1. Servals
Servals are wild African cats that are surprisingly legal in several states, including Nevada and North Carolina, according to Carol Bryant from Petful. These spotted felines can grow up to 40 pounds and are known for their long legs and high jumps. They require a large outdoor enclosure and plenty of stimulation to prevent boredom. Unlike domestic cats, servals aren’t fully tame and can be unpredictable.
While some serval owners claim they can be affectionate, they’re still wild animals at heart. They’re known to be escape artists, which can be a problem if you live near neighbors. Their diet is also more complicated than a regular cat’s, as they need whole prey like mice and birds. If you’re thinking of getting one, make sure you’re ready for a truly wild experience.
2. Capybaras
Capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, are legal to own in places like Texas and Pennsylvania, Adrienne Kruzer explains in The Spruce Pet. These giant guinea pig relatives can grow over four feet long and weigh more than 100 pounds. They’re highly social animals that do best with a buddy, so if you’re thinking about getting one, plan for two. They also need a large outdoor space with a pool, since they love to swim.
Despite their chill personalities, capybaras require a lot of care. They have specific dietary needs, including lots of fresh grass and hay. Their intelligence means they can be trained, but also that they can be escape artists if their enclosure isn’t secure. If you’re ready to put in the effort, they might be the weird but wonderful pet for you.
3. Fennec Foxes
With their oversized ears and tiny frames, fennec foxes look like something out of a cartoon. These small desert foxes are legal in some states, though they require special permits, according to Lianne McCleod from The Spruce Pets. Weighing only about three pounds, they’re one of the smallest fox species in the world. Their high energy levels mean they need plenty of space to run and play.
While they can form bonds with their owners, fennec foxes aren’t exactly cuddly pets. They have a tendency to dig, and their vocalizations can be surprisingly loud for such a tiny animal. Since they’re nocturnal, they might be wide awake and playing while you’re trying to sleep. If you can handle their quirks, they make for an adorable—but challenging—companion.
4. Axolotls
Axolotls might look like aliens, but they’re actually a type of salamander that never fully grows up. These fascinating amphibians are legal to own in many states, though California, New Jersey, and a few others have banned them, Adam Mickle warns in Axolotl Central. They come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, and even golden. Since they live underwater their entire lives, they require a properly maintained aquarium.
One of the coolest things about axolotls is their ability to regenerate limbs. If one loses a leg, it can grow back, making them a favorite among scientists studying regeneration. Despite their delicate appearance, they’re actually pretty hardy as long as their water conditions are kept stable. Just don’t try to handle them too much—their skin is very sensitive!
5. Kinkajous
Kinkajous may look like monkeys, but they’re actually relatives of raccoons. Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, they’re legal in many states, with the proper permits of course, Amanda Plasencia and Brandon Lopez report on NBC Miami. They have prehensile tails, which means they can use them like an extra hand to grasp things. Though they’re small, they can live up to 40 years, so owning one is a serious commitment.
These nocturnal creatures are playful and curious but can be aggressive if not socialized properly. They love fruit, particularly bananas and mangoes, and have a long tongue to slurp up nectar. While they can bond with their owners, they don’t always appreciate being handled. If you’re looking for a unique pet with a wild side, a kinkajou might be for you.
6. Sugar Gliders
Sugar gliders are tiny marsupials that can glide through the air like flying squirrels. They’re legal in most states but banned in places like California and Hawaii due to concerns about their impact on local ecosystems. These adorable creatures bond closely with their owners and often ride around in pouches or pockets. However, they require a lot of social interaction to stay happy.
Despite their small size, sugar gliders have big personalities and can be quite vocal. They need a specialized diet, including fruits, insects, and a special nectar-like food. Since they’re nocturnal, they tend to be most active at night, which can be a challenge for light sleepers. If you’re willing to give them the time and care they need, they can be incredibly affectionate pets.
7. Wallabies
Wallabies may look like miniature kangaroos, and in some states, you can legally own one. These hopping marsupials are legal in places like Texas and Oregon, though they need plenty of space to roam. They can grow up to three feet tall and require an outdoor enclosure with secure fencing. Because they’re social animals, they do best when they have a fellow wallaby friend.
Owning a wallaby comes with some major challenges. They’re skittish and don’t always warm up to human interaction easily. They also have very specific dietary needs, requiring a mix of grass, vegetables, and special pellets. If you’re up for the challenge, they can make for a fascinating and unusual pet.
8. Skunks
Believe it or not, domesticated skunks are legal to own in several states, including Florida and Michigan. When kept as pets, their scent glands are usually removed, so you don’t have to worry about getting sprayed. Skunks can be surprisingly affectionate and bond closely with their owners, much like cats or dogs. They’re also highly intelligent and can even be trained to use a litter box.
However, skunks have very specific dietary needs, requiring a mix of fruits, vegetables, and protein. They can also be mischievous, using their strong claws to dig into anything that piques their curiosity. Since they aren’t fully domesticated, their behavior can be unpredictable at times. If you’re up for the challenge, a pet skunk might just be the quirky companion you never knew you needed.
9. Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs have become increasingly popular as pets, and they’re legal in most states—except for places like California, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. These tiny, spiky creatures are nocturnal and love to explore their surroundings. They require a spacious cage, a running wheel for exercise, and a diet rich in insects and protein. Despite their prickly exterior, they can be surprisingly cuddly once they trust you.
One challenge of owning a hedgehog is that they tend to be shy and may take time to warm up to human interaction. They also need a warm environment, as they can go into hibernation if they get too cold. Since they’re nocturnal, they might be rustling around in their cage while you’re trying to sleep. If you don’t mind their late-night activities, they can be an adorable and low-maintenance pet.
10. Tarantulas
If you’re not afraid of spiders, a tarantula might be the perfect pet for you. These giant, hairy arachnids are legal in most states and are relatively easy to care for. They require a small enclosure with proper humidity and a diet of live insects like crickets and mealworms. Some species are docile enough to be handled, but others are more defensive and prefer to be left alone.
One of the biggest perks of owning a tarantula is that they don’t need much space or attention. However, their long lifespan—some species live over 20 years—means you’re making a serious commitment. They also have fragile bodies, so a fall from even a short height can be fatal. If you can handle the creep factor, they make for a fascinating and low-maintenance pet.
11. Alligators
Yes, in certain states like Florida and South Carolina, you can legally own an alligator with the right permits. While it might seem like a cool idea to have a mini dinosaur in your backyard, alligators are far from ideal pets. They can grow over 10 feet long and weigh hundreds of pounds, requiring a massive outdoor enclosure. Even trained professionals find them difficult to handle, and they’re definitely not cuddly companions.
Alligators are apex predators, meaning they have strong instincts that can make them unpredictable. They require a specialized diet of raw meat and whole prey, which isn’t cheap. As they grow, they become harder to manage and can be dangerous to both their owners and the community. If you’re not an experienced reptile handler, it’s probably best to admire them from a distance.
12. Snapping Turtles
Snapping turtles are legal to own in many states, but they aren’t exactly beginner-friendly pets. These prehistoric-looking reptiles have powerful jaws that can deliver a serious bite. They require a large tank or pond with clean, filtered water and plenty of space to move around. Despite their tough appearance, they can be quite sensitive to changes in water quality and temperature.
Snapping turtles can live for decades, meaning they’re a long-term commitment. They also grow quite large, with some reaching over 35 pounds. Handling them is risky, as their bite is strong enough to break bones. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance turtle, you might want to stick with something a little less bitey.
13. Prairie Dogs
Prairie dogs may look cute and cuddly, but they’re not your average household pet. In states like Texas and Kansas, it’s legal to own one, though some areas have restrictions due to disease concerns. These social rodents live in large colonies in the wild, so keeping just one can lead to loneliness and depression. They require a lot of attention and prefer to be in groups, meaning you’ll likely need more than one.
One of the biggest challenges of owning a prairie dog is their digging instinct. Without an appropriate enclosure, they might try to burrow into your furniture or even your walls. They can also be aggressive if not properly socialized, especially during mating season. While they can be affectionate with their owners, they need a lot of care and space to thrive.
14. Burmese Pythons
Burmese pythons are among the largest snakes in the world, and in some states, they’re still legal to own with permits. These massive reptiles can grow over 15 feet long and weigh more than 100 pounds. They require a large, secure enclosure with heating elements to maintain proper temperatures. Since they’re strong constrictors, handling them requires experience and caution.
One major downside to owning a Burmese python is their appetite. They eat whole prey, including rabbits and even small pigs, which can be expensive and difficult to manage. Many pet owners underestimate their growth rate, leading to cases where they’re abandoned or released into the wild. If you’re not ready for a pet that could outgrow your couch, this might not be the best choice.
15. Slow Lorises
Slow lorises are undeniably adorable, but owning one comes with some serious ethical and legal concerns. In some parts of the U.S., they can still be found in the exotic pet trade, though many states have banned them. These tiny primates have a venomous bite, which is rare among mammals, making them risky pets. They also have specialized dietary needs that are difficult to replicate in captivity.
Beyond their care requirements, the exotic pet trade has led to a decline in wild slow loris populations. Many are captured illegally and sold as pets, often undergoing painful procedures like having their teeth removed. Because of their nocturnal nature, they can also be difficult to interact with during normal hours. If you love slow lorises, the best way to support them is by advocating for conservation rather than keeping one as a pet.
