If you are an animal lover and you have some of these restrictions, it doesn’t mean that you have to give up your dream of owning a pet once you sign those condominium possession papers. Even people with allergies to feathers and fur can still enjoy the rewards of being a pet owner. There is a large variety of exotic creatures that you might not have even considered.

Calgary is just full of pet and pet-supply stores, and although the majority of them showcase furry little puppies, kittens and bunnies, there are a couple of places that focus on more unusual pets. Tanks A Lot is one of those places that you can go to discover some cool creatures and knowledgeable staff. Hidden below Paws Pet Food at 8403 Elbow Drive S.W., you would never know it was there unless someone told you or you decided to venture down the stairs at the back. There you will find a fair selection of fish, reptiles and other interesting types of pets. It’s a relatively small location, but if you want it—chances are that they can get it for you, and they can give you the information you need before you bring your new-found friend home. One of the biggest problems with new exotic pet owners is they weren’t properly educated during the decision-making process, and being informed is probably the most important step towards a happy relationship between you and your pet.

For example, many people know aquatic turtles can be a lot of work and so they decide that a land tortoise would be a great alternative. They are very interesting pets and don’t require the work their aquatic cousins would. However, the Leopard Tortoise looks very similar to the Herman’s Tortoise, but there is one big difference. While the Herman’s Tortoise stays relatively small, the Leopard Tortoise can grow up to 70 or 80 pounds, and pretty much needs a yard to roam in. Herman’s is probably the better choice for someone with a smaller living space, but potential owners should know that they can live in excess of 50 years—so you definitely want to make sure you are up for long-term responsibility.
There have been cases over the years where a pet owner has had a pet that outlives them, and subsequently that pet has nowhere to go and needs to be put down. In other cases someone has purchased a particular type of snake that started off as a foot-long curiosity—only to realize a few years later they have a ten-foot carnivore on their hands. Either scenario can lead to problems.

If you think that a snake might be the pet for you, there are some species that stay relatively small and are easy to handle. A good snake for beginners is the corn snake. These active pets are usually very tame and although they can grow to about four or five feet, they remain much slimmer than other snake species. What makes these snakes so popular is the variety of types and colours that are available.

According to Jeff Harrison, manager of Tanks A Lot, the average lifespan of a corn snake is about seven to nine years. The store’s Pastel Ball Python is very friendly, and also quite attractive in colouring and pattern. This particular snake will grow as long as the corn snake but will get to be much thicker around. These inquisitive snakes are great to handle, especially if you get them young, and Harrison says that their life span ranges from about ten to 20 years, making them a long-term friend.

Crystal Gilderdale, a Tanks A Lot employee, sometimes brings her favourite pet to work with her. Her nine-month-old Bearded Dragon named Rave likes to perch on her shoulder and get a good view of what’s going on. This friendly reptile grows to be about 18 to 24 inches long —with males being bigger than females—and usually lives for about seven to eight years. “Bearded Dragons eat a combination of mixed greens, crickets and different kinds of worms,” says Gilderdale. “However, as they mature they tend to become more vegetarian.” There’s a long list of reptiles that make good pets, and they all have different diet and enclosure requirements. She says most types of rat, gopher or corn snakes are easily tamed, stay smaller and are popular with people who live in smaller living areas.

For those who prefer a vegetarian pet there is the Mali Uromastyx, from the same family as the Bearded Dragon but happy with veggies, and in some cases, even birdseed. Some varieties of Skink are also complete vegetarians, however certain types such as the Monkey-Tailed Skink which can grow to about two feet long, need much more space and have very specialized requirements. There are other smaller varieties that are very personable and better for smaller living spaces.

Geckos, too, come in various sizes and colourings. The Leopard Gecko is popular for its wide range of colouration and patterns and its curious nature. This particular type of Gecko lives in desert-type surroundings and is happy with a diet of crickets or worms. Alternately, there are certain geckos whose diet consists of only fruit, but tend to be bigger than their desert cousins. There is a huge range of species if you are considering a reptile or amphibious pet.

Now, if you are more interested in a pet that is not often considered a pet owner’s number one choice, and you are looking for something unique, you might be interested in an arachnid. Scorpions and tarantulas, although considered rather creepy by some, can be both interesting and educational. As long as you do a little research before running out and purchasing one, you might find that these critters make very good pets.

Out of the long list of scorpion species, probably the best pet is the Emperor Scorpion. Often vilified in thrillers and B-movies, the Emperor is the largest and most docile of its kind. The best rule to keep in mind when choosing this type of pet is the larger the claws the less dangerous; or the smaller the claws, the more poisonous. Usually the only thing you have to worry about with the Emperor is not getting pinched. These communal arachnids are great alone or in a family group.

If, however, you are interested in spiders, there are many species to choose from. Gary Rockl, Tanks A Lot’s “weekend guy” is very knowledgeable about spiders. “The Rose-Haired Tarantula is probably the most popular of the species,” says Rockl. “They are very docile and great to handle.” Something to remember about this tarantula however, is it can live for over 20 years. Gary says that the longest-lived spiders tend to be the desert species, with the Mexican Red-knees living in excess of 25 years in captivity. If you are more interested in trying a spider with a shorter lifespan, the Pink-Toe Tarantula usually lives for about five or six years, and males of any species are the shortest-lived.
So no matter what type of exotic pet you are looking for, just make sure you educate yourself.

If you live in a condo, you want to make sure that you invest in a pet that requires a smaller habitat, and even with exotic pets you will want to check with your condo board and see what is allowed. Don Davies, president of Condominium First Management Services Ltd., says that most bylaws require the owner to get permission from the board of directors before getting a pet, especially if there is a potential for it to get loose.

Lauretta Kaechele, vice-president of Emerald Management agrees. “If you are thinking of getting a pet you should check your bylaws first,” says Kaechele. “Many bylaws prohibit farm animals and state that you need to get permission for domestic pets.” She says some of the bylaws are getting quite strict, and bylaws can change so it’s best to talk to your board of directors and get permission in writing. “Pets are like your family, so you might as well protect yourself and avoid any problems,” she adds.  CL