The rise of exotic pet ownership in Australia

More Australians than ever are choosing exotic pets. From bearded dragons and cockatoos to house rabbits and ferrets, exotic species are finding their way into homes right across the country – and it’s a trend that shows no sign of slowing down.

It’s an exciting shift. But it also brings with it a set of responsibilities that are quite different from owning a dog or cat. Specialist veterinary care, legal permit requirements, and the unique health needs of each species all need to be considered – ideally before you bring your new pet home.

In this article, we look at what’s behind the growth in exotic pet ownership, what owners of reptiles, birds and small mammals need to know, and why specialist insurance matters more than many people realise.

Jump to:

• Why exotic pet ownership is growing
• Popular exotic species in Australia
• Health and vet care: what to expect
• Tips for new exotic pet owners
• Why your exotic pet needs specialist insurance

Why exotic pet ownership is growing

Several things have come together to make exotic pets more popular than ever. Better access to information online has helped demystify the care of species that were once considered specialist-only. Social media has introduced millions of people to the personality and charm of reptiles, parrots and small mammals. And for Australians in apartments or smaller homes, exotic pets often suit their lifestyle better than a dog or cat.

The pandemic played a role too. With more time at home, many Australians turned to pet ownership for companionship – and exotic species were a popular choice for those without the space or routine for a larger animal.

The result is a community of exotic pet owners who are passionate and well-informed – but who are often navigating specialist veterinary care and insurance needs that the mainstream pet industry hasn’t always kept up with.

Popular exotic species in Australia

Reptiles – lizards, snakes and turtles

Australia is one of the few countries in the world where native reptiles can be kept as pets, provided you have the right licence from your state or territory wildlife authority. Bearded dragons are among the most popular, valued for their calm temperament and manageable care needs. Blue-tongued lizards and various snake species also have dedicated followings.

What many new reptile owners underestimate is just how environment-dependent these animals are. Reptiles rely entirely on their surroundings to regulate their body temperature – get the heating, lighting or humidity wrong and you risk serious health conditions like metabolic bone disease or respiratory infections. And when something does go wrong, you’ll need a reptile-specialist vet, which not every general practice can provide.

Important: Keeping a native reptile in Australia requires a licence from your state or territory wildlife authority. Always source animals from a licensed breeder – taking animals from the wild or purchasing from unlicensed sellers is illegal.

Birds – parrots, cockatoos and more

Cockatiels, budgerigars, lorikeets and sulphur-crested cockatoos are among the most commonly kept birds in Australia – and it’s easy to see why. They’re intelligent, social animals that can form strong bonds with their owners and become a real part of the family.

That intelligence does come with some complexity, though. Parrots in particular need plenty of social interaction and mental stimulation. Without it, they can develop behavioural problems that are difficult to manage. It’s also worth knowing that larger parrot species can live for decades so this is a long-term commitment.

Birds are also well known for hiding illness until they’re quite unwell. By the time symptoms are obvious, a condition may have progressed significantly. Regular check-ups with an avian vet and close attention to changes in behaviour are essential parts of caring for a bird well.

Small mammals – rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets

Small mammals have seen some of the strongest growth in exotic pet ownership, particularly among families and apartment dwellers. Rabbits especially have come a long way from the hutch in the backyard – they’re increasingly kept as indoor companions, litter trained and treated with the same care as any household pet.

Guinea pigs and ferrets are similarly popular. Ferrets are legal in most Australian states, though they remain prohibited in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

These animals are more medically complex than their size might suggest. Rabbits are prone to dental disease and gastrointestinal stasis, a condition that can become life-threatening quickly. Guinea pigs need dietary vitamin C or they develop scurvy. Ferrets are susceptible to adrenal disease as they age. Understanding the specific health needs of your species makes a real difference.

Health and vet care: what to expect

One of the biggest surprises for new exotic pet owners is how different the veterinary landscape is compared to owning a dog or cat.

Finding the right vet

Not every vet is trained or equipped to treat exotic species. Reptile, avian and small mammal medicine each require specialist knowledge that many general practices simply don’t have. Before you bring an exotic pet home, it’s worth finding a local vet with exotic experience – and knowing where your nearest after-hours emergency clinic is.

The cost of care

Specialist consultations, diagnostic imaging, and surgery for exotic species often cost more than equivalent care for dogs and cats. These are real costs that catch many un-insured exotic pet owners off guard.

At Petcover, we’ve paid out more than $3 million in exotic pet claims over the last five years, with an average claim of $530 in 2025 alone.

Three-quarters of these claims were for rabbits and birds (76.9% of claims), followed by guinea pigs, rats, and ferrets (16.1%).

The conditions we see claimed for most often include:

• Gastrointestinal and digestive disorders
• Dental and oral disease
• Respiratory conditions
• Ear, eye and head disorders

Many of these conditions are manageable – and some are preventable – with the right care and regular vet visits. But having insurance in place means the financial side of any treatment decision is already handled.

Tips for new exotic pet owners

Whether you’re considering an exotic pet or have recently welcomed one home, here are a few things that will set you up well.

Do your research first

Spend time understanding the specific needs of the species you’re considering – diet, habitat, enrichment, lifespan and common health issues. Connect with owner communities online and, if you can, speak to an exotic vet before committing.

Check the legal requirements for your state

Licencing requirements vary by state and territory. Reptiles, certain bird species and some small mammals may require permits. Always source animals from licensed breeders and keep your paperwork in order.

Find your exotic vet before you need one

Register your pet with an experienced exotic animal vet early – before any health issues arise. Knowing who to call and where to go in an emergency is genuinely valuable, especially for species that can deteriorate quickly.

Get the habitat right from day one

Many exotic pet health problems are environment-related. The cost of setting up a proper enclosure or habitat is a fraction of what incorrect care can cost in vet bills down the track.

Insure while your pet is healthy

Pre-existing conditions are excluded from pet insurance policies, so the right time to take out cover is before anything goes wrong. The earlier you insure, the broader the protection you’ll have throughout your pet’s life.

White rat snake enlacing arm of young African American female owner holding pet while enjoying animal assisted therapy in living room

Why your exotic pet needs specialist insurance

Standard pet insurance policies are designed with dogs and cats in mind. Exotic species are often excluded entirely, subject to low benefit limits, or simply not covered for the conditions most relevant to their species.

Specialist exotic pet insurance is built around the actual health risks and treatment costs of exotic animals. That means cover that reflects what your specific pet is likely to need, not just a general policy that may not apply.

We’ve been Australia’s dedicated exotic pet insurer for over 40 years. Whether you have a bearded dragon, a lorikeet or a house rabbit, we can help cover them.

¹ State and territory licencing requirements for exotic pets are subject to change. Always check current regulations with your relevant state wildlife or environment authority before acquiring an exotic pet.

² Petcover claims data, 2020–2025.