Unusual Pets People Are Keeping in 2025 (and How to Care for Them).

Unusual Pets People Are Keeping in 2025 (and How to Care for Them)

Pets have always held a special place in human society, offering companionship, joy, and sometimes even healing powers. While cats, dogs, fish, and birds remain the most common household companions, the year 2025 has seen a dramatic rise in people opting for unusual pets—creatures that were once considered exotic, rare, or even strange. This trend is driven by multiple factors: the desire for uniqueness, social media influence, advances in veterinary care, and even environmental awareness. From micro-pigs and axolotls to sugar gliders and giant African snails, these unusual pets are reshaping what it means to have an animal companion at home.

In this article, we will explore the most unusual pets that people are keeping in 2025, their unique characteristics, and how to care for them responsibly.

Why Unusual Pets Are Becoming Popular

The popularity of unusual pets is not just a fleeting trend; it reflects deeper cultural and social changes. People are living in smaller spaces, seeking low-maintenance companions, or looking for pets that match their eco-conscious values. Social media has also amplified the demand, as influencers showcase their rare companions to millions of followers. Advances in exotic veterinary medicine and accessible online communities have made caring for these animals more feasible than ever.

Popular Unusual Pets in 2025 and Their Care

1. Axolotls – The Smiling Salamanders

Axolotls, often referred to as “Mexican walking fish,” are amphibians that retain their larval features throughout life. Their permanent “smile” and feathery gills make them one of the most endearing unusual pets.

Care Tips:

• Habitat: Kept in aquariums with cool, clean water. Temperature should stay between 16–18°C (60–65°F).
• Diet: Primarily carnivorous—feed worms, pellets, and small fish.
• Special Consideration: Avoid keeping them with other fish that might nip at their gills.

2. Sugar Gliders – The Tiny Flying Marsupials

These palm-sized marsupials can glide across rooms using the skin membranes between their limbs. They are highly social and bond closely with their owners.

Care Tips:

• Habitat: Large cage with vertical climbing space; provide branches, ropes, and toys.
• Diet: Nectar-based diet supplemented with fruits, insects, and specialized pellets.
• Special Consideration: They thrive in pairs or groups—keeping one alone may lead to depression.

3. Micro-Pigs – The Pint-Sized Swine

Unlike full-grown pigs, micro-pigs (or teacup pigs) remain small and manageable, often weighing between 50–70 pounds in adulthood.

Care Tips:

• Habitat: Indoor living is possible, but they require outdoor time and rooting space.
• Diet: Special pig pellets, vegetables, and occasional fruits. Avoid overfeeding.
• Special Consideration: Intelligent and trainable, but need stimulation to prevent boredom.

4. Giant African Land Snails

These massive snails, some reaching the size of a human hand, are surprisingly popular for their calm demeanor and low maintenance.

Care Tips:

• Habitat: Terrarium with high humidity and soil substrate for burrowing.
• Diet: Vegetables, fruits, and calcium supplements (crucial for shell health).
• Special Consideration: They can live up to 10 years—owners must commit long-term.

5. Hedgehogs – The Spiky Yet Cuddly Pets

Hedgehogs have grown in popularity thanks to their unique appearance and quiet habits.

Care Tips:

• Habitat: Cage with bedding, hiding areas, and an exercise wheel.
• Diet: High-quality insectivore food, supplemented with insects, fruits, and vegetables.
• Special Consideration: Nocturnal animals—they may not be active during the day.

6. Koi Betta Fish – Designer Aquatic Beauties

While bettas have always been common, 2025 has seen a surge in rare, selectively bred varieties with extravagant fins and colors.

Care Tips:

• Habitat: Heated aquariums with filtration and live plants.
• Diet: Protein-rich betta pellets, bloodworms, and daphnia.
• Special Consideration: Males should be housed alone to prevent fighting.

7. Fennec Foxes – The Desert Darlings

Known for their oversized ears, fennec foxes are exotic pets that are both playful and mischievous.

Care Tips:

• Habitat: Secure outdoor enclosure or spacious indoor play area.
• Diet: High-quality dog food, insects, and fruits.
• Special Consideration: Require lots of playtime and mental stimulation.

8. Capybaras – The Gentle Giants

As the world’s largest rodents, capybaras can weigh over 100 pounds but are known for their friendly and social nature.

Care Tips:

• Habitat: Large outdoor space with a pool or pond for swimming.
• Diet: Grasses, hay, and vegetables.
• Special Consideration: They are herd animals—best kept in pairs or groups.

9. Exotic Birds – From Macaws to Eclectus Parrots

In 2025, people are increasingly adopting unusual parrot species, prized for their intelligence and vibrant colors.

Care Tips:

• Habitat: Large aviary or cage with perches, toys, and stimulation.
• Diet: Seeds, fruits, vegetables, and formulated parrot pellets.
• Special Consideration: Require daily social interaction and mental challenges.

10. Reptilian Companions – Bearded Dragons & Leopard Geckos

Reptiles are seeing a resurgence as low-maintenance but fascinating pets.

Care Tips:

• Habitat: Terrariums with heating lamps, UVB lighting, and hiding spots.
• Diet: Insects, greens, and vitamin supplements.
• Special Consideration: Regular handling can help tame their shy personalities.

Challenges of Keeping Unusual Pets

While unusual pets may sound exciting, they also come with unique challenges:

1. Legal Restrictions: Some animals, like fennec foxes or capybaras, are not legal in every region.
2. Specialized Veterinary Care: Finding a vet experienced in exotic animals may be difficult.
3. Time and Commitment: Many unusual pets live long lives and require daily attention.
4. Ethical Considerations: Captive breeding and wildlife trade raise ethical questions.

Tips for Responsible Ownership

• Always research legality in your area before adopting.
• Buy from ethical breeders, not wildlife smugglers.
• Join online communities for support and guidance.
• Invest in proper habitats and specialized diets.
• Commit to long-term care, considering the animal’s lifespan.

In 2025, the idea of what makes a “pet” has expanded far beyond the traditional dogs, cats, or goldfish, as more people than ever before are choosing unusual and exotic companions, reshaping the definition of domestic animals and companionship in modern society, and this shift is driven by factors ranging from smaller urban living spaces, social media influence, advances in veterinary care, and a desire for pets that are unique or conversation starters; among the most popular unusual pets, the axolotl, often called the “Mexican walking fish,” has gained massive popularity thanks to its permanent smile-like face and fascinating feathery gills, and although it is an amphibian, it remains in its juvenile aquatic form for life, requiring cool water between 16–18°C in a clean tank, with a diet of worms and pellets, and careful handling since they are sensitive creatures; then there are sugar gliders, tiny marsupials that glide across rooms like miniature flying squirrels, highly social animals that bond closely with owners but must be kept in pairs or groups to avoid loneliness, thriving in large vertical cages with ropes and toys, and enjoying a nectar-based diet with fruits, insects, and pellets, but they require patience, interaction, and a nocturnal lifestyle adjustment from their human caretakers; another trending choice is the micro-pig, sometimes called a teacup pig, which despite the name is not extremely tiny but still smaller and more manageable than full-sized pigs, typically reaching 50–70 pounds, yet they are highly intelligent, trainable, and affectionate, needing outdoor time for rooting, stimulation through toys or puzzles, and a carefully controlled diet to prevent obesity; for those who want low-maintenance pets, giant African land snails are surprisingly popular, sometimes growing to the size of a human hand, kept in terrariums with humid soil substrates, fed on fruits and vegetables with calcium supplements to maintain shell health, and they can live up to a decade, which is a long-term commitment for anyone adopting them; hedgehogs also remain in vogue, with their spiky coats and shy but endearing personalities, thriving in cages with hiding areas, wheels for exercise, and insectivore diets with insects, vegetables, and fruits, though they are nocturnal and may not suit people who want daytime interaction; in the aquatic world, rare betta fish breeds, especially koi bettas with extravagant fins and colors, are prized as living art, kept in heated aquariums with plants and clean filtered water, fed protein-rich diets, though males must be housed separately due to aggression; for thrill-seekers willing to take on more demanding care, fennec foxes with their enormous ears are playful desert dwellers that require spacious enclosures, a diet similar to high-quality dog food supplemented with insects and fruits, and ample playtime and mental stimulation, though their legality varies by region; even more unusual are capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, weighing over 100 pounds, yet incredibly social and gentle, thriving in herds with large outdoor areas and access to pools or ponds for swimming, eating mostly grasses and vegetables, and often seen as therapy-like animals for their calm demeanor; meanwhile, bird enthusiasts are gravitating toward rarer parrots such as macaws and eclectus parrots, admired for their vibrant feathers and intelligence, but requiring large aviaries, interactive toys, daily bonding, and carefully balanced diets of seeds, pellets, and fruits, and finally, reptiles like bearded dragons and leopard geckos are appealing to those seeking pets that are intriguing yet relatively low-maintenance, needing terrariums with proper heat lamps and UVB lighting, insect diets with supplements, and gentle handling to keep them tame, making them especially attractive to apartment dwellers who cannot keep furred animals; yet while these pets are fascinating, they bring challenges such as legal restrictions—fennec foxes and capybaras are not allowed everywhere—limited availability of exotic animal veterinarians, long-term commitments since many of these creatures live longer than people expect, and ethical considerations regarding captive breeding and the exotic pet trade, which means that responsible ownership is more critical than ever, including ensuring legality before adoption, sourcing from ethical breeders rather than smugglers, joining online communities for advice, and being prepared financially and emotionally for the unique care demands these unusual pets require; overall, the trend of unusual pets in 2025 reflects a cultural desire for uniqueness and companionship that goes beyond traditional norms, as animals like axolotls, sugar gliders, micro-pigs, hedgehogs, koi bettas, fennec foxes, capybaras, parrots, and reptiles bring joy and fascination into homes around the world, but success as their caretaker requires commitment, empathy, and proper knowledge, because while they may offer novelty, their welfare and well-being should always be prioritized, reminding us that unusual pets are not just trendy accessories but living beings deserving of lifelong care, respect, and love.

In 2025, the concept of what constitutes a pet has expanded far beyond traditional dogs, cats, and goldfish, as more people are seeking companionship in unusual and exotic animals, driven by factors such as urban living with smaller spaces, social media influence showcasing rare animals, increased access to exotic veterinary care, and the desire to have a unique or conversation-starting companion, with the trend reflecting a shift in human-animal relationships that values novelty, engagement, and in some cases, environmental consciousness, and among the most popular unusual pets are axolotls, also known as Mexican walking fish, which are aquatic amphibians that retain their juvenile form for life, notable for their feathery gills and permanent smile, thriving in aquariums with cool water between 16–18°C, requiring clean, filtered water and a diet consisting of worms, pellets, and small aquatic animals, and owners must be careful not to house them with fish that may nip at their gills; another sought-after unusual pet is the sugar glider, a small gliding marsupial prized for its ability to glide across spaces using the skin membrane between its limbs, forming strong bonds with humans but necessitating companionship of its own species to prevent loneliness and depression, living in tall cages with climbing structures, ropes, and toys, and eating a diet rich in nectar, fruits, insects, and specialized pellets while requiring nocturnal interaction and mental stimulation to remain healthy and happy; the micro-pig, or teacup pig, has gained popularity as an intelligent, affectionate, and trainable alternative to traditional pets, typically remaining small at 50–70 pounds as adults but needing daily outdoor rooting time, a diet of specialized pig pellets with fresh vegetables and occasional fruits, and constant mental stimulation to prevent boredom, while owners must be mindful of their intelligence and strong social needs; for low-maintenance pet seekers, giant African land snails are attractive for their calm demeanor, slow pace, and long lifespan of up to ten years, needing a terrarium with high humidity, soil for burrowing, and a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and calcium supplements to maintain shell health, though long-term commitment and proper handling are essential; hedgehogs, with their spiny appearance yet gentle disposition, are increasingly kept in cages with bedding, hiding areas, and exercise wheels, feeding primarily on high-quality insectivore diets supplemented with insects, fruits, and vegetables, being nocturnal animals that require minimal daytime interaction but still benefit from gentle handling and environmental enrichment; in aquatic pets, designer koi bettas have surged in popularity, prized for extravagant fins and striking color patterns, kept in heated aquariums with plants and filtered water, eating protein-rich pellets, bloodworms, and daphnia, with males needing solitary housing to prevent aggression; fennec foxes, small desert-dwelling foxes with oversized ears, have become highly sought after by experienced exotic pet owners, requiring secure enclosures with ample space to explore, a diet of high-quality dog food supplemented with insects and fruits, and daily mental and physical stimulation to prevent destructive behaviors, though their legality varies across regions, and ownership demands considerable time and financial resources; capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, are increasingly kept by people seeking gentle and social pets, thriving in herds with access to large outdoor areas and swimming pools or ponds, eating grasses, hay, and vegetables, being calm and friendly animals whose social nature requires them to have companions of their own species; exotic birds such as macaws, eclectus parrots, and other rare parrot species are favored for their intelligence, vibrant colors, and ability to mimic human speech, requiring spacious aviaries or large cages with perches and enrichment toys, balanced diets of seeds, pellets, and fresh fruits, and daily social interaction to prevent boredom or behavioral problems; reptiles such as bearded dragons and leopard geckos continue to grow in popularity due to their fascinating behaviors and relatively low-maintenance care, housed in terrariums with appropriate heat lamps, UVB lighting, hiding spots, and a diet of insects and vegetables with vitamin supplements, requiring gentle handling to remain tame and interactive; however, owning unusual pets comes with challenges including legal restrictions on species like fennec foxes or capybaras, limited access to exotic veterinarians, ethical concerns surrounding captive breeding and wildlife trade, long-term commitment given many of these species’ lifespans, and specialized dietary and habitat requirements that are critical to animal health; responsible ownership in 2025 demands thorough research before acquisition, sourcing animals from ethical breeders instead of illegal trade, joining communities of owners for guidance and support, providing proper enclosures, balanced nutrition, environmental enrichment, and daily interaction, and being prepared for both financial and emotional investments, as unusual pets are not simply trendy novelties but living creatures whose well-being depends entirely on the dedication and care of their human guardians, reflecting a cultural evolution in human-pet relationships that values novelty, education, and environmental awareness while still emphasizing the moral obligation to treat all animals with respect, care, and compassion, proving that the human desire for companionship can manifest in diverse and extraordinary ways, from the aquatic serenity of axolotls and koi bettas to the playful energy of sugar gliders, the intelligence and sociability of micro-pigs and capybaras, and the gentle curiosity of snails, hedgehogs, fennec foxes, and exotic birds, collectively illustrating that 2025 is a year in which the boundaries of pet ownership are expanding, creating both incredible opportunities for connection and equally significant responsibilities for those willing to open their homes to these unusual, fascinating, and often demanding animals.

Conclusion

The year 2025 has introduced us to an incredible array of unusual pets—ranging from the adorable sugar gliders and intelligent micro-pigs to the calming giant snails and exotic fennec foxes. These creatures bring joy and fascination to households worldwide, offering a unique alternative to traditional pets. However, with their uniqueness comes responsibility. Potential owners must ensure they provide the right environment, diet, and care while also considering legal and ethical factors.

In conclusion, unusual pets can enrich lives in unexpected ways, but they should never be treated as short-term trends. Responsible, informed, and compassionate ownership is the key to ensuring both human and animal happiness.

Q&A Section

Q1: Why are unusual pets becoming popular in 2025?

Ans: Unusual pets are trending due to social media influence, desire for uniqueness, smaller living spaces, and better access to exotic veterinary care.

Q2: Are unusual pets legal everywhere?

Ans: No, legality varies by country and even by state or city. Always research laws before adopting an exotic pet.

Q3: Which unusual pet is the easiest to care for?

Ans: Giant African snails and betta fish are considered among the easiest unusual pets due to their low-maintenance needs.

Q4: Do unusual pets require special vets?

Ans: Yes, many unusual pets need exotic animal veterinarians, which may not be available everywhere.

Q5: Can unusual pets bond with humans like cats and dogs?

Ans: Some, like sugar gliders, micro-pigs, and capybaras, can form strong bonds, while others (like reptiles or snails) are more for observation than interaction.