Small animals are a significant source of meat in rural areas during times of food shortage or when there are sudden unexpected food requirements for ceremonies. This paper assesses the potential, opportunities and constraints in rearing small animals for integrated rural development in East Nusa Tenggara based on experiences and a review of studies. It finds that small animals such as goats, sheep, chickens, pigs and ducks are potentially a major component of integrated rural development. However, given that farmers generally have low education levels, the paper rightly points to a need for continuing advice and guidance to develop agribusiness acumen. The authors suggest that programs for rearing small animals in rural areas should be managed within a cooperative system with diversification activities, and sustained with wise management based on agribusiness principles. They also highlight the need for cooperation from supporting and skilled partners in order to ameliorate problems and realise opportunities. This review is useful for developing the potential of small animal husbandry in East Nusa Tenggara, particularly for farmers, partnerships and activities models.