Exotic animals – who to bring home? Interview ahead of the webinar

• Maxim, tell us, please, what is the peculiarity of your work? We know that you are a non-standard veterinarian, tell our readers why?

– My work is unique in that I accept animals of almost any species. There is probably not a single pet that I have not treated in my life.

• What are the most unusual animals you’ve ever treated?

– For me there is no such thing as unusual animals. But if we talk about those animals that usually surprise people not related to my profession, then these are giraffes, elephants, rhinos, manatees, penguins, snails.

• Who is generally considered an exotic pet? For example, in Russia, an iguana is an absolute exotic, and in Mexico, they sit on almost every stone. Does this mean that these concepts differ in different countries?

– Not really. All over the world it is accepted that exotic animals are not cats or dogs. And all other pets are considered exotic for keeping at home.

• What problems do owners of unusual pets most often come to you with?

– With the same problems as the owners of cats and dogs. Problems can be completely different, it is difficult to single out the top reasons.

• What do you like most about your job? What don’t you like?

– Most of all I like to help a sick and suffering animal. And it does not matter what kind of animal it is – a spider or a camel. And I don’t like it, of course, if they die.

• Wow! Do you even treat spiders? It is difficult to imagine how they can be cured.

I even operate on them!

• If I really want to get an unusual pet, but I have no experience and I am afraid of not being able to cope with difficult care, who would you recommend?

– First, even about an ordinary hamster, you need to study all the information in reliable sources. Already after this simple step, the circle of animals that you can take will expand significantly. As for the recommendations, let’s divide them into groups. If you want a mammal, I recommend a guinea pig as a first pet. If a reptile, a bearded dragon. If a bird, then “wavy”. Well, if you want completely exotic, I recommend considering the Achatina snail.

• Where to buy an exotic pet? Where to apply?

This topic is very broad and complex. Speaking of the more common exotic pets, you may well find breeders who have established themselves online and adopt a pet from them. And there are exotic animals that you should not take, precisely because there are no legal ways to acquire them. We do not even recommend looking for such animals and trying to get them illegally. 

• It turns out that there are animals that, according to the law, cannot be kept at home? Is it legal to keep, for example, a raccoon or a flying squirrel in an apartment?

– Yes, it is legal to keep a raccoon and a flying squirrel at home. If you have enough strength, time and you create the necessary conditions for the pet, then why not?

Indeed, there is a list of animals that, by law, cannot be kept at home. This information can be found at the link -.

• What general advice can you give to people considering getting an exotic pet?

– I have always repeated and will repeat: before you get any pet, you must definitely study all the information about it. What does he eat, how and where to keep him, how to properly care for him, how long does he live, what are the pitfalls? If you have studied and have not changed your mind – then go ahead!

Do you want to learn more about exotic pets directly from Maxim Shchugorev? Join the webinar:

Webinar “EXOTIC PETS: who should you get at home?” ⠀

• Date: February 4
• Time: 13:00-14:30 (Moscow time)

The webinar will take place on the Youtube channel. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss out. We are waiting for you, it will be interesting!