Non-Traditional Pets in the UK
In the UK, animals like cats and dogs often steal the spotlight, yet there is a fascinating array of non-traditional pets that deserve more attention, especially in TV, film and popular culture. These unique animals not only make amazing companions but also bring a fresh and intriguing dynamic to our screens.
There has been an explosion of exotic pets in the UK, with the latest UK Pet Food survey estimating that in 2024, the UK is home to 3.7 million non-native exotic animals like birds, snakes and tortoises; this number has rapidly risen by 19 per cent in the past year alone.
So what are the top ten alternative pets in the UK? Here’s The Animal Talent’s list of the ten most popular non-traditional companions and why we think they should be featured more prominently in media
1: Ferrets
Ferrets are playful, intelligent, and endlessly curious animals. Their slender, agile bodies and mischievous personalities make them perfect for dynamic, energetic roles on screen. With their ability to learn tricks and the way they interact beautifully with humans, ferrets can add a lively element to many a production. They can add humour to comedies, feature in dramatic roles and their agile bodies can demonstrate dramatic sporting prowess. You name it, ferrets can do it. Let’s not forget that they’re cute and cuddly too.
2: Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs, with their adorable faces and spiky exteriors, are both charming and unique. They’re making a dramatic rise in the pet world in the UK. These nocturnal creatures are perfect for roles requiring a touch of whimsy or mystery. Their distinct appearance and gentle nature make them ideal for creating memorable and endearing characters in family-friendly films and TV shows. In the pet world, African Pygmy Hedgehogs have had an explosion of interest and are rapidly growing as one of the most loved exotic animals. They have a variety of colours (well over thirty variations) and are supremely clever. They’re adorable, cute and wonderful in every way!
3: Leopard Geckos
Leopard geckos are small, colorful lizards known for their calm demeanor and striking patterns. Considered a “beginner’s reptile” for those entering the reptile keeping hobby, these lizards are considered to be easy to care for, though as with any animal, they need the correct husbandry to thrive. What’s great about leopard geckos is that they can be easily trained to interact with handlers, making them excellent for close-up shots and educational programs. Their exotic look can bring a touch of the wild to any production and the variety of their colours means they are beautiful in appearance and really grab the attention of the audience.
4: Tarantula
Tarantulas, with their large, hairy bodies and formidable presence, can add an element of suspense or intrigue to any scene in film and TV. Despite their fearsome reputation, tarantulas are generally docile and can be safely handled by experienced trainers. They are perfect for roles in horror, thriller, or adventure genres. In the last year alone here at The Animal Talent, we have worked with tarantulas on game shows, social media shorts, live events and a TV series of the suspense thriller genre. They are a very versatile creature, full of fun, excitement and fascination. Coming in many different colours and sizes, we always love wowing audiences with their impressive movement and appearance.
5: Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons are friendly and docile reptiles with a prehistoric appearance. This species of lizard is one of the most loved in the reptile world; they’re often known as “the dogs of the lizard species” because of the way they interact with their human owners and their love of training.
Their ability to form bonds with humans and display unique behaviors makes them a fascinating pet. They always attract attention at educational shows and exotic handling experiences. Being so dinosaur-like, they command attention on our screens, bringing a sense of adventure and exotic appeal to TV series and films alike. They’re a super fun pet because of the way they interact with humans and the way they move around. They’re easy to work with in a professional environment and love to have an adventure of their own!
6: Tortoises
Tortoises, with their slow, deliberate movements and ancient aura (many species live over 100 years), can add a sense of wisdom and longevity to any story. These gentle reptiles (chelonia to be exact) are perfect for roles requiring a calm and contemplative presence. Their unique shells and serene demeanor make them memorable characters in both live-action and animated productions. We love to work with a variety of tortoise species, from the smaller kinds (such as the Hermann’s Tortoise) to the larger, hugely impressive Sulcatas and Leopards. We often see tortoises in comedy roles or factual entertainment and animal documentaries; we’d simply love to see them in more roles on TV.
7: Alpaca
Alpacas are friendly, social animals known for their soft, fluffy coats and expressive faces. They bring a touch of pastoral charm everywhere they go. Their gentle nature and curious personalities make them perfect for family-oriented stories or heartwarming tales . We work with a variety of alpaca of all different colours and personalities. Our alpacas take part in visitor experiences, attend theatrical events, themed parties and more. Audiences everywhere love them. They have a special glint in their eyes that is cute, curious, funny and sometimes nonplussed! We just love seeing them on our screens whether it’s in rural settings or an urban film location; they’re a hardy animal that is a blast to work alongside.
8: Rats
Rats are supremely intelligent, highly trainable, and surprisingly affectionate creatures. Their ability to perform tricks and navigate complex environments makes them excellent for a variety of acting roles. Rats represent cunning, clever and resourceful characters that has been fabled throughout time. Rats can bring an element of surprise and ingenuity to both live-action and animated films. But we don’t want to just see them portrayed as naughty cartoon characters; we’d love people to appreciate them as the cute and cuddly pets that they are in real life. They form a real bond with their humans and we love seeing this portrayed in the media.
9: Royal Python
Royal pythons, sometimes known as ball pythons due to their propensity to curl up in a ball, are calm and non-aggressive snakes with striking patterns. Through selective breeding over their years in captivity, they now come in a variety of colour variations, referred to as ‘morphs’ in the reptile world. Royal Pythons have a serene presence and their fascinating movement is almost hypnotic. They are the perfect snake to work with because of their calm temperament; they’re not too big and not too small. Their impressive behaviors make them perfect for adding an exotic and mysterious touch to any production. They are ideal for roles in adventure, fantasy, or even horror. This fascinating species is a well loved pet across the UK kept by children and adults alike.
10: Axolotls
Axolotls are unique amphibians known for their regenerative abilities and perpetual larval state. Their unusual appearance and underwater habitat make them perfect for fantasy or sci-fi roles; they definitely don’t look like they could be a creature from the planet Earth! Axolotls hit the big time when they were featured in the gaming world (thanks Minecraft) and their rise as pets has seen a huge explosion, though we feel that they’re not for novice keepers; they require expert care. They’re super cute and are fascinating to watch; with this they make fascinating film subjects, capturing the imagination of viewers young and old.
So, if you’re bored of seeing the same old cats and dogs in your commercials or all over social media maybe it’s time to consider something a little different.
Non-traditional pets bring a refreshing and unique element to TV and film, offering new ways to engage and captivate audiences. From the playful antics of ferrets to the fear factor or spiders and the mysterious allure of snakes, these animals can enrich storytelling and add depth to characters and settings. By incorporating these fascinating creatures into media productions, producers can create unforgettable and dynamic content that stands out in the crowded world of entertainment.
