Exotic Pets Market By Product Type (Food, Housing & Enclosures, Toys & Entertainment, Healthcare Products, and Grooming Products), By Care Services (Veterinary Services, Boarding & Daycare, Grooming Services, and Training Services), By Animal Type (Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, Fish, and Others), By Ownership Purpose (Companionship, Educational or Research Use, Display or Exhibition, and Breeding), and By End User (Households, Educational Institutions, Petting Zoos, Research Institutes, and Veterinary Clinics), Global Market Size, Segmental analysis, Regional Overview, Company share analysis, Leading Company Profiles And Market Forecast, 2025 – 2035

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What trends will shape this market in the coming years?

The Exotic Pets market accounted for USD 1.71 Billion in 2024 and USD 1.84 Billion in 2025 is expected to reach USD 3.73 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 7.36% between 2025 and 2035. The exotic pets market is concerned with the purchase and trade of unusual animals that are not often kept as pets, e.g., lizards, birds, amphibians, and small mammals. This market has expanded because individuals want unique and interesting pets other than the conventional ones, such as cats and dogs. There are lots of exotic pets that need special care, and this might prove tricky for the owners. Captive-bred and wild-caught animals are involved in the trade, and animal welfare and ecological impact are the concerns. The market is affected by the trends, regulations, and an increase in awareness of responsible pet ownership.

What do industry experts say about the market trends?

"The demand for wild animals as pets, sourced locally and internationally, is clearly increasing… It’s fashionable to keep rare and exotic species. Also, the trade in the majority of species traded internationally to meet the demand for pets is not adequately regulated."

• Dr. Chris Shepherd, Executive Director of Monitor Conservation Research Society, Canada

Which segments and geographies does the report analyze?

What are the key drivers and challenges shaping the market?

Rising disposable incomes fuel demand for unique companion animal ownership.

The increase in disposable incomes has become a major factor that has propelled the exotic pets market since more people are engaging in the acquisition of unique and atypical pets. Having more money to spare, people have become willing to spend on the specialised habitat, care, and food exotic pets need. With stronger urbanisation and higher lifestyle changes, people tend to prefer pets that meet the requirements of novelty and prestige. The concerns and acceptability of exotic pets/animals as pets, with the rising veterinary procedures and pet products, also contribute to the market demand.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts that the households that possess non-traditional pets, i.e., lizards and snakes, birds, and small mammals, among others, have been growing steadily in number over the previous 10 years. According to the 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey of the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 6.7 million U.S. households keep exotic pets, which displays a growing tendency. The point about the responsible ownership of exotic pets has been promoted in educational institutions, thus making the ethical market develop and the consumer regain confidence. These are the drivers of the growing exotic pet industry around the world.

Social media influence increases interest in rare exotic pet species.

The exotic pet market is influenced by a variety of factors, and the influence of social media is a decisive one when it comes to raising interest and demand in rare species. Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube promote the appearance of exotic pets and form the desirable trends, and urge fans to buy similar animals. There are also increasing disposable incomes and urbanisation, where people want to find new ways of companionship instead of using traditional pets. Biodiversity ownership is also stimulated by educational interest and fascination with biodiversity.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimated that around a million exotic animals are legally imported to the United States each year, which means the development of a rather big market. Moreover, zoonotic disease is mentioned by the CDC, which indicates the complications and regulatory issues encountered in this market. This combination of social exposure, financial ability, and inquisitiveness is what keeps the exotic pet business moving around the world.

High veterinary care costs discourage potential exotic pet ownership.

The high prices of veterinary care serve as a major limitation in the market of exotic pets and prevent potential owners of such animals. Exotic pets are likely to demand different medical services, such as the availability of qualified veterinarians for unconventional pet species, which, both in large quantities and cost, may be limited. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) states that the special diagnostic equipment and treatments may make the annual veterinary expense (for an exotic pet) 2 or 3 times that of common domestic pets. Moreover, most of the exotic animals have special food and living habit requirements, which escalate maintenance.

Citing the complexity and cost of health care as some of the reasons attributed to it, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service notes that normal adoption and its escape from abandonment are underserved. Such financial restrictions pose a hindrance to the market since potential customers might be turned off by these prices and the difficulties of managing exotic pets responsibly.

Expanding online platforms facilitate exotic pet product and service access.

Online platforms have been created to make it easier to find exotic pet items and services, which means that the exotic pet market has a lot of potential. They use these websites to locate special food, housing, veterinary services, and products that are frequently unavailable in local shops. In the USA, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there are millions of exotic pets, and reptiles, birds, and small mammals do not make an exception, which indicates a strong demand.

The USDA finds that there is also an increase in the registered exotic pet breeders and dealers, implying that the industry is growing in this sector. The demand to maintain exotic pets has gained attention in educational organisations such as the University of Florida, indicating that an effective resource should be well-established and existing. The online platforms are ready to spur further mainstreaming and innovation in the exotic pet sector as more consumers move towards virtual markets due to the convenience and variety available.

Innovative pet care technologies improve health management for exotic species.

Exotic pets are undergoing a period of robust growth bound by the increasing demand for non-traditional companion animals like reptiles, birds, and small mammals. There is an exclusive chance to use innovative pet care technologies to support these species much better, since their care can be highly specific. The number of people owning exotic pets is high, with maybe 17 million U.S. households alone owning exotic pets and thus forming a large, receptive customer base (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).

Studies released by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) point out the difficulty of treating exotic pets healthwise, owing to their varying biological requirements. Such technologies allow them to monitor better and intervene at the right time, lessening the chances of mortality and ensuring improvement of welfare. As the popularity of exotic pets is increasing, incorporating developed high-care mechanisms fulfils the needs of the consumer and contributes to the conservation and the efforts of responsible pet ownership. The growth of the market and technological innovation are indicators of the high potential of businesses dealing with health management solutions for exotic species.

What are the key market segments in the industry?

Based on the product type, the Exotic Pets market is classified into Food, Housing & Enclosures, Toys & Entertainment, Healthcare Products, and Grooming Products. The food segment of products is the dominant product in the exotic pets market offering. This is mainly because food is a constant and basic need of life for exotic animal pet owners, by guaranteeing the health and extinction of pet-like reptiles, birds, amphibians, and small mammals. As compared to other product types, food needs to be restocked regularly, and it serves as a stable revenue maker. This also comes as a result of the necessity of species-specific and high-nutrition diets that are not always substitutable with regular pet food. Due to this trend, sales in this segment are always high and consumption-oriented.

Based on the Care Services, the Exotic Pets market is classified into Veterinary Services, Boarding & Daycare, Grooming Services, and Training Services. Veterinary Services has become the most important and dominant care service line in the exotic pets market. Exotic pets are usually brought to specialised medical care due to their unique physiology and need for species-specific treatment. Exotic pet owners must seek veterinary services to diagnose, cure, and prevent health problems, and therefore, it is one of the biggest needs of veterinary care. The increase in awareness about appropriate healthcare requirements and the scarcity of specialised veterinarians also promote the leading nature of the segment. Therefore, the services of veterinarians contribute to high demand and become a critical element of the entire exotic pet care ecosystem.

Which regions are leading the market, and why?

The North American exotic pet market is steadily growing, and this is happening due to the rising demand of people for unique and unusual pets, particularly reptiles, amphibians, birds, and small mammals. Relatively higher disposable income and urbanisation have also created a rise in demand for such pets, particularly among the young population who demand alternatives to cats and dogs. The United States has the biggest share of the region, and in fact, it has a well-developed pet care industry as well as the presence of exotic pet breeders and retailers.

Social media networks have been used as well in marketing the idea of owning exotic pets, which determines consumer choice and behaviour. Nevertheless, regulatory restrictions, ethical issues, and health risks posed by non-native species are some of the challenges facing the market. There is a growth in awareness regarding the ownership of pets and care of their habitats, hence a more informed customer. The market is further promoted through the internet sales channels and the exotic pet expos, and these provide additional business opportunities in the form of veterinary care and specialised food products.

The number of people who buy exotic pets in the Asia-Pacific region is always increasing. This is because cities are getting bigger, people have more money to spend, and people are more interested in distinctive and rare animal pets. Prominent nations in this new market include China, Japan, India, and Australia. The demand for exotic pets that include reptiles, birds, and small mammals is gradually increasing among pet owners in this area, as they are considered status symbols and pets.

The emergence of pet-friendly living and the impacts of social media highlighting exotic pets have also contributed to the demand. Yet rules and laws differ between different nations, which affects the trading and owning of some species. Another challenge is the issue of animal welfare and the poaching of wild animals in the market, which is subject to increased regulation. Broadly speaking, the Asia Pacific market for the exotic pet business is set to grow on the back of consumer shifts and the rising pet care infrastructure.

What does the competitive landscape of the market look like?

The exotic pet market is very competitive because of the presence of specialised firms that are engaged in providing nutrition, healthcare, and habitat solutions to a wide assortment of species. A high concentration in the nutrition segment exists among key players in the industry, like Purina (Mars), Versele Laga, and Oxbow Animal Health, with recurrent innovations to solve the dietary requirements of exotic pets. Medical powerhouse companies such as Zoetis Inc. and Merck & Co. have diversified their services by introducing new veterinary products focused on exotic animals, and this is in line with the increase in demand for specialised care.

The established habitat and accessories manufacturers like Zoo Med Laboratories and Exo Terra products produced by the Hagen Group dominate the market by introducing new products and making improvements on their environmental enrichment products. The growth of consumer awareness of exotic pet wellness issues and the growing popularity of non-traditional pets have already become the trends of recent years, and this is why companies tend to make improvements in their product line and extend distribution networks all over the world. The presence of independent breeders such as Birds International is also important since it guarantees a sustainable and ethical chain at the supply side. The environment is competitive, and strategic alliances and innovative ideas define the destiny of the exotic pet business market.

Exotic Pets Market, Company Shares Analysis, 2024

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Which recent mergers, acquisitions, or product launches are shaping the industry?

• In May 2025, Bengaluru Customs arrested the owner of a JP Nagar pet store. The owner was caught smuggling Wagler’s pit vipers, cuscus, and possum from Southeast Asia. The authorities seized the animals during the operation. This revealed the involvement of pet shops in trafficking exotic animals within India.
• In February 2025, Xinhua reported a rise in exotic-pet stores in cities like Shanghai. These shops sold and displayed reptiles, tree frogs, raccoons, and meerkats. They often attracted young consumers with boutique “experience” setups. This showed a booming exotic pet market in urban China.

Report Coverage:

By Product Type

• Food
• Housing & Enclosures
• Toys & Entertainment
• Healthcare Products
• Grooming Products

By Care Services

• Veterinary Services
• Boarding & Daycare
• Grooming Services
• Training Services

By Animal Type

• Amphibians
• Reptiles
• Birds
• Fish
• Others

By Ownership Purpose

• Companionship
• Educational or Research Use
• Display or Exhibition
• Breeding

By End User

• Households
• Educational Institutions
• Petting Zoos
• Research Institutes
• Veterinary Clinics

By Region

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• GCC Countries
• South Africa
• Rest of Middle East & Africa

List of Companies:

• AdvaCare Pharma
• Candioli Srl
• Vetafarm
• Purina
• Versele Laga
• The Birdcare Company
• Zoetis Inc.
• Merck & Co., Inc.
• Vetnil
• Pet King Brands
• Zoo Med Laboratories
• Hagen Group
• Horizon Group
• Birds International
• Compana

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)