UK Councils Warn: The Exotic Pet Boom Is Here—And It’s Messy

Have you spotted a bearded dragon in your neighbourhood recently? A surge in exotic pet ownership across the UK has councils scrambling to cope, with the British Veterinary Association’s 2025 Pet Ownership Report revealing a 34% increase in exotic animal registrations since 2022. From ball pythons to sugar gliders, unusual creatures are becoming as common as goldfish—but their care demands are worlds apart. In this article you’ll discover why councils are concerned, which exotic pets are causing the most problems, and what you need to know before bringing an exotic animal home.