What is an exotic pet?

This question is not easily answered by an online search. Terms such as domestication, non-traditional pets, and exotic pets are often vague and explained by blurry lines. Legal parameters can vary by state, county, or 

even city.

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To avoid confusion or

contradiction, this project

will work within its own

specified parameters.

Firstly, we will be

considering exotic pets

solely in the context of

being kept in the United States. This is a necessary clarification to make, as

pets or livestock that are common in some places would be considered

strange to own in the

United States.

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Though this may seem surprising at first, its easier to define an exotic pet by what it is NOT. As we get into examples below, this decision will become more understandable.

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Inevitably, some nitpicking on species will be necessary due to the details of keeping such an animal, but I've made an effort to stick to the definition below.