When it comes to pets, the traditional cat or dog, or even a bird or fish, is not always ideal for every household.
For example, if you peeked in my backyard today, you’d find a spoiled dog who suffered through an extra bath because she rolled her fur in wild animal dung, and then transferred said dung to my leg. You’d also find an uninvited, yet stubborn, feral cat who leaves piles of fur on my lawn furniture, along with the occasional dead animal sacrifice. Although not technically a pet, I both named this cat and I sneak her food, much to the dismay of my highly allergic husband.
But back to my dog. The unscheduled, unpleasant grooming ritual was well timed with my assignment to research alternative pets. After today, a quiet pet without fur that didn’t want to cuddle my leg sounded pretty good.
Reptile Ready
Jesse Rothacker, president of Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary, started his PA pet rescue in 2004 to rehome mostly pet reptiles, also saving the occasional amphibian, scorpion and tarantula.
Unlike many dog and cat rescues, Rothacker has a physical facility for the hundreds of residents who creep, crawl and slither, hosting mostly pet snakes, lizards, turtles and (gulp) crocodiles. Most come from owner surrenders, from people who impulse-bought reptiles from pet stores without a long-term plan for sustained pet ownership. Others are either found in abandoned homes or cities, and some are confiscated by police or other authorities.
“We take in as many unwanted reptiles as we have room for,” Rothacker said. “We also help network homes for many reptiles that never come through our doors.”
Part of the mission for Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary includes educational outreach.
There used to be a stigma surrounding reptile pet owners as sort of counterculture, but now it’s mainstream, Rothacker said.
“It’s everyone from 10-year-old girls to suburban dads to your elderly neighbors,” he said. “Reptiles have become beloved pets by every segment of most communities.”
Could a pet reptile be right for your household? According to Rothacker, you should ask four questions before owning any potential pet reptile:
- How big will it get?
- How much space will it need?
- How expensive is its food and habitat/cage setup?
- How long will it live?
Keep in mind that many reptile species may outlive you, some with lifespans beyond 100 years, and many will outgrow their starter aquarium from the pet store.
Hop Home
Notice the constant repetition of the word “pet” in the above paragraphs. Not all animals are meant to be domesticated pets.
Emily Garrigan, founder and executive director of West Shore Wildlife Center, runs a wildlife rehabilitation center that admits sick, injured and orphaned wildlife, then releases them back into the wild.
“We generally do not recommend that the average person purchase or adopt exotic animals, outside of those truly domesticated, like domestic rabbits,” Garrigan said.
Although rabbits, by nature, lay in their own dung to mark their territory and feel safe in their homes, it seems easier to bathe a small bunny than a hyper Labrador retriever the size of a small horse.
Since 1992, Bunny People has rescued and rehomed over 1,000 rabbits, both catching strays and accepting surrendered rabbits from owners.
According to Bunny People’s adoption coordinator, Jessica Lauffer, rabbits are easier than dogs and cats in some ways. They are quiet, skittish creatures that can bond with their people. They can be trained to use a litter box. Although rabbits shed their fur and are not hypoallergenic, people are rarely allergic to them. They typically live 8 to 12 years but are not for everyone.
“Rabbits are not starter pets, and they’re not suitable pets for most young children,” she said. “They require adequate space, mental enrichment and good nutrition to be a happy, healthy pet.”
And if you want to adopt from Bunny People, your pet rabbit must live inside your house with enough room to exercise, not kept outside as livestock in a hutch.
Assess, Adopt
Whichever pets you add to your home, please consider that not only is pet ownership a family commitment, but any new additions need to mesh with your current pets. My kids once had a Labrador retriever who liked bunnies as a food source, so please take food chain pecking order considerations seriously and avoid any potential combinations for Sylvester and Tweety dynamics.
To prevent yourself from becoming an owner-surrenderer, you’ll need to research to formulate a long-term plan for pet ownership. Not only will you be responsible for supplying that pet with all the food, toys and habitat trimmings throughout its entire lifespan, but you’ll need an exotic pet veterinarian. Be sure to include in your will what will happen with the pet after you’re gone, especially if the pet has a longer life expectancy than yours.
OK, I’ve had time to decompress about my dog’s filthy hygiene. Although it was fun to consider owning an alternative pet, I know I’ve got my hands full with one dung-caked dog and Sneakers the feral cat.
If adding a new pet currently isn’t right for you, (or even if it is), the below rescues are always grateful for donations and volunteers.
For more information about Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary, visit www.forgottenfriend.org.
To find out more about West Shore Wildlife Center, visit www.westshorewildlife.org.
To learn more about The Bunny People, visit www.thebunnypeople.org.
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