12 Pets That Are Surprisingly Hard to Care For (And What to Know First)

Social media makes many unusual pets look absolutely adorable and easy to care for. If you've ever dreamed of owning something more unique than a dog or cat, you might be in for a rude surprise.

Many popular dream pets require far more resources and knowledge than most people realize. What looks like a simple tank setup on IG might actually need thousands of dollars in equipment. We also need to talk about how tasking daily maintenance can be.

We'll explore 12 pets that often surprise their owners with their complex care requirements. We'll also highlight what makes these animals challenging to keep, share insights from exotic veterinarians, and provide information to help you decide whether these pets suit your lifestyle and capabilities.

Turtles

These seemingly low-maintenance reptiles actually require extensive care. They can live up to 100 years, longer than most marriages. While they won't demand walks or cuddles, turtles need an elaborate setup that can leave holes in your pocket.

Most turtle owners underestimate just how big their pets will get. They're incredibly messy eaters and need separate swimming, basking, and eating areas.

Before you get that cute little turtle, remember it’s not just a pet; it’s a long-term commitment that may outlive you.

Huskies

Huskies are working dogs with heavy exercise needs. They require at least 2 hours of vigorous exercise daily, and we’re not talking about regular walks. When bored, huskies can jump 6-foot fences or dig under them. In addition, they are fiercely independent and require extensive training.

Their thick double coat, which makes them adorable, needs constant grooming, and they shed massively twice a year. Without mental stimulation, huskies can become destructive and vocal. Consider a less demanding breed unless you’re a runner or very active.

African Grey Parrot

Don’t let their talking abilities fool you; African Greys are like having a toddler that lives up to 50+ years. These intelligent birds need several hours of daily interaction and mental stimulation.

If left alone for too long, African Grey Parrots are prone to depression, anxiety, and feather plucking. Their dietary needs include fresh foods, seeds, and pellets, plus regular vet visits. Owning one can cost thousands annually in food, toys, and medical care. Consider the long-term commitment and significant expense before getting one.

Fennec Fox

These adorable desert dwellers might resemble pocket-sized dogs, but they're wild animals with complex needs. Fennec foxes are nocturnal, extremely energetic, and will wake the neighbors with their high-pitched screams. It is illegal to keep one in many jurisdictions.

A fennec fox's diet includes insects, raw meat, and specific nutrients. Their enclosure must mimic desert conditions with space for digging. They rarely bond like domestic pets and can be difficult to house-train.

Capybara

The world’s largest rodent is more than just a cute TikTok celebrity. Capybaras require a water source for swimming, large outdoor spaces, and social companionship – they get depressed alone. As they're semi-aquatic, you'll need both land and water areas.

They have continuously growing teeth, which require constant monitoring and proper diet. Local zoning laws often restrict ownership, and finding a qualified vet can be challenging.

Macaw

Macaws are adorable rainbow-colored birds that demand constant attention. They can live longer than 50 years and need large cages, at least 5x5x8 feet.

If you live in an apartment, consider another pet, as Macaws are incredibly loud, reaching over 100 decibels. For context, that’s as loud as a power tool or motorcycle. Beyond noise, they require constant companionship to avoid destructive behaviors.

Praying Mantis

Although they look low-maintenance, Praying Mantis need delicate care. Their enclosure has to be at 60-70% humidity levels and requires regular misting. They’re cannibalistic and must be housed separately. Feeding them live prey can be a challenge for squeamish owners.

Every species has different temperature requirements, and molting periods are particularly delicate. While most live only 6-12 months, they need daily monitoring and careful handling in that time.

If you’re new to mantis keeping, begin with harder species like the Chinese Mantis.

Octopus

Octopuses are escape artists who require expert-level aquarium skills. Since they can squeeze through tiny gaps, they need secure tanks, complex filtration systems, and pristine water conditions.

Most species live only 6-24 months but need constant mental stimulation and varied live prey during that time. You'll need a separate quarantine tank for new food items and excellent problem-solving skills to keep them safely contained.

Ferrets

Before owning a ferret, the first thing to understand is that they need hours of playtime and ferret-proofed spaces. They sleep for 14-16 hours daily but need intense activity during awake hours. These playful pets come with several health issues, such as adrenal disease and insulinoma, requiring regular vet visits to specialized exotic vets.

Oh, and they have a distinct musky odor that doesn’t go away with bathing. They also have a strict carnivorous diet that most standard pet stores can’t cater to. Due to their highly social nature, keeping ferrets in pairs or groups is best.

Giant African Land Snail

Giant African Land Snails are illegal in many countries due to their invasive nature and health risks. They can carry parasites that are dangerous to humans, and one snail can lay 1,200 eggs annually.

If you still plan on keeping these snails, they need carefully controlled humidity (90%), temperature (75°F), and calcium-rich soil. While they can eat almost any plant, they require calcium supplements, and their tank needs daily cleaning to prevent harmful bacteria from growing.

Guinea Pigs

While often considered “starter pets,” guinea pigs need more complex care than most realize. They're social animals requiring same-species companions (but careful gender planning to prevent breeding).

Unlike other animals, they can’t manufacture vitamin C, so they need daily vitamin C supplements in addition to constant hay and fresh vegetables.

Dental problems are common, requiring regular checks and proper chew toys. Budget for regular vet visits, as they're prone to various health issues and hide illness symptoms until seriously sick.

Chameleon

With their color-changing prowess, chameleons are fascinating reptiles, but they can be demanding. First, chameleons are incredibly sensitive to their environment. As such, they require precise humidity levels, temperature gradients, and UVB lighting that must be monitored regularly.

They're also stress-prone and require specialized mesh enclosures for proper ventilation. First-time owners often need help with their complex dietary needs – they only eat live insects. Before getting a chameleon, you need high-quality lighting, heating, and humidity systems. You also need an exotic vet in your area.