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Indeed, for many Americans, man’s best furry friend still tops the list on America’s most wanted pets list.

It would be surprising for you to know though that coming into second place is no longer your typical housecat, guinea pig, goldfish, or rabbit.

The newcomer to the pet list has a name that seems to be a random mix from the alphabet, quite similar to an assigned password off a website too!

Folks, meet the AXOLOTL!

The Axo Whutt??

Yes, you read it right. The Axolotl (pronounced as ak-suh-laa-tl) is an amphibian (to be more precise, a salamander) that is seen only in the lake Xochimilco near Mexico City.

Unlike other salamanders though, the natural habitat of the axolotl is in the water. In fact, it can only survive in water, surfacing only on very rare occasions when necessary.

They are predators that feed on mollusks, worms, larvae, crustaceans, and some types of fish. They can live up to 15 years and can grow up to 12 inches in length.

The population of the axolotl though is in a decline due to the fact that they are caught as part of the aquarium trade and they also are served as a delicacy in Mexico.

There are some states that prohibit keeping axolotls as pets, although most states do allow it.

Because of the Axo’s unusual features, and probably due to their rarity, they are slowly growing to be a popular pet for many households.

Axolotls are also quite easy to take care of and are not as high maintenance as other pets.

Not Your Typical Pets

Joining the axolotl are other unusual pet breeds that are in demand.

In the 2020 list, ferrets and bearded dragons too have come up as the most searched pets on Google.

Ferrets are said to be fun-loving animals that can easily form a bond with their owners.

Bearded dragons, on the other hand, are quite similar to the iguana. They share similar features and behavior, except that they don’t grow to the same size as iguanas do. This makes them ideal pets for reptile lovers.

Snakes have also slithered their way into the top ten pet list. Indeed, reptiles are slowly gaining popularity as an alternative for pet lovers out there.

And then there are the usual ones…

Exotic ideals aside, dogs are still considered to be the most sought-after pets. They still top the list with almost two and a half million people searching about dogs between July 2020 and July 2021.

Where there are dogs, there are cats. The felines make it on the third spot right behind the axolotl.

Fur seems to continuously make it to the list with rabbits and guinea pigs still making it to the top ten.

Fur, scales and shells are not the only ones though. Parrots have also made it to the list of the most in-demand pets, which just goes to show that even feathers put in weight when it comes to popularity.

10 Most Wanted Pets in America

1. Dog
2. Axolotl
3. Cat
4. Ferret
5. Bearded Dragon
6. Parrot
7. Rabbit
8. Turtle
9. Guinea Pig
10. Snake

Pets have been known to ease anxiety and tension. Getting stuck at home, not to mention the added stress that the pandemic has caused, may be one of the many reasons why this has been a trend in the past year.

Whether it’s fur, scales, shells, or feathers, the past year has shown an increase in the desire for pets in the household.

Here’s to hoping that as people start getting back to their daily routines, these pets continue to feel the affection and care that they deserve.

What are your thoughts on the top 10 most popular pets in America? Did you adopt a new pet this year? Share your thoughts below!

Nicole

Nicole Etolen is a freelance writer, blogger. She currently has two cats and a dog, both of which lived in harmony with her two guinea pigs for years.
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