Most Americans are familiar with pet ownership as it pertains to dogs, cats, fish, and other domesticated animals. But there’s another category of pet ownership that some people may be hesitant to explore, and that’s exotic pets. From snakes to sugar gliders and pigs to spiders, there are many types of exotic pets to bring home. However, like making a risky financial investment, there are financial details to consider before making the leap to owning an exotic animal.

The cost to buy the animal

The price of an exotic pet can vary widely depending on the type of animal and where you’re purchasing it from. Consider doing research to find price estimates to give you a ballpark price range to buy the pet in your area and whether you can find the animal cheaper at a different location. Since exotic pets are banned in some states, it’s also critical to research what’s allowed in your area to confirm if you’ll need to apply for a permit before you bring your animal home.

The price of keeping an exotic animal fed

Since many exotic animals eat other animals, feeding them might not be as easy as picking up a bag of dog food at the grocery store. You’ll need to ensure your exotic pet has enough food and the right food to serve their health needs. For example, certain snakes need a diet of mice or rats, while sugar gliders might need a combination of insects, fruits, and vegetables. When in doubt, ask an exotic pet veterinarian what the right mix of food for your pet is, and then budget accordingly.

The price of routine veterinary visits

As with owning any animal, having an exotic pet will mean keeping up on routine veterinary visits as well as medication, vaccinations, and other care to ensure your pet stays healthy. Keep in mind that not all vet offices see exotic pets. So, you may need to contact specialty vets or even travel to find the right specialist to treat your animal. It’s important to factor these variables into the cost analysis as you decide whether exotic pet ownership is for you.

The cost of caring for your pet in the long term

Just as your financial advisor is the steward of your long-term investments, you will be the long-term steward of your exotic pet’s well-being and care. Think about what you can invest monetarily by providing a comfortable home, cage, toys, and other essentials, as well as non-monetarily through regular feeding, attention, care, and helping the pet to get comfortable with family members and friends.

The price of education about your pet

It’s important to educate yourself about how to care for the health and wellness of your pet both before and after you get the animal. In some cases, you may opt to take a paid online or in-person course that can offer in-depth training on the species, or you may choose to pay for a consult with an exotic pet specialist. As you weigh the price, consider that learning about how to handle your pet is likely to pay off considerably when you welcome them into your home.

The cost of harmony between your pet and your home

The last and perhaps least tangible cost you’ll need to pay is the price of harmony between your new pet and your home. If you live alone with no other pets, you may not need to worry about how to integrate your pet into your environment. However, if you have family, roommates, or other animals in the home, consider any negative impacts on their daily lives before you commit to an exotic animal. For example, you’ll want to be sure nobody in the home is allergic to the pet you want and that it will get along well with other animals, or you’ll have sufficient space to keep them separated. Taking into account all of these costs upfront can lead to a happier transition from everyday person to exotic pet owner.