Adopting a pet is a huge, lifelong commitment, but one that is intensely rewarding, meaningful and filled with love and affection.
However, it must be said that some pets are far more difficult to take care of than others, requiring different types of homes, owners, pet supplies and regular care to live a happy, enriched, healthy and full life.
Whilst many exotic pets are obviously difficult to take care of, often to the point of dubious legality, there are also other pets that are often easy to obtain and are yet either very difficult to take care of, or have very specific needs to take a lot of your time.
Here are some of the most surprisingly difficult pets to take care of.
Sugar Gliders
Native to Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Australia, this tiny flying mammal is surprisingly legal to own in the UK without a license even though there are several countries where owning the rare gliding possum is not.
Whilst there is something majestic about seeing these tiny creatures soar around, they are not in any way easy pets to take care of. For a start, they are nocturnal and typically do not wake up until 10 pm, requiring an owner to have a similar night shift.
Combine that with a complex diet, a need for a lot of space (particularly vertical space), their propensity to bite and claw at people, have complex dietary and veterinary needs and given they are social creatures, often need a companion.
They need a lot of time and care to handle, far more than most busy people are capable of giving.
Iguanas
Iguanas, like many other reptiles, are the definition of surprisingly difficult to take care of.
Whilst they initially look fairly easy to take care of when in the hands of professionals, they require a very dedicated habitat to be well taken care of and avoid potentially huge medical issues.
Constant UVA and UVB lighting systems, a heat lamp, extensive fresh salads as well as nutritional supplements, frequent baths and regular checkups are just a small part of the reptile experience.
As well as this, iguanas can become particularly substantial eaters as they get older, making them moreFennec Fox
The smallest species of fox in the world, the fennec fox and its characteristically big ears are surprisingly legal to own as a pet in the UK but be forewarned that the adorable fox can be an utter nightmare to take care of.
There are many debates about whether cats or dogs are easier to take care of, and in practice, it is a matter of opinion; cats are independent and do what they want a lot of the time, barely warming up to people.
However, dogs are fiercely loyal, loving and caring, but express that in a way that needs a lot of maintenance.
They move like cats, sleep a lot like cats and tend to be pretty independent like cats, but they have the energy (when they are awake at least) of a dog.
They need a lot of care, a very strict and carefully balanced diet and take a lot of time to bond with caregivers, which makes them even harder to take care of than their reputation would suggest.
