These Are the 17 Most Exotic Pets Money Can Buy

Have you ever wanted to be that person who owns a pet that literally turns heads when people see it? Or it helps to start interesting conversations because people can’t believe that you own one of those? Well, then this is the blog for you.

Exotic pets are anything but ordinary, but undoubtedly, they also come with unique responsibilities. From quirky reptiles to wild-eyed mammals, here are 17 of the most exotic pets you can actually own.

These tiny marsupials are known for their ability to glide. They open their “wings” up and just glide through the air. Surely causing your guests to “ooo and ahh” in enjoyment. These little guys also love to snuggle up in your hands or in your shirt pockets. Just as they are exotic, they have an equal amount of affection to give to you. These little pets are heart-stealers for sure!

There is much more to these little guys than meets the eye. Axolotls look like they’re always smiling, and that’s because they sort of just are! These creatures live underwater and have the amazing, exotic ability to regenerate limbs. These little salamanders are low-maintenance and just oddly kind of cute. And if you’re an exotic pet lover, we hope you’ll seriously consider this one.

Fennec foxes are unforgettable with their big ears that quite literally steal the show. Any guest or passerby seeing your exotic pet will be sure to stop and fawn over how cute they are. These animals are desert dwellers out in the wild. And they are surprisingly very playful and vocal pets to have. Check your local laws first before getting one and bringing it home, as there are some states where they aren’t legal in.

Yes, you read that correctly. Capybaras are in fact, rodents, and they are the biggest ones. We might imagine that a rodent so big might be aggressive. However, they are without a doubt the absolute chillest. They love to do simple things like swimming and sunbathing. Seriously, if you haven’t seen a capybara sunbathe, please go look it up. A big benefit to this exotic pet is that they also get along with other animals you might have as well.

These mammals are the most adorable exotic pets you may not know exist. These animals are also famously known as “honey bears.” Kinkajous are nocturnal, so if you’re a night person, then you will really enjoy this pet. They are also very curious and cuddly creatures. They love to eat fresh fruit and stick their long tongues in honey jars, hence their cute nickname.

These hybrid cats are a cross between a domestic cat and an African serval. Which, you guessed it means they’re part house pet, part wild animal. These cats are very energetic and loyal. And bonus points if you own a pool, because these exotic pets just love the water. Just keep in mind these cats aren’t going to be curled up on your lap. But, they just may hop up on the top of your fridge!

Macaws are gorgeous birds that are also smart and social. However, we want to warn you that they are also very loud and need a lot of attention. Think of it kind of like having a full-time toddler who can fly around. These birds truly are stunning companions. Just make sure you’re ready for a decades-long commitment.

When you look at a wallaby, just think of a kangaroo, but they are just much smaller and a whole lot cuter. Wallabies are herbivores that can be surprisingly affectionate and love bouncing around, making for the best type of entertainment. They’re legal to own in some areas and need a secure outdoor space to roam freely. These little animals do best with bigger spaces, so if you’re in an apartment, this probably isn’t the exotic pet for you.

Now, hear us out, we get it, tarantulas are kind of scary to a lot of people. However, they are as you can imagine, very low-maintenance and quiet. So, this strangely fascinating creature just might be that exotic pet you didn’t even know that you needed. What’s a huge bonus with these animals is that they don’t need much attention or affection, just the right habitat and some tasty insects. 

Servals are sleek, spotted cats with long legs and exotic instincts that are sure to keep you intrigued. They can jump over 10 feet in the air! Bet you didn’t think this could be all the entertainment your guests would need when they come to visit you. These cats do best with lots of space to roam. So,  make sure your backyard is fenced in, with plenty of space to run about.

Hedgehogs might look like walking pincushions, but they’re full of charm. They’re shy at first but they warm up quickly to their owners. These tiny, quirky pets are easy to care for and don’t need much space, making them a good fit for cozy homes and quiet people who want to show off their exotic pets.

Coatis are super curious and always getting into something. Their long snouts definitely stand out, and that’s the first thing that you will notice. They have a very playful demeanor. They need enrichment, time, and space to roam around. These animals are not for casual pet owners, but they’re unforgettable if you can handle the chaos they bring.

Marmosets are pocket-sized primates that bond closely with their humans. Their funny-looking hair sticking out of the side of their head is sure to make you and your friends want to take lots of pictures. These animals are playful and very needy. So, if you like clingy pets, this is the one for you. These monkeys need constant care and companionship. So, think of them as your forever toddlers.

Genets are sleek, cat-like creatures with spotted coats and long tails. They're quick and prefer watching from a distance rather than cuddling. They’re quiet and solitary but fascinating to observe. Their eyes are sure to draw you in and are ideal if you love exotic pets that do their own thing.

Many snakes are unique creatures; however, the green tree pythons take exotic to a whole new level. These bright green beauties are calm, tree-dwelling snakes with incredible color and a very quiet nature. They aren’t overly active, but they are extremely fascinating to watch. With the right setup, they’re a solid choice for reptile lovers who want something a little more striking.

Bengal cats bring the look of a jungle cat into a family-friendly package. After all, we don’t want feral in our households. They’ve got energy to spare and love to play. But, they also know how to curl up for a nap, unlike servals. Their beautiful coats and bold personalities will make them the talk of the town.

With big eyes and tiny hands, slow lorises seem like the perfect exotic pets. But, we wouldn’t be doing our job here if we didn’t tell you to be careful if you do decide to own one. It could be dangerous as they do have venomous bites. They're illegal in many places for a reason, so research heavily before falling for the cuteness.