Young people are keen on raising exotic pets, and unpopular animals are gradually becoming more popular.

In Shanghai, there seems to be a growing fascination with exotic pets, as evidenced by the recent popularity of experiences like strolling with reindeer along the Xuhui riverside and visiting the “magical animals” at community events in Fengxian. This trend is slowly shifting the traditional pet landscape that has predominantly featured dogs and cats, making exotic animals a favorite among some pet enthusiasts.

Exotic pets, which differ from the more conventional household animals such as cats, dogs, birds, and fish, include creatures like snakes, lizards, geckos, parrots, and small rodents. A quick search on a popular social media platform reveals over ten thousand posts related to exotic pets, highlighting the increasing interest in this niche.

Among exotic pets, reptiles and rodents are particularly beloved. Wen Shengyu, a student from the Department of Plant Science Technology at Shanghai Agricultural and Forestry Vocational Technical College, has six years of experience in caring for these unique animals. Due to family preferences against furry pets, he started with turtles before moving on to insects and eventually regular exotic pets like corn snakes and pet lizards.

“For enthusiasts like us, one of the greatest joys is observing the innate behaviors of these animals,” Wen explained. He currently keeps four pet snakes and enjoys collecting and repurposing their shed skin into crafts as keepsakes.

Wen also finds that exotic pets serve as excellent social bridges in academic settings. “They are like a key that opens doors to the outside world, allowing more people to learn about these animals and helping those interested find a community,” he said. “They’ve connected me with more experienced mentors in the field, increasing my knowledge about the pet industry.”

Whether they are students or working professionals, many find that caring for exotic pets is a cost-effective choice. Unlike dogs, which require regular walks, or cats that may shed fur and be active at night, exotic pets often demand less time and resources. “You just need to be mindful of temperature differences; most lizards thrive in tropical and subtropical climates. Other than that, there aren’t many special considerations,” noted Xu Lei, another student from the Animal Science Technology program at the college.

The ongoing Third Shanghai Pet Fashion Week has dedicated a special exotic pet experience area, featuring nearly a hundred species within a spacious 400-square-meter venue. Here, visitors can engage closely with these intriguing animals and gain deeper insights into contemporary pet concepts.

Zhang Xin, the general manager of Shanghai International Fashion Center Management Co., stated that many non-protected species can legally coexist with humans through responsible breeding. He views exotic pet ownership as a massive, thriving market. “The expansion of this market is not just reflected in the increasing variety of pets available, but also in the richness and diversity of niche segments,” he added, indicating that the industry is evolving into a more profound level.