10 Wild Animals That You Can Legally Keep As Pets

Owning a pet is something that many people do, or want to do, within their lifetime. Pets are loving companions, can reduce stress, and can get people involved in physical activity or social situations. Most people choose pets like dogs, cats, hamsters, or fish, as these are easy pets to attain and do not require a whole lot of maintenance. There are quite a few different animals that most people don’t realize they could have as a pet if they wanted to, and are completely legal. However, just because something is legal, doesn’t mean that people should do it.

Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons are becoming increasingly popular pets, as they are legal in most countries, but people need to keep in mind that caring for these animals is actually quite a process.

Otters

Otters are legal pets in most states, as long as you have a body of water for them to exercise in nearby. Otters are undeniably adorable animals. However, they have a curious and destructive nature, so they will ruin a lot of things in your home if you choose to take one as a pet.

Chinchillas

Chinchillas are virtually harmless pets, and super easy to take care of. This is one unusual pet that doesn’t really have a downside and that is legal pretty much everywhere across North America.

Sloths

Because sloths are such lazy animals, they might seem like the perfect, low-maintenance pet. However, they are actually super difficult to care for because they have a very specific diet, sensitive stomachs, and almost no veterinarian knows how to care for a sloth. Furthermore, in order to legally have a sloth as a pet, you must purchase the sloth from a registered breeder. As you can imagine, there aren’t too many of those across.

Bears

Technically, most states in the U.S. allow a person to have a bear as a pet. However, it probably isn’t the safest or wisest choice in pets, as their brute strength is unquestionable and their need for space and freedom is impossible to attain in captivity.

Skunks

Skunks can apparently be great pets, and are legal in most U.S. states, once they are “disarmed” and have their scent glands removed.

Scorpions

Believe it or not, scorpions are actually becoming a very popular pet option, and they are legal all across the U.S. and some places in Canada. They aren’t incredibly cuddly, but they’re easy to take care of.

Servals

Serval cats are similar to leopards, and are incredibly hard to tame. That doesn’t mean that aren’t affectionate; they are just unpredictable. Most states in the U.S. have differing laws about servals, but it is legal in many states, as long as all of the regulations are followed.

Monkeys

Specifically, squirrel monkeys are legal to own as a pet in some states. Many states are beginning to outlaw ownership of primates though, because they can be unpredictable. However, they are slightly disgusting. For example, they often pee on their own hands and feet, so that they leave their scent wherever they go.

Chimpanzees

Chimpanzees, although adorable and hilarious, are actually considered very dangerous pets, because of their strength and unpredictability. U.S. states differ on their laws about having chimpanzees as pets, but quite a few states still allow it.