Unusual Pets
By Natalie Chavez
As we know, many people in the world have pets. Maybe it's a pet you see a lot or one you never see. So let's talk about the animals we never see, or that are very unusual to have.
Hedgehog
Hedgehogs make amazing unusual pets. They are small and not too hard to care for. This animal is quiet, active, and doesn't need as much attention as other animals. To have an amazing relationship with your hedgehog, make sure you handle it at the right times. Hedgehogs do tend to sleep during the day and start to wake up as soon as the sun sets. Caring for a hedgehog is low maintenance and pretty easy. Cost can range from $75-$250. Unfortunately, some states won’t allow unusual pets, like a hedgehog. It is illegal to own a hedgehog in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Arizona, and California.
Pygmy Goat
Pygmy Goats are really amazing pets to have. These animals can be really easy to care for if you have the room, entertainment, toys, and an enclosure where they can climb and play. Another great thing about Pygmy Goats is that they are a great size! Like most pets, goats have their own specific personalities. They can be really fun, playful, and active. The way they act depends on how you treat them. Most of the time, goats are warmhearted but can be stubborn and like to be self-reliant sometimes. As long as you have the right things for your goat, caring for it should not be hard. Pygmy goats can range anywhere from $40-$70, and they are legal in ALL states.
Chanterelle Fennec
Chanterelle Fennec, also known as a desert fox, is almost a dog mixed with a cat. Training them how to use a litter box and keep clean can be quite easy. These animals require certain care and attention, as many unusual pets do. Like dogs, Chanterelle Fennecs are very social, active, and a bit loud. As mentioned earlier, their maintenance seems to be intermediate and the cost can range from $1,500-2,000. It is illegal to own this pet in Washington, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nevada. Some states that CAN have these pets may require a health certificate, or permit.
Mini Donkey
Before you think too much about the name, a Mini Donkey it is ANYTHING but mini. They can weigh up to 350 pounds and their height goes up to 3 feet tall. Mini Donkeys are gentle, loving, and also friendly to their owners. Usually animals like Mini Donkeys need to be in pairs; company is always nice to have and they are more compatible in pairs. Mini Donkeys are easy to train and are very playful. Maintaining a Mini Donkey can be difficult. The cost is anywhere from $200-$500. They are legal almost anywhere, but if you live in the city you would need to see if it is legal.
Wallaroo
Wallaroos look very alike to kangaroos but smaller. They are native to Australia and they’re rarely seen as pets in other countries. Wallaroos bond with their owners better if they were raised with them since birth. With an animal like this it can take some time to warm up to their owners. As they become more comfortable and get out there more they are fun, loving, and playful. They do need a lot of attention and lots of time to play. They can be mischievous if they aren’t well taken care of, Wallaroos can end up damaging things that might be valuable. Maintenance is high, so make sure you can take care of these pets and pay a lot of attention to them. There are no certain states that say Wallaroos as pets are banned, but make sure to see the laws that fall under your state. Hawaii, Georgia, California, Washington, and Oregon have strict laws when it comes to having exotic pets. Price range for Wallaroos range from $1,000-$4,000.