It might be fun, having an expensive pet. Imagine being like Joe Exotic, with a variety of weird and wonderful creatures. Owning an exotic or rare animal is banned or at least restricted in most countries, but in the USA, there is more flexibility. Restrictions vary from state to state, but in North Carolina, Nevada, and Alabama, you can own practically any type of wild animal.
Possibly the only place more relaxed is Mexico, which has fewer wild animal ownership rules than anywhere else. This list covers the world’s priciest pets, some of which are extraordinarily expensive for the type of animal, whilst others are astonishing as pets in their own right. Puts your pet goldfish to shame.
Afghan Hounds
If you’re in the market for a fancy looking pooch that requires regular grooming sessions, doesn’t especially like children and can be destructive if not well cared for, then look no further than an Afghan Hound. They are truly beautiful dogs, very elegant and superb at performing at dog shows due to their skill at jumping.
Having said that, even if you are happy to keep them well brushed and groomed, don’t have any kids and have plenty of time to walk and play with your dog, you should be prepared for the cost of buying one. They’re usually between $5,000 and $7,000 – so not the cheapest canine companion. Oh, and factor in the cost of a regular trip to the doggy hairdressers.
Hyacinth Macaws
Parrots are often overlooked as pets when it comes to a companion creature for us humans, but they are great companions. They can live for over 60 years, they are easy to train and they’re quite affectionate – certainly more so than a snake or spider, for example. They can also make you laugh with their chatter, and their color is very cheering.
Hyacinth macaws however, might not cross your mind for another reason – for most of us, they are prohibitively expensive. The price of up to $14,000 would cause many a sharp intake of breath, and the kit needed warrants another. A decent cage alone will be around the $2,000 mark. Perhaps a budgie might be a better option – or the spending might make you as sick as a parrot.
Thoroughbred Racehorses
It’s probably common knowledge that racehorses cost a dime or two. Did you know that the most expensive ones can sell for as much as $70 million? Neither did we. This happened after thoroughbred Fusaichi Pegasus won the Kentucky Derby in 2000 and was subsequently sold for that exorbitant sum. So that makes him the most expensive horse and the most expensive pet to date.
You might argue that racehorses aren’t pets, but if an animal is kept in captivity and is well loved and cared for, then that fits the bill for most. OK, horses won’t cuddle up to you at night when you’re catching up on your boxsets, but horses and humans can and do form genuine bonds. Probably not that many pet horses sell for $70 million though.
Texel Lambs
In the world of agriculture, animals can go for seriously big money. Now your average sheep might not fetch much – there are potentially a billion sheep in the world, and their value tends to be mainly in the quantity you own. It’s a sweet sight in the spring, little lambs bouncing about, but not one that makes you think of wads of cash.
However, if you’re in the farming world you’ll likely have heard of Double Diamond, the Texel ram that sold for an astonishing 350,000 guineas (the traditional currency in the intimate world of livestock auctions). That’s nigh on $5,000 – a lot for a sheep. This particular sheep has the prized genes to make lots of top-of-the-range lambs though. You can’t pull the wool over those farmers’ eyes.
Tibetan Mastiffs
Unsurprisingly, dogs that cost as much as the Tibetan Mastiff are pretty rare. This fluffy beast is arguably the most expensive breed of dog you can own – or rather you likely can’t, because you don’t have £1.5 million to splash on a dog. Ironically, the dog’s name was Big Splash, which is a mild description of the price.
Big Splash wasn’t the priciest Tibetan Mastiff on record, however. Maybe his sale was a record back in 2011, but a few years later (as in, in 2014), a Tibetan Mastiff puppy was sold for $1.9 million. Chinese breeders have said that the breed have lion’s blood, although that could be more a metaphor than a biological fact. Either way, not many of us are likely to own one.
Racing Pigeons
Yes, it’s true. Those flocks of pigeons that hang about in city centers chasing after crumbs and getting underfoot are prized as racing birds. In 2020, an award-winning pigeon called New Kim was auctioned for a humungous $1.9m. The female racing pigeon took the new record after the previous holder, Armando (known as the Lewis Hamilton of pigeons), had sold for $1.25m back in 2019.
New Kim was sold by her previous owners in Belgium to a new owner in China. Belgium has long been a home for pigeon enthusiasts, with more than 20,000 pigeon breeders in the country, but China has recently become a huge market for racing pigeon fans, with the speediest birds fetching record prices. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush – but a lot more if it’s a racing pigeon, apparently.
Holstein Cows
Admittedly, there aren’t many people who would think of a cow as a pet, but the cow is considered holy in Hinduism, and they are quite intelligent creatures, so it’s not beyond the realms of possibility. In farming terms of course, any livestock is part of your capital and so it makes sense that some animals are worth more than others.
The most expensive cow in the world to date is a Holstein called Missy, whose full name is Eastside Lewisdale Gold Missy, and she was sold at auction for a whopping $1.2 million. Part of the reason for her huge price is because she is a genetic wonder, capable of making 50% more milk than your average Holstein. Oh, and she’s won several other major cattle-based awards.
Labrador(s)
Before you start to question the validity of this list, just know this: your average Labrador won’t be exorbitantly expensive. OK, the price of puppies and other cute pets has gone up since the pandemic, but even so, Labradors aren’t normally in the thousands of bucks. You’re looking at $1,000 to $2,000 depending on where you get it from.
However, the record price for a lab was a shocking $155,000 – why, you might well ask. Well, it’s not really about the dog so much as the science behind him. Lancelot Encore was the lucky pup cloned by BioArts when his owners had a carbon copy of him created from the stored DNA of his namesake, Sir Launcelot. It’s a dog’s life, apparently – or in this case, a duplicated dog’s life.
Peterbald Cats
First hailing from Russia, the Peterbald is a hairless cat – yep, no fur. Interested? They are also said to be great companion cats, sweet-tempered and affectionate. So even if you don’t fancy stroking one, at least you can rely on it sitting with you on the couch of an evening. Apparently it’s common for a Peterbald to follow their owners around the home – that’s how fond they are of their owners.
That might sound very pleasant, including the lack of malting, but the high price of buying a Peterbald might put you off getting one. The cost tends to be $1,700 to $4,000, which ain’t cheap for a kitty cat. Oh, and they’ll need a warm home, so no skimping on your heating bill.
Arabian Horses
Although race horses are often Thoroughbreds, the beauty and speed of Arabian horses should not be overlooked. As one of the oldest breeds in the world, Arabian horses were selectively bred for their best qualities, which include a good nature, forming positive relationships with people, and being quick to learn and willing to please.
What’s more, Arabian horses have a high spirit and an alert attitude that are helpful in war (as unpleasant a prospect as that is). Due to these attributes, an Arabian horse will set you back anything from $15,000 to as much as $130,000 for the most valuable bloodlines and the top stallions. An animal of true elegance, an Arabian horse will put even Black Beauty to shame.
White Lion Cubs
Lions are pretty cool, for sure. OK, they could take you out with one swipe, but they’re cute as cubs and badass as adults. So imagine the levels of awesome if you owned a lion cub. A white one. Yep, genuinely white fur. They were first seen in South Africa back in 1938, and it’s believed that recessive genes in the parents cause the mutation that brings about the pallor in their coloring.
Consequently, their rarity goes some way to explaining how you could pay as much as $140,000 for one of these deadly beauties. Oh, but don’t assume that’s the last of the expenditure. It’s said that being cats (even big ones) they like company, so you’d need at least a pair. Plus there’s the additional cost of fresh meat, permits, a specialized vet and building a small zoo for your lions. Maybe stick to a cat or two.
Stag Beetles
It’s fair to say that some pet owners prefer something a little more … unorthodox than your standard dog or cat, fish or guinea pig. It’s reasonably common for people to have snakes or lizards, tropical fish or chinchillas. But a stag beetle? Definitely not usual – and maybe that’s the prohibitive price of a pet beetle.
The record for the sale of a stag beetle was $89,000 back at the turn of the century (1999), when a Japanese insect lover parted ways with their bucks for a large specimen. In the wild, adult stag beetles spend most of their time fighting and mating, and only live a few weeks. However, if you’re lucky your pet might manage three months or so. Certainly not the best value pet – that’s $30k a month.
Camels
Horse racing is a serious sport in some parts of the world, and it’s certainly not the only sport that relies on animals for entertainment (despite what some of us think). Did you know that camel racing is a big even in parts of the Middle East and North Africa? If you weren’t aware, don’t feel too bad – it’s usually a sport frequented by wealthy Arabians and oil tycoons. No wonder, when a good camel costs from $20,000 to $50,000.
Not only are camels used for racing, but for less exciting transportation – although if you’ve ever had the dubious question of riding one, you will know that they’re rather stubborn and take a lot of effort to train and maintain. Plus camels, like many creatures, are sociable animals so you’d need at least two. Twice the hump – or should that be twice the attitude.
Lavender Albino Ball Pythons
For some pet owners, snakes are the most wonderful creatures. Granted, a snake isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (to put it mildly), but the sheer variety of colors and patterns make snakes fascinating, even if you’re not a fan. Common snakes kept as pets include corn snakes, ball pythons and milk snakes.
The average cost of a pet snake is about $75, although that varies according to species and size, but the pricey lavender albino ball python breaks the mold for expense. The rare appearance of these red-eyed wonders has meant that they can sell for as much as $40,000. The reason is that a recessive mutation in their genetics gives a purplish hue to the white parts of their skin as they get older.
Samoyeds
With so many different kinds of dog out there, it pays to research the best kind of dog for you and your family, if that’s your pet of choice. Dogs have been loyal, loving companions to humans for centuries, and nothing beats the non-judgmental affection you get from your pup. There’s no family pet quite like a pooch.
However, any animal comes with a cost … and the Samoyed is possibly the biggest upfront expense, costing from $2,000 to a whopping $5,000. What’s more, not only will it be a lot to spend buying this fluffy friend, the vet’s bills are another matter again, as Samoyeds are prone to a variety of conditions that can all be a drain on your bank balance.
Savannah Cats
Winston Churchill once said that dogs look up to us, cats look down on us and pigs treat us as equals. Whether that’s true or not, there are lots of feline fans who own at least one pet cat, and quite a few with two or more. The cat has been a pet for humankind for over 10,000 years – clearly they have some appeal.
So to learn that there is a hybrid of the domestic cat and an African wild cat, called a serval, is intriguing. They are beautiful creatures, with long legs, a slender body and a mix of spots and stripes. They are also appealing as pets as they are known to be more loyal and sociable than your average cat. What is rather less appealing is the price – costing up to $20,000, you might want to stick to a standard kitty.
Palm Cockatoos
Birds are not necessarily the first creatures that come to mind when you think of pets, but they are often intelligent, entertaining and long-lived companions. Cockatoos are a prime example, prone to mimicry and a personality as vibrant as their plumage. So when you consider what you’re looking for in a pet, a bird might fit the bill (no pun intended).
However, you might stop short at a palm cockatoo, if a bird is the pet you’re after. Their slow-to-breed habit and the reduction in habitat mean that palm cockatoos are getting rarer, which is a pity as they are very clever and rather impressive, with their dark feathers and the red patch on their cheek that changes color when the bird is excited or alarmed. The $20,000 price tag is rather alarming too.
De Brazza’s Monkeys
A monkey is definitely up there as an unusual pet, and if you want to stand out in monkey-owning circles, a De Brazza’s monkey might be the way to go. Also known as the Ayatollah Monkey due to its bearded appearance (in honor of Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini), the De Brazza’s monkey also has an orange crest on its forehead, and males have a blue scrotum. Fancy that.
The De Brazza’s monkey is one of the oldest monkey species known, and is mainly found in African forests. However, if you should choose to investigate taking one on as a pet, you’ll need to be prepared to part with a wedge of cash – the cost is as much as $10,000. Oh, and you’d need to check whether your state allows you to keep one as a pet … monkey say, monkey do.
Micropigs
Micropigs as pets were a bit of a craze back in 2009, when Paris Hilton was spotted carrying a teeny piglet around in her handbag. It was popular until it became clear that what started out as a tiny pig grew to be anything but, and owners had a large, hungry, full-grown hog in the house. However, Chinese scientists were able to make some genetic advances that made micropigs perpetually so.
As such, you can buy a genuinely small, very cute pig for a large, definitely not cute price – possibly as little as fifty bucks if you adopt, but more likely between $2,000 and $6,000. Oh, and pigs are pack animals as a rule, so it’s much kinder to get a couple if you are in the market for a pricey porcine pet. But at least you can pop them in your oversized purse.
Toucans
Many of us are familiar with the sight of a toucan – not necessarily in the flesh, but images of the colorful birds are easy to recognize and they are well-known for their beautiful beaks and their sleek black plumage. They can live for 15 to 20 years, much like a cat or small dog, and they can be superb companions, full of character and affection.
However, don’t let their visual and personable appeal fool you. Not only do many places not permit toucans as pets, in part due to international regulations on exotic pets, but they are pricey. You could expect to pay between $8,000 and $10,000 for one of these lovely birds, and the food bill won’t be a walk in the park – they only eat fresh tropical fruit and vegetables.
Capuchin Monkeys
What could be more fun than a capuchin monkey for a pet? They are known to be one of the most intelligent kinds of monkey in the world, which means that not only are they charming and smart, but they are often used in TV shows and movies as they’re easily trained. Imagine the cool tricks you could teach that little critter!
Although, be wary – such clever monkeys require a lot of entertainment and stimulation, or else they get bored. And like kids, if they get bored they can get naughty – and start to wreak havoc. Of course you’d need to be able to afford one first, and parting with $5,000 to $8,000 for a pet is no mean feat. Some might say that you’d have to be bananas.
Löwchens
There are so many different breeds of dog to choose from if that’s the pet you’d like – and a great many of them will set you back a chunk, with the cost of a pub being at least a couple thousand. Obviously it depends on where you get them – adopting a dog that needs a new home is kind to the dog and also kind to your bank balance.
But if you’re looking for something more unusual, you won’t get much rarer than a Löwchen. It’s thought there are only around 300 of these dogs in the world, so it’s not that surprising that the price of a “litttle lion dog” (as they’re often called) is as much as $12,000. They’re super smart though, so at least you’re getting brains for your bucks.
Bengal Cats
Bengal cats look like your standard pet cat in size and stature, but their pattern is gloriously reminiscent of a leopard. A hybrid of the Asian Leopard Cat and the domestic cat, they are super smart and reasonably friendly. There is a lot of variety in coloring: brown spotted, seal lynx point (snow), sepia, silver, and mink spotted tabby. Famous owners include Jerry Seinfield, Kourtney Kardashian and Bruce Springsteen.
Not so good, however, is the steep price you can expect to pay for a Bengal cat. The average cost is $3,000 to $5,000 – no small amount for what is effectively a regular cat with a fancy coat. Any kind of cat can make a great pet as they are usually low maintenance animals, but you can find a much less expensive kitty that still has a lovely coat.
Wallabies
Who wouldn’t want an animal that looks like a small kangaroo, but without the aggressive punching and kicking? Wallabies make great pets, although annoyingly you’re only permitted to have one in a few states of the US. So before you embark on getting one as a pet, make sure you do your research.
Speaking of which, even if you are fortunate to live somewhere that allows you a small Skippy, the cost might just be prohibitive. Ranging from $2,000 to $4,000, they don’t come cheap and you’re unlikely to find one at your local animal adoption center. Not to mention the care expenses once you’ve bought one – apparently that’ll set you back $200 – $500 a month. Now that’s a punch to the gut.
Ayam Cemani Chickens
If you’ve never heard of this fantastic breed of chicken, you may recognise them on sight. They are completely black – not just their feathers, but the meat and bones too. This is caused by a rare condition that generates an excess of dark pigment. They are consequently known as the Lamborghini chicken, which is a bit easier to remember.
However, you might want to consider rehoming some cheaper chicks than this – an Ayam Cemain can cost as much as $2,500. And although it may not matter if you’re looking for a new poultry-based pet, the Ayam Cemani breed has yet to be officially recognized by the American Poultry Association. No need to get in a flap about it, though.
Chimpanzees
Hard to imagine why anyone would want to own a chimpanzee as a pet, given some of the stories online about people who have been subject to attacks. Chimpanzees are very intelligent and largely sociable, but being kept as pets can prompt stress and behavioral problems – thus making them a threat to people.
Even if that alone doesn’t discourage you from wanting a pet chimp, the exorbitant price will. There are quite a few pricey pets out there, but a chimpanzee is right up there, with a cost of over $60,000. Plus you’ll need a large space to house said chimp, specialized care and a special diet. Maybe stick to something more average – and safer.
Tiger Cubs
Despite the fact that tigers are potentially deadly to humans, it is estimated that as many as 15,000 exotic cats are kept as pets in the USA. If you’re thinking about joining that slightly unusual and eccentric club, make sure you’re well read up on what you’ll need. One of those things is a good amount of space, as tigers are not known to make good pets as a rule.
Having said all that, as expensive pets go, if you live in a state where you can own whatever animal you like, then you’ll only have to fork out $2,500 for a cub. They’re darned cute, and that’s cheap next to some of the pets on this list, but the maintenance thereafter will be more like $10,000 a year. Perhaps stick to a tabby cat after all.
Bongo Antelopes
This beautiful antelope comes in two varieties, but as a pet it has the rather annoying requirement of needing space. Lots of it – as in, several acres to roam. That is, assuming that you can obtain one in the first place, as one variety (the lowland bongo) is on the verge of endangered, and the other (the mountain bongo) is critically endangered. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums assigned it a Species Survival Plan back in the year 2000.
So even if you have a big old plot of land in which this stunning creature can roam, and you can somehow source one, you will still have to pay $9,000 for the privilege. Those gorgeous stripes and the adults’ spiral horns might look superb, but this Kenyan Bambi is perhaps best left in its original habitat, rather than your back yard. Even if yours is expansive, this beast is still expensive.
Chinese Crested Dogs
These teensy little dogs only weigh about 10-12 pounds and have fine bones, so you would need to handle with care if you got one as a pet. They are clever, energetic and and loving – like many dogs. However, unlike your average mutt, they’re pretty stubborn and can be snappy little critters if not well trained as puppies. Given their intelligence though, they will respond well to training if you put in the effort.
If that doesn’t rule them out as potential pets, maybe the $5,000 fee to purchase one might. Oh, and they are mostly hairless … so they’ll need a couple of coats for winter and plenty of sun cream if you end up with the hair-free variety. Those with fur are called powderpuffs, and they too come with needs – namely regular grooming to care for their long, soft coat.
Pacific Bluefin Tunas
OK, most people will think of tinned tuna or a juicy tuna steak when the topic of tuna comes up. However, if you are seriously considering one as a pet rather than a food, you’ll need to have a good few dollars stashed away. In 2019, Japanese sushi tycoon Kiyoshi Kimura made headlines by forking out a staggering $3.1 million for a gargantuan bluefin tuna weighing 612 pounds..
This is an extreme example, but the Pacific Bluefin is at great risk due to overfishing. For sushi lovers especially, this variety of tuna is the gold standard, but even so, a pound of wild-caught bluefin tuna will now cost at least $20. So if you were contemplating one as a pet, you’d have to pay over the odds – and then be able to house it. That would warrant a big old tank – they cross the Pacific to breed.
Sheepdogs
To look at your average Sheepdog, also known as a Bordie Collie, you might not think it would be pricey. It’s not exotic or unusual looking, after all. Plenty of dogs are smart and can be taught a variety of tricks, but the sheepdog is thought to be the most intelligent. Combined with their energy and desire to please, they are considered the elite herding dog for farmers and ranchers the world over. Don’t confuse them with the Old English Sheepdog variety, though.
It is this hard work ethic and supreme trainability that makes them so coveted as working dogs, and as a result the price of one can be as much as $15,000. Add in their loyalty and affection to their owners and families, and you’ve got a great pet as well as the ideal dog to round up your sheep – or potentially other livestock. They are also not in short supply, unlike some other varieties of dog.
Rhesus Macaques
As with other monkeys, the idea of keeping one as a pet might seem cute on paper, but the reality is likely to be quite different. Rhesus macaque monkeys are not known to be especially aggressive, but that doesn’t mean they are absolutely safe. As with any pet, you should treat them with respect and provide the right conditions for them to thrive.
Given that the cost of a rhesus macaque is going to be around $4,000, and the fact that the EcoHealth Alliance lists them as one of the worst exotic pets you can own, it might be prudent to look at alternative pet options. A bite from a rhesus macaque can give you Herpes B, which causes cold sores, and worse, swelling of the brain. Not such a appealing prospect now, is it.
Angus Bulls
Perhaps a bull might not seem like the ideal pet – but you could still own one, if you were inclined to. Bulls don’t come cheap, although it can depend on the breed you’re contemplating. An Angus bull might be the higher end of the wedge, though, and in the context of agricultural livestock, the quality of their breeding potential can be worth big sums.
One of the more famous bulls was sold in 2019 for $1.5 million, to a former advisor of one recent President’s administration, the most expensive bull in history to date. Apparently, the cost of this bull was down to the perceived value of its semen, which in breeding terms is the crème de la crème of reproductive juices. Maybe not one for your list of possible pets.
Pastel Butter Stripe Ball Pythons
Ball pythons are favored as pets due to their docile nature and their limited size, with the full length no more than around five feet. They are widely kept for these qualities and their relatively low price, from as little as $60 and the top end being around $200. That doesn’t seem like much for a pet snake that has such personable attributes.
However, if it’s specifically the pastel butter stripe variety that you’re looking to own, then you’ll have to find quite a few more dollars. Due to the define coloring and markings that give this ball python its nomenclature, it is naturally quite rare. Inevitably that makes it costly, to the tune of around $7,500. It is very cool, though – top bananas, as ball pythons go.
Chow Chows
There are so many different kinds of dog in the world, and dogs are popular as pets the world over, with an estimated 470 million kept as companion animals globally. With such a varieties – over 450 recognized kinds, how do you choose? Well, the cost is certainly one way to approach that.
Chow Chows are perhaps not well known as dogs, and definitely not as popular. They have a reputation for being aloof, and sometimes aggressive to other dogs, but they can also be loving and affectionate to the right owner. However, if you are keen to own one, be warned – they’re not the cheapest choice. Depending on the breeder and the bloodline, you can expect to pay around $1200-$2000.
Giant Pandas
OK, chances are you couldn’t own a giant panda even if you wanted to, for various reasons. Although they’re no longer considered endangered, the entire population of pandas is owned by China. These stunning creatures are definitely the priciest zoo species, and it’s not possible to obtain one unless you are a registered conservation organization.
OK, so that pretty much rules out your chances of ownership – unless you’re going to set up your own zoo, that is. Plus zoos often have to pay a leasing fee to host giant pandas, which can be up to $1 million a year. Oh, and if baby pandas are born, the zoo has to pay a fee of $600,000 to China. Pretty pricey for a bamboo-munching bear.
Azawakhs
Never heard of this unusually named dog? Not surprising if you haven’t, as they’re pretty rare. Slender and tall, they were originally used by nomadic tribes to hunt gazelle. Nowadays you might see them in dog shows as they’re elegant and beautiful to watch, with the American Kennel Society describing them as “so lean and rangy that [their] bone structure and musculature can plainly be seen beneath [their] skin.”
They’re super sprinters and like most dogs, very affectionate and loyal. Of course the price of one of these sighthounds might be a tad off-putting. Dogs can be expensive, but an Azawakh is steeply priced at around $9,500.
Kangaroos
There are 12 different states in the US that will allow you to have a pet kangaroo if you want. Yippee, you might think – but maybe think again, as kangaroos are big, strong, throw a heck of a punch and can be unpredictable. Oh, and like any animal, they can get more expensive to care for as they get older, and the vet’s bills creep up.
Of course, all of that is probably moot, given the price you would have to pay to buy one. Not as pricey as their smaller relatives, wallabies, nonetheless the $3,000 it will cost to get yourself one might be enough of a reason to stop contemplating it before you get yourself the requisite kit for owning one. That might be as much of a sucker punch as a grumpy kanga can throw.
Muscovy Duck(s)
You may not be familiar with Muscovy ducks. If you are, you might question why these ducks are listed on this particular topic. The average Muscovy duckling will sell for around $5 – hardly big bucks. As pets go, ducks aren’t known to be especially tricky or expensive creatures. However, the world’s most expensive duck sold for approximately $2,000 at an auction in the UK in 2012.
It’s a cute story, relating to the duck in question, known as Big Dave. The owner of the aforementioned duck had reluctantly put him and the other birds up for sale, but his fellow breeders had formed a secret syndicate to buy Big Dave. When they won the auction for £1,500 (around $2,000), the syndicate gifted Big Dave back to his owner, the (understandably emotional) Graham Hicks.
Mexican Jade Fuego Tarantula
Apologies if you’re terrified of spiders … there are lots of arachnophobes out there, but this incredibly expensive tarantula had to make the list. If you are a fan of these hairy creatures, you can lay your hands on one of the more common kinds for as little as $25, which isn’t too bad if you’re mad keen on them (although you’ll need all the kit to go with it).
However, not all tarantulas are born – or priced – equal. Like so many creatures, some are an astonishing amount of money. The top of the tree for these big, hairy arachnids is the Mexican Jade Fuego Tarantula, native to Mexico, and you’ll look to pay about $3,000 for one. Even though they are deemed very calm and therefore great for beginners, the high price will likely rule it out for most of us. Well, that, and the fact that it’s a tarantula. Eek!
