Move over puggles and peekapoos. There's a new trendy animal in town, and it doesn't bark - it oinks.
While dogs and cats are still the most popular domestic animals, people are becoming more and more creative with what is considered a pet.
Less-domesticated animals are becoming the "it" animals to own, according to the Capital Humane Society. Ducks, chickens, roosters and pot-bellied pigs are popping up on want-lists for the shelter. While none of these animals are allowed within Lincoln city limits, the Humane Society is getting more and more calls from people wanting them as pets in their home.
"Pot-bellied pigs are fun to have. We get pictures sent to us from families who have adopted a pig," said David Harnly, the shelter manager for the Capital Humane Society. "People tell us stories that pot-bellied pigs are just like their dogs, only smarter."
While many non-traditional animals are being adopted, many strange animals are also being dropped off at the Humane Society. Lizards, geckos, iguanas, chameleons, snakes and ferrets are just a few of the out of the ordinary animals at the shelter. The Capital Humane Society sees its share of strange animals, but Lincoln's Animal Control Center comes in contact with more "exotic" animals.
Denise (who declined to give her last name), the office manager at the Lincoln Animal Control Center said the weirdest animal they've ever picked up was an African Serval Cat, which is essentially a small leopard. People are not allowed to have the cats as pets because they are wild animals.
"Other than the African Serval Cats, the weirdest pet someone has had was a pocket hedgehog. I guess people think they are cute and cuddly," Denise said.
Even though pigs and roosters might be fun pets to have, there are a lot of things that should be considered before going to the humane society and picking one up.
"[Roosters and pigs] need to be taken care of like a normal barnyard animal. Pot-bellied pigs aren't quite as domesticated as cats and dogs are," Harnly said.
Pet fads are just like any other fad or trend out there. Certain dog breeds are popular for a short period of time - think St. Bernards when the movie "Beethoven" was released and Dalmatians when there were 101 of them in theaters. Even though pigs may be fun animals now, chances are a pet that oinks will soon be a thing of the past.
paigejuhnke@dailynebraskan.com
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