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Home › Articles › General Safety Issues › Exotic Pets

Exotic Pets

Are Nontraditional Animals a Good Idea Around Babies and Toddlers?

By Shannon McKelden

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For many families, home isn't complete without a pet. Cats and dogs are the most common, though frequently families choose exotic or nontraditional pets such as reptiles, rodents and even monkeys.

Recently, however, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published an article discouraging parents from keeping exotic pets in homes with children under the age of 5. Many parents are unaware of the dangers of disease and/or injury from many of these types of pets.

The General Risks

"Each species of animal has their own set of zoonotic diseases [transmittable from animal to human]," says Dr. Kristen L. Nelson, a Scottsdale, Ariz., veterinarian who cares for exotic animals.

These diseases can be spread through animal feces, a bite or merely by touching the animals. Some of these diseases, unfortunately, can be fatal to humans, especially those with immature immune systems.

Additionally, there is potential for injury. "Parents should supervise young children's contact with pets, for the sake of both the children and the animals," says Beth Preiss, director of the Exotic Pets Campaign for The Humane Society of the United States. "Very young children have less developed motor skills and may handle animals roughly. They also may be less able to read an animal's body language, putting them at greater risk of bites and scratches."

Here are some types of nontraditional pets and what to be aware of with each one:

Rodents

"A properly socialized, friendly rat is a must-have for our family," says Amber Lesovoy, a Kernersville, N.C., rat breeder and mother of two children under age 4. "We sweep several times a day, and clean the cages every few days with disinfectant. The kids know not to touch rat droppings, but generally we keep them cleaned up so it is not an issue."

Lesovoy doesn't keep biting rats, and all rats are de-wormed and quarantined outside her property to ensure no illnesses or parasites enter the house. While Lesovoy is conscientious and knowledgeable about keeping her children safe around her rats, not all parents go into rodent ownership so well informed.


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