Thinking of ditching the dog for something exotic? Hold up. Before bringing a wild animal home, check your local laws. Many exotic pets are illegal or require permits. Here is the lowdown on what you can actually own.

Patagonian Cavy

Patagonian cavy (sometimes called “mara”) is a large rodent distantly related to guinea pigs that can be quite friendly and affectionate. This Argentinean herbivore can weigh up to about 35 pounds and will live to about 14 years in captivity. Some cavy owners have been able to train their pets to use a litter box and to walk on a leash.

Tarantulas

Many people enjoy keeping tarantulas as a hobby. While the huge hairy spiders do have venom, it is typically not harmful to humans, though some folks might respond as they would to a bee sting. Tarantulas should be kept in an enclosed space and many of them need a humid environment. They enjoy a diet of crickets and other insects.

Degu

The degu is a small rodent native to Chile that’s friendly and easy to care for. They grow to between 6 and 11 ounces and they eat all the time — they favor particular grasses, as well as fruits and vegetables. They're active during the day, they like belly rubs and will live 6 to 8 years in captivity.

Photography: Pinterest/Sandy - Critters Aplenty

Hermit Crab

Hermit crabs are fairly low-maintenance critters that can live up to 10 years in captivity. They should be placed in a terrarium that has at least 5 gallons of space for every two crabs. The terrarium needs to have a hood to keep the crabs and the humidity contained. They eat pellet food and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Photography: Pinterest/Fishkeeping Adventure

Sugar Glider

Sugar gliders are small (5 ounces), tree-dwelling marsupials that live 10 to 15 years. Because sugar gliders are colony animals, you should keep at least two, and you should keep them in housing that lets them glide from tree to tree. They eat insects, fruits and vegetables. They’re friendly but nocturnal, so you may have to stay up late to play with them.

Red-eared Slider

The red-eared slider is a popular pet turtle, but bear in mind that the long-lived reptile requires a lot of care. They need a large tank, careful attention to water quality, and special lighting. They will eat commercial pellets made especially for turtles, but they also like dark, leafy greens.

Chinchilla

While chinchillas are clean and quiet, they don’t like being held or petted, so they’re best for people who just like to observe. They can live 10 to 20 years, and they need to be kept with other chinchillas as these nocturnal rodents are very social. They need a high-fiber diet of grasses and hays.

Photography: Pinterest/One Green Planet