You might not think of a camel as being a fun pet to have around, but you’d be wrong. Darby Acres Farm shared an adorable video of their 12-year-old camel, Howie, and some of his daily enrichment activities, and it’s proof that camels really do act like big puppies sometimes!
Watch as Howie plays with a cardboard box, a dog bed, his emotional support pillow, and a toy box. He loves playing with all of them, so try to guess which is his favorite. We loved his box helmet, and when he tried to fit into his new “king-sized” bed!
Darby Acres’ ratings for Howie’s enrichment activities were on point! He’s like a big, lovable goofball, and we can’t wait to see more of his daily antics!
We laughed when one commenter pointed out, “Some days are helmet days…”, and again when commenter @Tara Pantera shared, “It was so satisfying when he got all of his little knee knobs on the bed.” @Purple Rose suggested, “Maybe a twin mattress?” instead of the big dog bed that’s clearly too small for him!
Related: Camel Trying to Make Friends with Herd of Horses Has Everyone in Stitches
Do Camels Make Good Pets?
Many people describe camels as goofy horses, and after watching Howie’s antics, we understand why! Camels may seem like unusual pets to have, and they are considered exotic pets. If you’re considering a pet camel, they are legal in most states, thought restrictions vary. Many states require a certain amount of land for them to roam and be kept on before issuing a permit.
Camels are highly intelligent and very social, and much like horses, they love being around people and other animals. They stand six feet high or more at their hump, weighing in at 800 to 1,400 pounds. They can live 40 to 50 years, so know that if you bring home a camel, it’s a pet you’ll have for years to come.
Camels eat and drink less than horses and can go long periods of time without either, according to Koalapets.com, but you should still plan to budget about $250 a month for their food. And be prepared to be entertained because they can be very funny animals!
This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Jan 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.