Weird & wonderful pets: The most popular unique pets in each state

Hamsters, hornbills, and horses – oh my! Today, more and more people are opening up their homes and hearts to a new breed of companions: pets of the weird and wonderful kind! From fluffy chinchillas and colorful birds to exotic insects and amphibians, new data from TrustedHousesitters has found that these unconventional pets are gaining immense popularity in the United States. 

Pet ownership data from 2018 to 2023 reveals that more and more pet owners are choosing to own weird and wonderful animals such as rodents, birds, and reptiles, and the popularity of each unique pet species varies by state. 

Explore our findings below, including the most popular pets following cats and dogs, the most common unique pets in every state, and the specific species that surged in popularity. 

Weird & wonderful pets with the highest popularity growth

Below are 15 weird and wonderful pets that saw the highest popularity growth since 2018, including the percentage increase in ownership of each pet:

1. Box Turtle (+1600%) 
2. Crested Gecko (+1000%) 
3. Ball Python (+960%) 
4. Rat (+800%) 
5. Budgerigar Parakeet (+750%) 
6. Gerbil (+750%) 
7. Zebra Finch (+600%) 
8. Leopard Gecko (+450%) 
9. Hamster (+414%) 
10. Rabbit (+331%) 
11. Corn Snake (+280%) 
12. Chinchilla (+225%)  
13. Veiled Chameleon (+250%) 
14. Bearded Dragon (+197%) 
15. Cockatiel (+150%)

Fluffy friends climb in popularity

Compared to reptiles, horses, and birds, small mammals had the highest growth in popularity since 2018, with a 132% increase in ownership. Rabbits are the most popular small mammal pets overall and are also the most popular type of pet in 20 different U.S. states (after cats and dogs). 

Rodents followed rabbits in the small furries category, with hamsters taking second place and rats taking the third spot. Pet rats have seen significant growth since 2018 and are the most popular choice for a weird and wonderful pet in two states: Pennsylvania and Oklahoma. 

Reptiles & birds on the rise

Since 2018, the number of birds owned as pets has increased by 28%, with cockatiels being the most popular pet bird for Americans. 

The number of reptile pets has also increased by 115%. Leopard geckos are the most popular pet reptile overall and bearded dragons bring up the rear.

The most popular weird & wonderful pets

After cats and dogs, these are the 20 most popular pets to own in the U.S.:

The most popular unique pet in every state

Why choose weird & wonderful pets?

While dogs and cats are unsurprisingly still the most popular pets to own, caring for more unique animals can be an incredibly rewarding experience. When people needed companionship during the pandemic and adopted a pet, unique animals such as reptiles, birds, and small mammals stepped up. These animals offered companionship to people with lifestyles that didn’t align with the requirements of cats or dogs. 

While some of these unconventional pets may require specific habitats and care, many of the weird and wonderful pets that gained the most popularity require relatively low maintenance. For example, reptiles like bearded dragons and geckos do not need daily walks or constant attention. Similarly, birds like finches and canaries can thrive in small spaces and require minimal grooming. This makes these pets perfect for busy individuals or those who may not have the time or space to accommodate more traditional pets.

The rise in popularity of weird and wonderful pets is a testament to the ever-evolving relationship between humans and animals. As we learn more about the incredible diversity of creatures that share our planet, it's only natural that our appreciation for them grows. So, if you're thinking of welcoming a new pet into your home, why not consider one of these unique animals? You may be surprised by the joy and fulfillment they bring into your life.

If you’re looking to add a furry, feathery, or scaly friend to your family, ensure you welcome them with a safe and nurturing environment, and consider reaching out to one of our many pet-loving members at TrustedHousesitters who are ready to give them all the love they need while you’re away!

Note that while we love creatures of all kinds, remember that certain pets are not permitted on our platform. You can find out more about this in our member T&Cs.