How to Care for a Pet Wallaroo

With looks somewhat like a large wallaby or a small kangaroo, a wallaroo is certainly not your typical pet! Wallaroos make fascinating and loving companions, though they take a little more care than a dog or a cat. With a little research and preparation, though, you can provide a wallaroo with a life that any animal would love to lead.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Learn about wallaroos as pets before you bring one home. Ask the breeder questions before you adopt and research wallaroos by reading such books as “Macropods: Their Care, Breeding and the Rearing of Their Young” by David McCauley, which you can purchase online.

2. Find a local veterinarian before you bring your new wallaroo home. A veterinarian with wallaroo or wallaby experience would be best, but may be difficult to locate. Instead, talk to veterinarians to judge their comfort level and ability to work with your new pet.

3. Feed your wallaroo the proper diet. The breeder you adopt your wallaroo from or your veterinarian can help you make the proper food selection. See the related eHow “How to Feed a Pet Wallaroo” for more information.

4. Create outdoor shelter for your wallaroo. A well-insulated shed with a sturdy floor will provide a good feeding station in all weather and will give the wallaroo a place to get out of the wind, rain or sun.

5. Provide adequate space for your wallaroo. A wallaroo needs a large outdoor area for exercise and play, and should never be caged or crated except for travel. A secure, six-foot fence will ensure that your wallaroo will not be found hopping around the neighborhood.

6. Wallaroo-proof your house. Wallaroos can spend part of their day indoors, but they will jump on any surface they can reach. Coffee tables, chairs, countertops and even the inside of cabinets are fair game for a wallaroo! Make sure all parts of your home that your wallaroo can reach are free of breakable items, even surfaces that are higher than you think a wallaroo might jump.

7. Provide love and attention to your wallaroo. Wallaroos are social creatures and enjoy active playtime with owners. They also love spending a cozy evening quietly cuddling up with their favorite people.

8. Make a commitment to living with your wallaroo for his entire life. Wallaroos live up to 17 years and become strongly bonded to their owners. It’s difficult for a wallaroo to adjust to a new home, so treat your wallaroo as a real member of the family. You will be rewarded with incomparable wallaroo love!

Tips & Warnings

• Neuter a male wallaroo that you want to keep as a pet. Unaltered males can be dangerous.
• Use a solid fence to contain your wallaroo outdoors rather than chain link or livestock fence, especially if you live in an area with dogs. Wallaroos are easily frightened by strange dogs and can also be frightened by curious children!
• Take care in raising a wallaroo with cats. Toxoplasmosis is a disease that can be transmitted in cat feces and is fatal for wallaroos.
• Never leave your wallaroo unsupervised in your house. Watch your wallaroo to make sure he stays safe.