Many animal lovers look for ways to turn their passion into a fulfilling, lifelong career. In addition to caring for these animals, some people have found ways to make money by renting out exotic pets.
What Are Exotic Pets?
Although the definition varies by culture and location, exotic pets are rare animals that are not typically kept as pets. This includes any animal that isn’t native to the region but has been domesticated. With this definition in mind, you will notice many exotic pets at your local pet store. Because of their popularity, some rodents, reptiles, and amphibians that were once considered exotic are now common household pets.
However, for legal purposes, local jurisdictions define what qualifies as an exotic pet. So if you live in the U.S., this means anything besides dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, and livestock would be “exotic.”
What Are the Costs of Owning Exotic Pets?
In addition to the time commitment, there is also a hefty financial responsibility to owning an exotic pet. Rare pets are expensive. And, the more unusual the animal is, the more you can expect to pay to get one. If you want to own an extremely rare animal, you may also have to pay to obtain the proper licensing as well.
Then, there are the costs to care for your pet. You have to invest in the proper equipment to create the right environmental conditions for the animal. In addition to creating their habitat, you also have to consider their diet, climate, and socialization needs as well. All of these necessary expenses for the enclosure, special food, heat lamps, or additional animals can quickly add up.
Finally, there is also the expense of medical care. Depending on how exotic your pet is, it may be difficult to find a veterinarian near you. It’s much easier to find specialists in large metro areas, but there is still a scarcity of vets who treat exotic pets. And, they usually charge more for their services.
How Can You Make Money by Renting Out Exotic Pets?
In spite of the financial cost, some people dream of maintaining a private zoo of exotic pets. For some pet lovers, simply owning them is enough. Others want to find ways to turn their passion into a career. However, before purchasing any animal, you should do your research and understand the physical and legal responsibilities you are taking on when caring for exotic pets.
Even with all the setup and startup costs, it is possible to provide proper care and earn a profit. The truth is that people love animals. And, many people are willing to pay to see them up close. It makes sense that one of the most common ways to make money is by renting your pets out for parties and corporate events. Other organizations and groups rent them for educational presentations. Some handlers even hire out their pets for advertising work, TV commercials, and movies. The potential ways you could make money by renting out exotic pets are limited only by the imagination.
What Are the Legalities of Owning Exotic Pets?
If you have decided to purchase an exotic pet, you should also know the legalities of owning the particular species or breed that you want. Wildlife smuggling is a huge threat to global animal populations. Therefore, the exotic pet trade is highly regulated. The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) closely monitors the trade of some exotic pets. They restrict the sale and trade of certain species based on their conservation status or the possibility of it becoming an invasive species. If authorities catch you with these animals, it could result in huge fines or jail time.
Since 2014, most states regulate or forbid ownership of exotic pets. Although, some states are less restrictive than others. At the federal level, the USDA requires an officially issued permit to keep or breed certain species. However, this largely depends on the type of animal and whether it was bred in captivity vs. captured from the wild. Either way, ignorance of the laws won’t protect you from violations or penalties.
Owning and caring for any animal is a serious responsibility. And it drastically increases if you own exotic pets. However, if the legalities and financial investment don’t deter you, it is possible to earn a living from owning them. But, be sure their care is your top priority. While they may support your livelihood, animals should never pay the price of exploitation.
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Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.
