Welcome again to Pet Friday! Today we are going to look at what many would call exotic pets that are low maintenance for your consideration if dogs and cats will not do. The below article is from www.theactivetimes.com. I hope you enjoy this few minute read:

"Cats and dogs can be expensive to take care of, come with house restrictions, require a lot of commitment, and have a destructive personality. If that’s not enough, a lot of people are allergic to them. These should not be reasons why you can’t bring a cute little critter home. And it doesn’t have to be fish either.

Chinchilla

Chinchillas have not been kept as pets for many years. They are clean, quiet, odorless and cute rodents that are actually shy and more appropriate as pets for adults and older children, according to the Royal Society of Prevention and Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). They act a little bit like squirrels you see in the park. Chinchillas are very friendly unless you squeeze them too hard.

Sugar Glider

Sugar gliders are not rodents; they are small marsupials in the same general family as a Kangaroo or Koala Bear, according to Sugar Glider Info. They have been domestically bred as household pets in the U.S. for 15 years. They love fruits and vegetables and they have a gliding membrane that stretches from their wrist to their ankles, hence their name. Sugar gliders are odorless, clean, and don’t need bathing.

Emperor Scorpion

Keeping scorpions as pets is becoming increasingly more popular; they are not very expensive – around $20. Its venom is mild and the scorpion as a whole is not very aggressive, according to Scorpio Guide. All they need is a 10-gallon tank or terrarium with a heat pad on one side, a shallow water bowl and a hide area such as a half log or cork bark.

Pygmy Goat

They are bread specifically for pet owners. Pygmy goats love to explore everything they don’t know, play, socialize, and need a lot of attention. They can easily adapt to any environment. Make sure you have a yard before you go ahead and buy these cute animals. They can be about 50 pounds.

Capybara

Domesticating capybaras is not legal in every state. They live in groups; if you adopt one, you should adopt several so they can be happy. Capybaras also grow to be quite big – twice the size of a jackrabbit, according to Capybara Facts. They are the biggest rodents. They need a lot of space to thrive, so keeping them inside is not recommended.

Mexican Fireleg Tarantula

It prefers dry scrubland, and is found in burrows, either self-made or abandoned rodent or lizard burrows, usually under rocks or fallen logs. They are fairly docile species. Simple terrestrial cage with plenty of ventilation for housing will do just fine, according to Tarantulas.com. They like to eat crickets, superworms, grasshoppers, and small roaches.

Hedgehog

Hedgehogs want to play with you and can be trained through positive reinforcement. They are very quiet; the most you may hear is them running around its cage rearranging furniture. They don’t have dander, which makes them perfect if you are allergic to cats or dogs. Taking care of them is not a chore – you’ll just need to take them to a vet once a year. Not all states allow them; NYC’s health code health code prohibits pet hedgehogs.

Bearded Dragon

These small lizards have laid-back personalities and make great family pets, according to PetSmart, and are fun and easy to care for. That’s why they are growing in popularity as pets. They can react to chemicals or dirt that may be on people’s skin, so wash your hands before playing with them. They love affection and like to be handled.

Skunk

These cute little animals won’t stink because their stink glands are removed when they are young. Skunks are very curious and need attention and affection. They love for you to rub, fondle and play with them. Skunks are naturally clean creatures and “corner trained” instinctively. It’s not legal in all states to own a skunk, and even if it is, you’re likely going to need a permit.

Miniature Donkeys

Miniature donkeys, which originate from Africa and were once used as working animals, look like regular donkeys but are very tiny. They usually grow to about 35 inches tall. You will love their personality – incredibly affectionate and they love to cuddle. They also get along just fine with other pets in the house, and kids. They can be friends for life since these donkeys live for about 25 years.

Wallaby

These are cute, tame and easy to handle kangaroo-like creatures. Wallabies are also very sociable. They don’t require much, except a spacious enough secure area where they can run and play, even hide. They also love to be outside during the warmer months. They love to eat grass, green fruits and vegetables.

Bengal Cats

It all depends on where you live: New York City bans all Bengals; Alaska bans Bengals unless they are four generations removed from the wild ancestor; Indiana requires a permit. Regulations on owning hybrid cats have become stricter in recent years in several states. Bengal cats only need food, water, a litter box, small amount of grooming, some toys, and a place to climb.

Squirrel Monkey

They live 15-20 years. You need to bring them to an exotic animal vet. You can buy them from a breeding facility in the U.S. They are natural to Brazil, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Papua New Guinea, and Peru, according to Pet Monkey Info. They are very social animals and need your attention, and they will stay on your shoulder if you bring them to a strange place. If you train them well at the beginning, they will get along with other pets in the house.

Prairie Dogs

A quick search on YouTube will result in lots of videos showing prairie dogs being domesticated and playing with other pets in the house. They are fun to have around because they are very intelligent, social, and committed. They tend to be territorial, which means they will do their best to protect you from strangers. Check with your state to be sure they are allowed to be kept as pets where you live.

Alligator

You need a permit but you can own an alligator. They are usually granted to experienced reptile handlers that have existing facilities to keep the exotic creatures in. As you can imagine, having one at home can be risky. You must secure a proper enclosure. The sooner you start handling it the better. It’s important not to deprive it of its comfortable heat and warmth for too long.
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Well there you go. There are many on that list I would never consider and I am sure many are like me. However, for each their own, so now you have some options if a normal dog or cat will not do.

Reference: https://www.theactivetimes.com/healthy-living/exotic-low-maintenance-cool-pets-are-legal-own