Can You Have an Axolotl as a Pet? The Honest Truth from Real Owners

Abdul Wasay Khatri | Administrator

Last updated: 26 January, 2026

So you’ve seen those adorable smiling salamanders on social media and now you’re wondering: can I actually keep one as a pet?

The short answer is yes, you can. But before you run out and buy one, let’s talk about what owning an axolotl really means. We’re going to be straight with you because too many people get axolotls without knowing what they’re signing up for.

Are Axolotls Legal Where You Live?

First things first: check your local laws.

Axolotls are illegal in some places:

• California (banned completely)
• Maine (banned completely)
• New Jersey (requires a permit)
• Virginia (requires a permit)
• Some other states have restrictions

Why? They’re endangered in the wild and some states worry about them getting into local waterways. Always check your state and city laws before getting one.

In most places, though, they’re perfectly legal and you can buy them from pet stores or breeders.

What Makes Axolotls Different from Regular Pets

Here’s what you need to understand: axolotls are NOT like having a goldfish or a hamster.

They’re cold-blooded creatures that need very specific conditions. Get one thing wrong and they get sick fast.

Unlike a dog or cat that can adapt to your home, you have to adapt your home to the axolotl. They can’t compromise on their needs.

The Cool Parts About Owning an Axolotl

Let’s start with why people love these little water dragons:

They’re cute and weird. That permanent smile and those frilly gills make them look like cartoon characters. Every time someone sees our tanks, they can’t believe axolotls are real animals.

They have personality. Our axolotls recognize us and get excited at feeding time. Some even have favorite spots in the tank they hang out in. They’re more interactive than you’d expect.

They can regenerate body parts. If they lose a leg or damage their gills, they just grow it back. It’s like having a tiny superhero in your house.

They live a long time. With proper care, expect 10-15 years. That’s longer than most small pets.

They’re quiet. No barking, no chirping, no noise at all. Perfect for apartments.

Low maintenance compared to mammals. No daily walks, no litter boxes, no grooming appointments.

The Hard Parts Nobody Warns You About

Now for the reality check. Here’s what makes axolotls challenging:

The temperature thing is serious. Axolotls need water between 60-64°F. Most homes are 70-75°F. That means you might need an expensive chiller ($200-500) just to keep them alive. We spent $350 on our chiller and it runs constantly in summer.

You can’t skip water changes. Miss a week and ammonia builds up fast. Your axolotl could die. This is a pet that doesn’t forgive mistakes.

They’re messy eaters. Axolotls poop a lot and their waste breaks down quickly. Your tank will get dirty faster than a regular fish tank.

Vet care is tricky. Most vets don’t know anything about axolotls. Finding an exotic vet who can help costs money and time. We drive 45 minutes to see ours.

You can’t travel easily. Going on vacation? Someone needs to feed your axolotl and do water changes. Not many people know how to care for them.

They’re expensive to set up. Between the tank, filter, chiller, test kits, and decorations, expect to spend $300-600 before even buying the axolotl.

They need live or frozen food. Earthworms, bloodworms, salmon pellets. You can’t just sprinkle fish flakes and call it a day.

Who Should Get an Axolotl?

Axolotls are great pets if you:

• Have the budget for proper equipment
• Live in a climate that stays cool (or can afford a chiller)
• Don’t mind doing water changes every week
• Want a pet you watch rather than hold
• Have space for a 30+ gallon tank
• Can commit to 10-15 years of care
• Like learning about water chemistry
• Have time to monitor water temperature daily

Who Should NOT Get an Axolotl?

Skip the axolotl if you:

• Want a pet your kids can hold and play with
• Can’t afford $300-600 upfront plus ongoing costs
• Live somewhere hot without AC
• Travel frequently for work
• Want a low-commitment pet
• Don’t have space for a large tank
• Get overwhelmed by water testing and maintenance
• Want instant gratification (cycling a tank takes 4-6 weeks)

The Money Talk

Let’s break down real costs:

Initial setup:

• Tank (30+ gallons): $50-150
• Filter: $30-100
• Chiller (if needed): $200-500
• Substrate (sand): $15-30
• Decorations and hides: $30-60
• Test kit: $25-40
• Thermometer: $5-15
• Water conditioner: $10-20
• Axolotl itself: $30-75

Total startup: $300-900

Monthly costs:

• Food: $10-20
• Water conditioner: $5
• Electricity (especially chiller): $20-50
• Water test supplies: $5

Total monthly: $40-75

Plus emergency vet visits can run $100-300 when needed.

What About Kids?

Parents ask us this all the time: are axolotls good pets for kids?

Our honest answer: it depends on the kid’s age and your involvement.

For young kids (under 10): No. They can’t do the water maintenance themselves and will want to hold the axolotl, which stresses it out. Plus they might forget to feed it or overfeed it.

For older kids (10-15): Maybe, with parent supervision. The kid needs to be responsible enough to test water, do changes on schedule, and monitor temperature daily. You’ll need to oversee everything and have backup plans.

For teens (16+): This can work well. They’re old enough to handle the responsibility and learn about water chemistry. Just make sure they understand the long-term commitment.

The biggest mistake we see: parents buying axolotls for kids who just think they’re cute. Two months later, the kid loses interest and the parent is stuck doing all the work.

Can You Bond with an Axolotl?

Sort of, but not like a dog or cat.

Axolotls will recognize you as the food person. They’ll swim up when you approach the tank. Some even take food from your hand (though we don’t recommend this often).

But they don’t want to be petted or held. They don’t play fetch. They’re observation pets.

If you want a pet that shows affection, get a dog. If you want a pet that’s fascinating to watch and care for, an axolotl might be perfect.

Common Myths We Need to Bust

Myth: Axolotls are beginner pets Truth: They’re beginner-friendly compared to saltwater fish, but they’re not as easy as a betta fish. They need specific care.

Myth: A small tank is fine Truth: They need 20 gallons minimum, but 30+ is better. Small tanks get toxic fast.

Myth: They can live with fish Truth: Bad idea. Fish nip their gills or become food. Axolotls only live with other axolotls.

Myth: Room temperature water is okay Truth: Room temp is usually too warm. They need cold water or they get sick and die.

Myth: They’re like fish and easy to care for Truth: They’re amphibians with different needs. More demanding than most fish.

Our Personal Experience

We’ve kept axolotls for five years now. Here’s what we wish someone told us at the start:

The first three months are the hardest. You’re learning water chemistry, figuring out the feeding schedule, and panicking every time they do something weird. We almost gave up twice.

But once you get the hang of it, it becomes routine. Water change Sundays, feeding every other day, quick temperature checks. It takes maybe 30 minutes a week once everything’s stable.

The payoff is watching these strange, beautiful creatures go about their lives. Our axolotl Mochi has lived with us for four years. She knows our routine and gets active when we come home from work. It’s a different kind of pet ownership, but it’s rewarding.

The Bottom Line

Can you have an axolotl as a pet? Yes.

Should you? That depends on your situation.

If you have the money, space, time, and genuine interest in aquatic pets, axolotls are amazing. They’re unique, relatively low-maintenance once set up, and live long lives.

But if you’re looking for a cheap, easy pet or something for young kids, look elsewhere. Get a hamster or a fish that doesn’t need cold water.

Do your research first. Read care guides. Join axolotl Facebook groups or Reddit communities. Watch videos about daily care. Make sure you understand what you’re getting into.

Too many axolotls end up sick or dead because people buy them on impulse. They’re living creatures that depend completely on you getting their care right.

If after reading all this you still want one, then welcome to the axolotl owner club. You’re in for something special.

Your Next Steps

If you’ve decided an axolotl is right for you:

1. Check your local laws
2. Set up and cycle your tank (4-6 weeks before getting the axolotl)
3. Test your cycling progress with a water test kit
4. Find a reputable breeder or store
5. Join online axolotl communities for support
6. Locate an exotic vet before you need one
7. Buy your axolotl only when the tank is fully cycled

Don’t rush it. Your future axolotl will thank you for taking the time to do things right.

Got questions about whether an axolotl is right for your situation? Drop them in the comments. We’re here to help you make the best decision for both you and the animal.

Abdul Wasay Khatri
Administrator
Abdul Wasay is the founder and lead author of Axolotl Portal, a trusted site for axolotl care. He spent almost nine months learning about axolotls, including their tanks, feeding, water care, and common health problems. His knowledge comes from trusted vets, research, and real experience from long term axolotl owners. All Posts by