Whatever our differences, people love pets. Millions of people have cats, dogs or both, and consider these popular domesticated animals to be family members. Birds, fish, guinea pigs and even ferrets also are common in American homes, along with snakes and arachnids, despite the fact some people would rather play in traffic than have anything to do with a pet that slithers or walks on eight legs.

Exotic pets, oh my!

Then there are pet owners who favor companions from the wilder side of the animal kingdom. These individuals keep tigers, bears and other large exotic animals as pets, but often with tragic outcomes.