In contrast, many unique pets have specialized requirements in captivity which might be past the scope of many pet keepers to offer . The welfare of those unique pets is usually in danger by way of a combination of things, together with an absence of accurate data obtainable on their care, incorrect husbandry, and the unrealistic expectations of homeowners. This is usually compounded by a lack of specialist veterinary care and a decrease propensity for house owners to avail themselves of such care . In this commentary, we review the suitability of a variety of exotic species, from the viewpoint of animal welfare and owner satisfaction, and make suggestions on which taxa could make suitable companion animals.

These pets include parrots, reptiles, amphibians and rabbits, as well as small species of rodent such as degus and guinea pigs. Many of those unique pet species aren’t domesticated, and infrequently have special necessities in captivity, which many homeowners do not have the amenities or data to provide. Keeping animals in settings to which they’re poorly adapted is a menace to their welfare. Additionally, owner satisfaction with the animal may be poor because of a misalignment of expectations, which further impacts on welfare, as it may result in repeated rehoming or neglect. Although not strictly classed as unique pets, guinea pigs have particular husbandry necessities that differ from those of different rodent species and rabbits. When their physiological and behavioral needs are adequately met, guinea pigs can make rewarding pets which might be … Read More