Most people that have pets, consider them part of their family. So whether or not your rental property allows pets can determine the number of tenants that will apply to rent there. Deciding whether or not to allow them is an important and personal decision. Today we are going to talk about pets you may not normally consider as a house pet but are legal to have in Texas.

What is considered an exotic pet?
For many a typical pet is a dog, cat or fish. These are common, however, some people love owning and caring for things more exotic. Generally an exotic pet is an animal which is relatively rare or unusual to keep. These animals are generally thought of as a wild species rather than as a pet.

So what are examples of some of these pets?

• Lemurs
  When you mention the Lemur, people immediately imagine the Ring-tailed Lemur which is the most common species of this animal, which was made famous by the film Madagascar. These animals actually do quite well in captivity. In zoos, they are reported to be one of the easiest mammals to handle, they socialize well, interact with humans, and are not feisty.

 

• Sloth
  Sloths are quite popular animals in Texas, as are their cousins the tamanduas. Sloths are known to be extremely sensitive to stress (meaning you should leave them alone) and they also require stringent attention to their environment.

 

• Capybara
  The capybara is a giant rodent- the biggest in the family that includes rats, guinea pigs, and grass cutters of Africa. They have webbed feet, further proving their adaptation for water. These dog-sized animals love to swim and need a deep and wide water source to satisfy this need. Capybaras love their owners, and well-socialized individuals can let their owners show them off, even walking on a leash like dogs.

 

• Asian Leopard Cat                                                                                                                                      Asian Leopard Cats are a wild species of cats that are found naturally in Southern and Southeast Asia. They are mostly recognized by their spots which make them look like small leopards. These cats, small but mighty, are challenging animals but are very loving to their owners

 

• Axolotl
  Related to the salamander, the axolotl is best known for its ability to regrow all of its body parts, including its jaw, spine, and even its brain. So, for those that love interesting and exotic fish, the axolotl is a great choice. 

 

• Hedgehogs
  Many people may not know that hedgehogs are actually exotic animals since many pets stores sell them as ordinary “pocket pets.” Hedgehogs have unique quills and roll up into a ball when threatened. Generally, hedgehogs enjoy socializing with owners.

 

• Finger monkeys
  Finger monkeys are usually thirteen to fourteen inches long. They have a protracted tail that is even longer than the body. Marmoset monkeys are an excellent species of primates. They can live for fifteen to twenty years. They are one of the few species of monkey that are allowed to live as domesticated pets in some states

 

• Iguana
  Iguanas are one of those exotic pets that require a significant amount of room to roam and climb. Adults live up to 20 years and easily reach nearly six feet in length. Thus, these reptiles need large enclosures with plenty of space to turn around and stretch out comfortably. For example, experts recommend that the enclosure is at a minimum of 6 feet high and two times as long as the animal. That said, many owners enjoy keeping this type of exotic pet.

 

Wondering if your rental property should allow more exotic pet options for tenants? Give us a call today and we can walk you through the pros and cons of a pet friendly rental property.

DESPITE INFORMATION SHARED IN THIS POST, ULTIMATELY IT IS UP TO THE HOME OWNER AND THE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY WHETHER OR NOT TO ACCEPT CERTAIN ANIMALS.

http://www.texascapital.org/exotic-pets-legal-to-own/