About me: I’m a student studying biology and about to graduate soon. I’ve always wanted to have an exotic pet (not aquatic) but haven’t decided on one yet. At home, I already care for a variety of fish in a natural pond I designed. These include small, big, community, wild, and predatory fish, as well as decorative ones. I also have turtles and crustaceans in separate sections of the pond.
My family owns a chicken farm, but I’m not too involved with that. I also have two big, chilled-out dogs and tons of plants, both aquatic and regular.
What I’m looking for: I’d love a pet that’s small, easy to care for, and okay with being in a dorm/apartment. I’m hoping for a companion animal—something to cuddle or carry around, train, and bond with, but that doesn’t need constant attention. It should also be portable and suited to my lifestyle. I’m in a hot, humid country (with AC), have daily access to fruits and veggies, and can buy specialized food if needed. Night-active pets are a plus since I have classes in the mornings.
Suggestions are very welcome! Thank you in advance!
Let me break this down for you, especially regarding sugar gliders:
I’ve been breeding sugar gliders for years, and while they’re adorable, they’re not for everyone. These animals need to live in pairs or groups because they are very social. If you’re living in a dorm or shared space, it’s worth mentioning that they’re nocturnal and can be noisy at night.
Another thing—gliders can be smelly. You might get used to it, but roommates might not. Plus, they’re expensive to care for. Just setting up for them can cost around $1,500, and finding a specialized vet is costly, too. Emergencies can easily set you back hundreds or more.
Gliders have individual personalities, so while one might bond with you, another might prefer to keep its distance. They’re amazing but not what I’d recommend as an emotional support pet.
If you’re seriously considering sugar gliders, I recommend joining a sugar glider forum or Facebook groups like Sugar Glider Groupies or Sugar Glider Fanatics. They’re great for getting accurate advice and connecting with experienced owners.
@Jem
Also, I noticed you have two large dogs. That’s something to think about. Dogs and sugar gliders don’t always mix well. What if the glider escapes? Some dogs may try to attack the cage or the glider itself. Make sure you’re confident about how your dogs would react.
Where you live also matters for their diet and access to vets. If it’s humid and hot, they’ll be fine as long as your AC keeps the temperature stable. Gliders like it around 75–95°F but can handle slightly lower or higher.
Lastly, traveling with gliders can be stressful for them. They’re nocturnal and should be resting during the day. Taking them out regularly to noisy, high-traffic places isn’t ideal. They’re amazing pets if you understand their needs, but they may not be a great fit for someone looking for an ESA.
@Jem
If gliders don’t seem like the right fit, I’d suggest rats. They’re like tiny dogs! Rats bond with their owners, can learn tricks, and are super affectionate. Plus, they’re much easier to care for and take with you compared to sugar gliders. The only downside is they live only 2–4 years, which can be tough. Still, they’re amazing pets.
Honestly, it sounds like you’d love rats. I’ve kept a variety of exotic rodents, but what you’re describing fits domestic rats perfectly. They’re affectionate, trainable, and easy to care for. Prairie dogs are fun, too, but they’re bigger and harder to handle.
Clancy said: @Yan
Rats are definitely on my list! It’s true that some people have a stigma against them, but I think they’re adorable. Thanks for the suggestion!
Another option could be a short-tailed opossum. They’re small, can curl up in your pocket or hoodie, and don’t need a lot of attention. The downside is they need specific diets and humidity levels, so they’re a bit harder to care for.
Clancy said: @Yan
Rats are definitely on my list! It’s true that some people have a stigma against them, but I think they’re adorable. Thanks for the suggestion!
There’s definitely a stigma around rats, but it’s mostly ignorance. They’re very clean if their environment is maintained well. Plus, they’re affectionate and smart. If you do go for rats, try finding a breeder instead of a pet store. It makes a big difference in how socialized they are.
Akira said:
What about sugar gliders? They might fit what you’re looking for.
They’re one of my top choices! I’ve been looking into breeders, but I’ll need to save up and do more research first. Maybe next year. Thanks for the suggestion!