Adopting an Exotic Pet

Adoption is different than a purchase. You buy pets from pet stores, private breeders, and so forth. You adopt from animal shelters. Some sellers do use the word “adoption” loosely as they try to trick buyers into supporting them. Adoption involves a several step process and means the pets are owned by an animal shelter or rescue group.

Before discussing the adoption process for exotic pets it is important to determine what pets are called exotics. In most areas anything other than a cat, dog, or livestock, is considered to be an exotic pet. As such rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and so forth, are considered as exotic pets in most areas.

First you must determine whether or not you are ready to own an exotic pet. Some of the more common exotics may not have specialized needs, but others, such as reptiles and larger predators, are not simple pets for beginners and may require special permits. For more information on determining if you are ready to own an exotic pet, click here.

The next thing is to determine what kind of exotic you want, and find it. The problem with adopting many exotic animals is that they simply do not end up in animal shelters very often. Most are high in demand and easily placed through word of mouth. Some of the smaller caged animals, such as hamsters, rabbits, and guinea pigs do end up in shelters often enough that there are usually some up for adoption at any given time. Often their cages are included in their adoption fee but this is not always the case and usually happens only if an owner surrendered the pet with its cage.

Animal shelters are generally listed in telephone books, but if a person cannot find one in their area a quick call to a veterinary office should provide the right information on where shelters are in an area. Sometimes people look up animals for adoption on-line, but it should be noted here that most shelters do not have the time to keep their websites up to date with accurate information of pets available for adoption, it is always best to go and check the shelter for yourself, or to phone them.

Once at the shelter a person should look through the available animals for adoption. Be sure to ask permission before taking any pet out of its cage. Be sure to hold any pet to check for friendliness but understand that they may be stressed and nervous. If a shelter does not have an animal like you are looking for they will generally allow you to leave your name and phone number on a waiting list.

You will be required to fill out a questionnaire prior to being allowed to a adopt a pet from a shelter. The questionnaire will cover if you are prepared for ownership as well as ask if you own your home or rent. If you rent, landlord permission is usually required, so always bring your landlords contact information with you when you want to adopt a pet. They shelter will also check your age to make sure you are old enough to adopt a pet, in most areas this is 18 years. Otherwise it will be your parents who must complete the adoption papers.

There is fee for adoption, this covers the on going cost of running the shelter and is generally lower than the cost of buying an identical pet from a pet store. Most pets will come with some sort of limited health guarantee and adoption contract.

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**The Advantages of Adopting verses Buying**

Shelter pets need homes, you are truly saving a life when you adopt.

Generally adoption rates are lower than sale prices.

Adopted pets may come with their cage and supplies.

You are not supporting an industry that breeds pets purely for profit.

The goal of the shelter is to find the pet a good home, not make a sale, as such they are more honest about the care a pet requires.

Often pets in the shelters are friendlier than ones in pet stores.

Additional Links worth Reading

6 Myths about Animal Shelters

5 Biggest Scams in the Pet Industry