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Exotic pets you can actually keep well

The real first-year cost, the daily time, how long they live, and where they’re restricted, before you fall for one at the reptile expo.

  1. 01Isopod colonyHands-off: best watched · 12×7×6 in enclosureUSDA APHIS says a PPQ 526 permit is required to own many isopod species and to move invertebrates across state lines. Buy from US breeders who follow these rules, ask about a species before buying, and never release isopods outdoors.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $95–$210
    Daily
    1–3 min
    Lives
    2–4 yr
  2. 02TarantulaHands-off: best watched · 12×12×12 in enclosureBrachypelma species (such as Mexican red-knees) are listed on CITES Appendix II, so international shipments need permits; buy captive-bred animals from established US breeders.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $90–$231
    Daily
    1–3 min
    Lives
    5–25 yr
  3. 03Mystery snailHands-off: best watched · 5 gal tankPomacea diffusa, the true mystery snail, can be moved across state lines without a USDA permit, but other apple snails such as Pomacea canaliculata are federally restricted pests and are sometimes sold under the same name. Buy from a reputable seller, check any state rules, and never release snails or eggs outdoors.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $142–$274
    Daily
    3–5 min
    Lives
    1–2 yr
  4. 04Emperor scorpionHands-off: best watched · 20×10×12 in enclosureLegal in most of the US. Emperor scorpions are on CITES Appendix II and most sold here are wild-caught imports from West Africa, so buy from a reputable dealer. Some cities and counties restrict venomous animals; check local rules.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $200–$414
    Daily
    2–5 min
    Lives
    5–8 yr
  5. 05Praying mantisTolerates brief handling · 8×8×12 in enclosureNever release a pet mantis or its egg cases (oothecae) outdoors, as non-native species can harm native insects. Shipping live insects across state lines can require a USDA APHIS permit, so buy from US sellers who follow these rules.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $150–$319
    Daily
    5–10 min
    Lives
    up to 1 year
  6. 06African dwarf frogHands-off: best watched · 10 gal tankAfrican dwarf frogs are legal in most of the US. Don't confuse them with African clawed frogs, which California and several other states ban or require permits for.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $199–$396
    Daily
    5–10 min
    Lives
    5–10 yr
  7. 07Corn snakeTolerates brief handling · 48×24×24 in enclosureCorn snakes are native to Georgia, where state law generally prohibits keeping them as pets, and all snakes are illegal to keep in Hawaii. Check state and local wildlife regulations before acquiring one.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $569–$974
    Daily
    5–10 min
    Lives
    15–25 yr
  8. 08Ball pythonTolerates brief handling · 48×24×24 in enclosureSnakes, including ball pythons, are illegal to keep in Hawaii. Elsewhere, check state and municipal regulations, as some cities restrict keeping non-native constrictor snakes.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $626–$1,195
    Daily
    5–10 min
    Lives
    20–30 yr
  9. 09Milk snakeTolerates brief handling · 48×24×24 in enclosureAll snakes are illegal to keep in Hawaii. Some states protect their native milk snakes, so buy captive-bred and check state wildlife rules.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $637–$1,196
    Daily
    5–10 min
    Lives
    15–25 yr
  10. 10Pacman frogHands-off: best watched · 24×18×18 in enclosurePacman frogs are generally legal across the US, but local ordinances or state wildlife laws may restrict exotic pet ownership; always check municipal rules.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $490–$909
    Daily
    5–15 min
    Lives
    10–15 yr
  11. 11Leopard geckoTolerates brief handling · 36×18×18 in enclosureGeckos, including leopard geckos, are prohibited for private possession in Hawaii.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $509–$928
    Daily
    5–15 min
    Lives
    15–20 yr
  12. 12Hognose snakeTolerates brief handling · 36×18×18 in enclosureCaptive-bred western hognoses are legal to keep in most of the US, but some states where they are native protect them: Illinois lists them as threatened and requires a permit, and states such as Missouri and Iowa also restrict them. Never collect wild hognoses, and check your state wildlife agency before buying.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $521–$994
    Daily
    5–15 min
    Lives
    12–20 yr
  13. 13Crested geckoTolerates brief handling · 18×18×36 in enclosureGeckos, including crested geckos, are prohibited for private possession in Hawaii.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $568–$1,058
    Daily
    5–15 min
    Lives
    15–20 yr
  14. 14Gargoyle geckoTolerates brief handling · 18×18×36 in enclosureLegal in most US states. Hawaii prohibits keeping geckos like this one as pets.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $600–$1,122
    Daily
    5–15 min
    Lives
    15–20 yr
  15. 15African fat-tailed geckoTolerates brief handling · 36×18×18 in enclosureHawaii prohibits private possession of most reptiles, including geckos; elsewhere in the US they are generally legal.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $612–$1,183
    Daily
    5–15 min
    Lives
    15–20 yr
  16. 16KingsnakeTolerates brief handling · 48×24×24 in enclosureAll snakes are illegal to keep in Hawaii. California kingsnakes are native to California, where only captive-bred animals from permitted breeders can be sold; check state wildlife rules elsewhere.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $621–$1,205
    Daily
    5–15 min
    Lives
    15–25 yr
  17. 17Musk turtleHands-off: best watched · 40 gal tankA federal FDA rule bans selling turtles with shells under 4 inches as pets, which covers hatchling and many adult musk turtles, so buy from a breeder or rescue that follows the law. Many states also restrict collecting wild musk turtles; captive-bred animals are legal to keep in most states.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $476–$975
    Daily
    10–20 min
    Lives
    30–50 yr
  18. 18Russian tortoiseHands-off: best watched · 48×24×18 in enclosure
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $590–$1,167
    Daily
    10–20 min
    Lives
    40–50 yr
  19. 19White's tree frogTolerates brief handling · 18×18×24 in enclosureLegal to keep in most US states. Hawaii does not allow them as pets.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $590–$1,190
    Daily
    10–20 min
    Lives
    12–20 yr
  20. 20Pet mouseTolerates brief handling · 30×12×12 in cagePet mice are legal in every US state with no permit needed, though some leases and rental agreements limit pet rodents.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $226–$463
    Daily
    10–25 min
    Lives
    1–3 yr
  21. 21Zebra finchHands-off: best watched · 30×18×18 in cage
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $321–$694
    Daily
    15–30 min
    Lives
    5–10 yr
  22. 22CanaryHands-off: best watched · 30×18×18 in cageCanaries are legal to keep in every US state with no permit needed.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $386–$768
    Daily
    15–30 min
    Lives
    8–12 yr
  23. 23Guinea pigTolerates brief handling · 42×28×14 in cageGuinea pigs are widely legal across the United States without special permits, though rental leases and local residential codes may limit pet quantities.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $579–$1,200
    Daily
    20–40 min
    Lives
    5–8 yr
  24. 24AxolotlHands-off: best watched · 29 gal tankAxolotls are illegal to own as pets in California, Maine, New Jersey, and Washington D.C., and require specific permits in Hawaii and New Mexico.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $264–$686
    Daily
    5–15 min
    Lives
    10–15 yr
  25. 25Dart frogHands-off: best watched · 25 gal enclosureCaptive-bred dart frogs are legal to keep in most of the US, but Hawaii restricts them and treats unpermitted imports as a serious offense. Always buy captive-bred frogs from a reputable breeder.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $494–$1,024
    Daily
    5–15 min
    Lives
    8–15 yr
  26. 26Blue-tongue skinkTolerates brief handling · 72×24×24 in enclosureCertain states or localities may restrict keeping specific exotic wildlife or require permits; always verify state and local reptile laws before purchase.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $905–$1,825
    Daily
    5–15 min
    Lives
    15–20 yr
  27. 27Boa constrictorTolerates brief handling · 72×36×36 in enclosureBoa constrictors are legal in most US states and are not on the federal injurious-species list, but some states, counties and cities restrict large constricting snakes or require a permit. Check your state wildlife agency and local ordinances before buying.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $1,212–$2,643
    Daily
    5–15 min
    Lives
    20–35 yr
  28. 28Hermit crabHands-off: best watched · 29 gal tank
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $316–$616
    Daily
    10–20 min
    Lives
    10–40 yr
  29. 29UromastyxTolerates brief handling · 48×24×24 in enclosureHawaii prohibits private possession of most reptiles, including Uromastyx. They are CITES-listed, so choose captive-bred animals with paperwork; check local rules elsewhere.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $766–$1,411
    Daily
    10–20 min
    Lives
    20–40 yr
  30. 30Red-eared sliderHands-off: best watched · 100 gal tankFederal law prohibits selling or distributing turtles under 4 inches in shell length in the US except for strictly educational or scientific purposes; additionally, Red-Eared Sliders are prohibited in Oregon, require a permit in Florida (a Conditional species), and cannot be imported or sold in Vermont, due to their status as an invasive species.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $718–$1,433
    Daily
    10–20 min
    Lives
    20–40 yr
  31. 31Box turtleHands-off: best watched · 66×36×18 in enclosureFederal law bars selling any turtle with a shell under 4 inches. Many states protect native box turtles: taking them from the wild is widely illegal, some states require a permit, and Virginia banned keeping them as pets in 2021. Buy captive-bred or adopt, and check your state wildlife agency.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $660–$1,543
    Daily
    10–20 min
    Lives
    30–60 yr
  32. 32HedgehogTolerates brief handling · 36×24×18 in cageAfrican Pygmy Hedgehogs are illegal or heavily restricted to own in California, Georgia, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, New York City, and Omaha, Nebraska.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $418–$854
    Daily
    15–30 min
    Lives
    3–6 yr
  33. 33DeguTolerates brief handling · 36×24×36 in cageDegus are banned or need a permit in a number of states, including California, Connecticut, Colorado, Georgia, Alaska, Hawaii and New Mexico, and Utah restricts them. Rules change, so check with your state wildlife agency before buying.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $563–$1,014
    Daily
    15–30 min
    Lives
    5–9 yr
  34. 34ChinchillaTolerates brief handling · 36×24×48 in cageChinchillas are generally legal across the United States, though local municipal exotic pet ordinances or landlord lease agreements may impose restrictions.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $593–$1,230
    Daily
    15–30 min
    Lives
    10–20 yr
  35. 35Veiled chameleonHands-off: best watched · 24×24×48 in enclosureVeiled chameleons are invasive in parts of Florida and Hawaii, where local regulations may restrict breeding, sale, or possession without specific permits.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $607–$1,263
    Daily
    15–30 min
    Lives
    5–8 yr
  36. 36Bearded dragonTolerates brief handling · 48×24×24 in enclosureBearded dragons are legal in most of the US, but Hawaii prohibits private possession; check local rules elsewhere.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $828–$1,664
    Daily
    15–30 min
    Lives
    10–15 yr
  37. 37ParrotletEnjoys handling · 24×20×30 in cageParrotlets are legal to keep in all US states without a permit. Buy captive-bred birds; the Wild Bird Conservation Act bars most imports of wild-caught parrots.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $580–$1,174
    Daily
    45–90 min
    Lives
    15–20 yr
  38. 38Green-cheeked conureEnjoys handling · 30×24×36 in cageGreen-cheeked conures are legal to keep in all US states without a permit. Buy captive-bred birds; the Wild Bird Conservation Act bars most imports of wild-caught parrots.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $770–$1,607
    Daily
    90–180 min
    Lives
    15–25 yr
  39. 39FerretEnjoys handling · 36×24×48 in cageFerrets are illegal to own as pets in California, Hawaii, Washington D.C., and New York City, and require permits or face local restrictions in select other municipalities.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $715–$1,378
    Daily
    120–240 min
    Lives
    6–10 yr
  40. 40Sulcata tortoiseHands-off: best watched · 192×144×24 in enclosureNo US state bans sulcatas, but federal rules require a health certificate or certificate of veterinary inspection to move one across state lines (9 CFR 74), and local zoning or HOA rules may limit keeping a large adult outdoors.
    Level
    Advanced
    First year
    $918–$2,055
    Daily
    15–30 min
    Lives
    50–80 yr
  41. 41Argentine teguTolerates brief handling · 96×48×48 in enclosureArgentine tegus are invasive in parts of the Southeast. Florida, Alabama and South Carolina ban new ownership, and Georgia bans importing and breeding them; in Florida, South Carolina and Georgia only animals already owned and permitted or registered by each state's deadline may be kept. Check your state wildlife agency before buying.
    Level
    Advanced
    First year
    $1,812–$4,785
    Daily
    20–45 min
    Lives
    15–20 yr
  42. 42Green iguanaTolerates brief handling · 120×60×72 in enclosureGreen iguanas are a prohibited species in Florida: new pets aren't allowed, and only owners grandfathered in 2021 may keep one under an annual FWC permit. Hawaii also bans them. Check state and local rules elsewhere.
    Level
    Advanced
    First year
    $2,460–$5,490
    Daily
    30–60 min
    Lives
    15–20 yr
  43. 43Sugar gliderEnjoys handling · 24×24×36 in cageSugar gliders are illegal to keep as pets in California, Alaska, and Hawaii, and require specific permits or are restricted in certain cities and states.
    Level
    Advanced
    First year
    $696–$1,430
    Daily
    120–180 min
    Lives
    12–15 yr

How this list is built: Every reptile, amphibian, land invertebrate and exotic mammal we cover, easiest first: beginner animals, then by minutes of care a day. First year is the essential setup plus a year of food and supplies, at typical US prices; vet care is extra. Every number comes from the animal's own guide and its sources. How we make these guides.