By Kari Sutton
Cats and dogs are great, but they’re not the only critters taking up residence as companion animals. If you’re just not a cat person or a dog person, we’ve got your options covered.
SCALY, QUIET … DIVAS?
If you go for understated mutual trust over showy displays of affection, you may do well with a scaly pal. While your lizard will never greet you at the door with a tail wag and a face lick, reptile owners find satisfaction in the progressive building of trust. Be warned: Their reputation as creepy crawlies would never tip you off to the reality of how high maintenance these guys are — we’re talking heating, UVB lighting, and very particular dietary requirements. If you’re new to the world of reptiles and want to ease into it, Teri Moody of the Colorado Reptile Humane Society (CoRHS) suggests starting with bearded dragon or corn snake. Whether it’s a snake or lizard that strikes your fancy, CoRHS can walk you through the particulars of any given species, and will ensure that you’ve got a setup that will keep your new buddy safe, healthy, and happy.
BRILLIANT, CHATTY, AND LIKELY TO OUTLIVE YOU
Birds are another go-to when it comes to exotic animals. Julie Murad, founder of The Gabriel Foundation, describes some of the most rewarding and astonishing parts of living with parrots as, “developing a trust-based relationship with an animal that can fly, and that can actually use words in context.” We’re talking seriously intelligent, social animals. Alas, that comes with a downside. They tend to be destructive, and they tend to be loud, but if you’re willing to work with them, you’ll have a friend for life. The little guys can live to be 20 to 30 years old, and some of the larger species can live well into their 60s and 70s. Sound good? Check out The Gabriel Foundation. You can spend time at the shelter getting to know the birds, and find the one who really clicks with you.
PRACTICAL PERSONALITY
If you want a long-lived hiking buddy who will carry your gear, a llama might be the pet for you. Keep in mind, these guys like to live with other llamas, and need at least an acre for a pair. If you’ve got the space and inclination though, these guys have plenty of personality. Simone Rees of Berthoud describes her llamas as being “… like a well-mannered barn cat. They like you when you have food, and generally aren’t too worried about you when you don’t.” Just be sure to check out your local legislation regarding livestock to make sure you’re squared up there.
TIGERS, BOBCATS, AND OTHER BAD IDEAS
As it turns out, Colorado has some of the most stringent legislation in the country regarding the ownership of exotic animals — primates, large carnivores, and venomous snakes are all off limits. And that’s probably a good thing. As Becca Miceli of The Wild Animal Sanctuary (TWAS) notes, “They see a cute fuzzy kitten . . . and forget that it turns into a predator that will naturally hunt you.” Once those kittens grow up, they become unmanageable. If they’re lucky, they end up at a sanctuary like TWAS. We don’t advise trying to snuggle tigers, but you can always visit these rescued animals at their home in Keenesburg, Colorado.
Requiring particular care, there’s a reason exotic pets are, well, exotic. But if you’re willing to put in the work, they can be fantastic companions.
