Aesthetics, curiosity or just a desire to be original tend to be the three main reasons for taking the plunge and acquiring an exotic animal instead of the more traditional pets: a cat or a dog. However, the new owner of any pet, and especially an exotic one, should have it clear from the outset that the decision should be well thought out and not just the result of a spur of the moment decision. To own an exotic pet involves taking on an even greater responsibility than having a cat or a dog. The pet�s vital balance should be guaranteed by impeccable living conditions, a constant attention to hygiene and the owner�s perfect knowledge of the animal. Before acquiring an exotic pet it�s essential to know the animal�s physiological characteristics and its way of life in order to reproduce its natural habitat as faithfully as possible. Once it�s at home it will need proper feeding and watching every day, and its environment will need to be checked regularly. If the would-be owner is not one hundred percent committed to bearing all these obligations in mind he or she should think very carefully before making their purchase.

Below are a few pointers to take into account before buying any of the more popular exotic pets:

a) Rodents. You should remember that they have short life spans and their upkeep and feeding can be complicated. Some rodents, like the hamster and the chinchilla, sleep during the day and are active at night.

b) Birds. One of the most important chores is to clean out their habitat regularly. It�s essential to find out before about the chosen species� habits (natural habitat, food etc.) to avoid serious or fatal diseases. If you want to have several species you have to know which can live together and which can breed in captivity.

c) Reptiles. These require a constant monitoring of their habitat: heat, humidity etc. Some can be dangerous so you have to take special precautions with the younger members of your household. Also some reptiles only eat live animals, so you�ll probably need to rear another species, such as rodents, as food, a responsibility which many owners are not happy to take on.

d) Fish. some buyers, attracted by their beauty, think that all fish need is to be put in a fully equipped aquarium. However it�s much more complicate than that: you have to test the water regularly to keep it within certain parameters (temperature, aeration etc.) and it�s no simple task.

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One aspect that should not be overlooked is the legislation regarding exotic animals. Some animals are protected by the Washington Convention, which means that they can only be sold if they have been bred in captivity and not caught in the wild. Which is why before you buy a bird, reptile or arachnid you should ask the seller for the documents certifying that the animal in question has not been illegally captured and does not belong to any endangered species. If the animal was born outside the country of purchase, you have to apply for a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna) certificate, the import licence which is granted pending an application for health clearance in which the importer declares all their company�s details, their storage facilities etc. The list of imported animals (which must state clearly the scientific name of the animal, its common name, the country of origin and the quantity), must be sent to the address of the veterinarian services of the customs in the seller�s country. The application is then forwarded to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. This process is indicative of the importance of complying with current legislation. If this procedure is ignored by the buyer of an exotic pet, he or she will effectively be an accomplice to the disappearance of an endangered species, for mere personal satisfaction.