Can you give an animal the kind of life it needs?

The world of pets goes far beyond loyal dogs and loving cats. Hundreds of species of mammal, reptile, amphibian, bird and fish have been turned into household companions, and some species have fared far better in our homes than others. To determine if an animal will make a good pet, we must consider both our own needs as well as those of the animal.

Katya Bozzi is Executive Director of the Star Eco Station, an Environmental Science Education and Wildlife Rescue Center in the Los Angeles area. Here she offers ideas to help you determine if a specific exotic pet is right for you:

• Not all animals are pets.
  Bozzi believes that it's important for kids to learn about all the creatures in the world, but there are a lot of fascinating animals that just don't make good pets.
  
• Consider adult size.
  Iguanas are very popular pets worldwide, and they can be great to have in the house when they're small. But these reptiles grow very large, and can be up to 5 or 6 feet long when they are adults, making them difficult to care for.
  
• Consider lifespan.
  Some pets live so long that adopting them into the family is a serious commitment. Parrots and cockatoos live between fifty and ninety years, and Tortoises can live 150 years. Who will inherit this pet when it outlives you?
  
• Consider dietary needs.
  Humans can choose to be vegetarians, but for many animals, this is not an option. Depending on the exotic pet you choose, you could be in for some disturbing feeding times. Are you ready, psychologically and ethically, to feed a small rabbit to a large reptile?
  
• Some good choices.
  Bozzi recommends leopard geckos as good exotic pets, as they are very sweet, and also gives high marks to bearded dragons. She also finds that lovebirds make good pets, because they're so loving to each other.
  
• Consider the pet's needs.
  Every creature is magical, and many can bring joy and wonder into our homes as pets. But the most important question, says Bozzi, is whether or not we have the ability to give a pet the kind of life that it needs.

For more information about exotic pets, check out the following organizations or websites:

Star Eco Station
www.ecostation.org

National Alternative Pet Association
www.altpet.net

Exotic Pet Vet.net
www.exoticpetvet.net

Google Directory: Exotic Pets
directory.google.com/Top/Recreation/Pets/Exotic

Exotic Pets.com
www.exoticpets.com

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