Top 7 Most Expensive Pets on the Planet: Only the Super-Rich Dare to Spend Over $1 Billion on a Pet

Thoroughbred Racehorse

Horse racing and riding have been elegant pastimes of the aristocracy and upper class. Today, this hobby has become popular among many people. However, owning a horse is not something everyone can do. Raising a good horse is costly, but it pales in comparison to selecting a thoroughbred racehorse as a pet. These racehorses are rare and have “sky-high” prices thanks to their perfect build and lightning speed. Besides pedigree, strength, and speed, factors like the breeding location, the horse’s reputation, and even the broker’s fame can significantly increase a horse’s value. According to American horse enthusiasts, the average price of a newborn thoroughbred is about $20 million . The most expensive horse in the world to date is Fusaichi Pegasus, sold for up to $70 million  after winning the annual Kentucky Derby in 2000. To this day, no racehorse has surpassed the “legend of the racing world” title held by Fusaichi Pegasus.

Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the “noble” dog breeds and one of the largest in the world. This breed originates from Nepal and China. A fully grown Tibetan Mastiff can weigh up to 160kg and stand 84cm tall. Tibetan Mastiffs are very alert and intelligent. Today, Tibetan Mastiffs have been successfully bred in Vietnam. However, the number of owners is limited due to their high price and partly due to their aggressive nature. In the local market, a 2-month-old mixed Tibetan Mastiff costs around 1 million USD. Older dogs are priced higher. Imported Tibetan Mastiffs are extremely expensive, ranging from $8,000 to $10,000 if imported from Europe or America. A super purebred Tibetan Mastiff imported from Tibet can cost up to $582,000 or even more. This price continues to rise due to customer demand and the rarity of purebred Tibetan Mastiffs. History records that in 2012, a giant Tibetan Mastiff at the second Northern Tibetan Mastiff Exhibition in China was valued at over 99 billion VND. This is the highest price ever recorded for a Tibetan Mastiff.

White Lion

Owning a lion is no longer unusual, but choosing a white lion as a pet is something not everyone can do. This lion species was first discovered in 1938 and became famous for its rarity. White lions are believed to originate from the Timbavati region of South Africa. They are revered by locals as gods due to their beautiful appearance. Although some believe white lions cannot survive in the wild, they currently live in zoos and are sometimes reintroduced into the wild. This is a rare variant, and their unique beauty and scarcity have driven their price up to $138,000  in 2012.

Lavender Albino Python

Despite their frightening red eyes and unique yellow patches, these albino ball pythons are beloved and highly sought after. They are one of the smallest known African pythons. If you are looking for an expensive pet to stand out from the rest, this could be a perfect choice. Like white lions, Lavender Albino Pythons are a product of recessive genes. Their yellow patches and red eyes make them one of the most beautiful pythons in the world. In 2016, Lavender Albino Pythons were considered the world’s most expensive pets, priced at up to $40,000  each.

Savannah Cat

Savannah cats are a rare breed that looks like a cheetah. With a slim, flexible body and an elegant, powerful demeanor, this cat breed can captivate any owner. Savannah cats are also known for their intelligence and loyalty, often likened to dogs in the form of a cat. Because of their outstanding characteristics, Savannah cats are not cheap. Depending on their purity, breeding location, certification, health, and weight, Savannah cats have various prices. Currently, this breed is usually imported from Thailand and Indonesia at about $1,000 . An F1 Savannah cat costs over $50,000 , and you must order them in advance through trading platforms or brokers.

Palm Cockatoo

Palm Cockatoos are large parrots with smoky gray feathers and striking red crests. Originating from New Guinea and Australia, they are among the most beautiful crested parrots in the world. When standing upright, they reach a height of 55 to 60 cm. This parrot species is also very expensive. In 2014, Palm Cockatoos caused a stir in the pet world, priced at $14,000 . By 2019, owning an adult Palm Cockatoo required up to $16,000 . These parrots are expensive due to their beautiful crests, stylish appearance, and distinctive black or gray feathers, making them stand out from other pets.

De Brazza’s Monkey

De Brazza’s Monkey is one of the rarest monkey species that can be kept as pets. However, owning one in Europe or North America could lead to criminal prosecution. This monkey species originates from Africa and has an average lifespan of 22 years. In 2019, the price for a De Brazza’s Monkey ranged from $7,000 to $10,000 . Despite their high cost, the wealthy are willing to pay for their rarity. De Brazza’s Monkeys are valued for their rarity, and their unique facial expressions that change according to their mood.

These are the super expensive pets, truly for the wealthy. Would you be willing to spend billions to own one of these special pets?