiles have salmonella in their gut and
many small mammals can harbor unique pathogenic viruses.
Speak to your veterinarian before purchasing this kind
of pet. He or she may not be comfortable with the
husbandry or treatment of these pets. You may need to
search for a doctor who knows about your individual
animal’s species.
For more information about exotic pets and their pros
and cons, visit
www.MyVNN.com. |
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