Almost 60% of U.S. households as of the end of 2006 owned a pet.  Most were cats and dogs but others owned much more unusual pets like tarantulas, hedgehogs or spider monkeys.

Over the years, fads in animal ownership can go in and out of style like bell-bottom trousers.  ‘Must have’ pets have run the gamut from alpacas to Zambesi Parrotfish. Owning an alternative type of pet can be fun but it can also spell disaster for the animal as well as the owner.

Dr. Scott Weldy, a veterinarian who has treated all creatures great and small, from cheetahs to chimpanzees will chat with us about the perils, pitfalls and pleasures of owning some of the more exotic animals on our planet.

Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.