I've had a snake (Florida Kingsnake) and a green iguana. They aren't pets in the same way my dogs (and previously, cats) are. Although I handled the snake occaisionally and she wasn't mean-spirited (except to mice), it was more of a enjoy her looks pet, much like a fish aquarium. The iguana was similar but more interactive. Mine was actually real friendly (some are just mean and hard to handle/deal with) and would hang out near you on the couch, sit on your shoulder, etc.
We have a chinchilla if that's considered exotic. Basically a fancy rabbit. The thing is basically pointless but it was free and were trying to teach our 12 year-old responsibility. Not working.