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 FurPetVo has found that these unconventional pets are gaining immense popularity across the United States.
Pet ownership data from 2018 to 2023 reveals a clear shift toward unique companions — particularly rodents, birds, and reptiles. And while national trends tell part of the story, the popularity of each species varies significantly by state.
Weird & wonderful pets with the highest popularity growth
Below are the 15 unique pets that saw the strongest growth in ownership since 2018 — ranked by percentage increase:
- Box Turtle (+1600%)
- Crested Gecko (+1000%)
- Ball Python (+960%)
- Rat (+800%)
- Budgerigar Parakeet (+750%)
- Gerbil (+750%)
- Zebra Finch (+600%)
- Leopard Gecko (+450%)
- Hamster (+414%)
- Rabbit (+331%)
- Corn Snake (+280%)
- Chinchilla (+225%)
- Veiled Chameleon (+250%)
- Bearded Dragon (+197%)
- Cockatiel (+150%)
Fluffy friends climb in popularity
Compared to reptiles, horses, and birds, small mammals led all categories with a 132% increase in ownership since 2018. Rabbits are the most popular small mammal overall — and they’re also the top “weird & wonderful” pet choice in 20 U.S. states (after cats and dogs).
Rodents follow closely behind: hamsters rank second among small furry pets, and rats take third place. Pet rats have seen remarkable growth since 2018 — and today, they’re the most popular unique pet in two states: Pennsylvania and Oklahoma.
Reptiles & birds on the rise
Since 2018, bird ownership has increased by 28%, with cockatiels emerging as America’s favorite pet bird.
Reptile ownership surged even more dramatically — up 115%. Leopard geckos are the most widely owned pet reptile nationwide, while bearded dragons rank among the top five most popular.
The most popular weird & wonderful pets (after cats and dogs)
These are the 20 most popular unique pets in the U.S., ranked by overall ownership:
- Rabbit
- American Quarter Horse
- Leopard Gecko
- Bearded Dragon
- Cockatiel
- Ball Python
- Hamster
- American Paint Horse
- Thoroughbred Horse
- Arabian Horse
- Red Ear Slider Turtle
- Crested Gecko
- Tennessee Walking Horse
- Rat
- Miniature Horse
- Chinchilla
- Corn Snake
- African Grey Hornbill
- Missouri Fox Trotter
- Appaloosa Horse
The most popular unique pet in every state
State-by-state preferences reveal fascinating regional patterns — from rabbits dominating the Northeast and Midwest to horses thriving in ranching states and reptiles rising in arid climates:
| State | Most Popular Unique Pet |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Hamster |
| Alaska | Leopard Gecko |
| Arizona | Arabian Horse |
| Arkansas | Ball Python |
| California | Rabbit |
| Colorado | American Quarter Horse |
| Connecticut | Rabbit |
| Delaware | Rabbit |
| Florida | Rabbit |
| Georgia | Rabbit |
| Hawaii | Duck |
| Idaho | American Quarter Horse |
| Illinois | Leopard Gecko |
| Indiana | Rabbit |
| Iowa | American Quarter Horse |
| Kansas | American Quarter Horse |
| Kentucky | Thoroughbred |
| Louisiana | Crested Gecko |
| Maine | Thoroughbred |
| Maryland | Rabbit |
| Massachusetts | Rabbit |
| Michigan | Cockatiel |
| Minnesota | Leopard Gecko |
| Mississippi | American Quarter Horse |
| Missouri | American Quarter Horse |
| Montana | American Quarter Horse |
| Nebraska | American Quarter Horse |
| Nevada | Rabbit |
| New Hampshire | Rabbit |
| New Jersey | Rabbit |
| New Mexico | American Quarter Horse |
| New York | Rabbit |
| North Carolina | Rabbit |
| North Dakota | Rabbit |
| Ohio | Rabbit |
| Oklahoma | Rat |
| Oregon | Rabbit |
| Pennsylvania | Rat |
| Rhode Island | Rabbit |
| South Carolina | Miniature Horse |
| South Dakota | American Quarter Horse |
| Tennessee | Tennessee Walking Horse |
| Texas | Rabbit |
| Utah | Rabbit |
| Vermont | Ball Python |
| Virginia | Arabian Horse |
| Washington | Rabbit |
| West Virginia | Bearded Dragon |
| Wisconsin | American Paint Horse |
| Wyoming | Corn Snake |
Why choose weird & wonderful pets?
While dogs and cats remain the most popular pets nationwide, caring for more unique animals can be an incredibly rewarding experience. When people needed companionship during uncertain times, many discovered joy, curiosity, and deep connection in unexpected places — whether it was watching a chameleon change colors, hearing a cockatiel mimic household sounds, or bonding with a gentle rabbit who nuzzles your hand.
Each species brings its own rhythm, needs, and personality — and responsible ownership starts with education, commitment, and trusted resources like furpetvo.com to guide you every step of the way.
