If you want a pet but aren’t sure what kind to get, consider one of the animals on this list. From a low-maintenance fish to independent cats, there’s something for everyone here.
Small mammals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters are relatively easy pets to raise. All they need is a little food and clean living space.
1. Sea Monkeys
Sea Monkeys are a familiar sight in toy stores and novelty shops, and while they may be out of style for adults, they’re still beloved by kids. These little creatures were the first entry-level pets to gain popularity and are fun for children to watch grow.
They’re also very inexpensive and easy to raise. One package should last a family quite a while and they don’t require a lot of toys, vet visits or fancy tanks like some other pet choices.
The only downside is that if the tank water smells bad or appears cloudy, it should be drained and replaced. The algae that forms in the tank is actually a good thing; it helps the Sea Monkeys thrive by providing them with food and oxygen. If the algae grows on the sides of the tank, it can be rubbed off with a cotton swab.
2. Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs, commonly known as cavy (or Cavia Tschuldi), are social animals that can be tamed with careful, gentle handling. They make great pets for children.
They like to chew, so it is important that their cages have plenty of hay and roughage for them to chew on. A constant supply of hay also helps prevent overgrowth of the teeth.
The bedding should be soft and absorbent, such as fleece or a paper-based small animal bedding. Wood shavings are not recommended as they can cause gastrointestinal problems.
Guinea pigs are prey species that like to hide, so the cage should have many places for them to do this. They may urinate and defecate during the handling process from stress and movement, so it is recommended that you keep a clean cage. Water should be available at all times, either from a bottle or a water dish.
3. Rabbits
Known for their long ears and the ability to hop using their hind legs, rabbits are a popular pet in many countries. These animals are generally considered to be easy to raise as they require a lot less attention than some other pets, such as birds.
These small mammals are members of the lagomorph order, which also includes hares and pikas. They can rotate their ears a full 180 degrees to help pinpoint the source of sound.
They are usually considered to be a low-maintenance pet and can live for 10 years. They eat a mixture of grass, vegetables, and fruit as well as water. Their only other requirement is a clean, comfortable cage and litter tray. This makes them a great choice for families with children or those who have a limited amount of time to spend caring for their pet.
4. Hamsters
Hamsters are a great option for kids as they require little care beyond feeding and cleaning the cage. They are nocturnal so don’t expect to interact with them much during the daytime.
They are a member of the rodent subfamily Cricetinae and can range in size from dwarf hamsters (Phodopus) to Syrian hamsters or “teddy bear hamsters” that grow up to 6 inches long. They are typically stout-bodied with tails shorter than their body length and short, stocky legs with wide feet. Their thick fur can be black, grey, yellow, red, white or a mix of colors.
One interesting fact about hamsters is that they are able to hibernate during cold temperatures. They do so by staying in their burrow and blocking the entrance with soil and waking up once per week for food. They are one of the few mammals that can do this.
5. Tortoises
Tortoises are quiet, low maintenance pets. They can live in a glass aquarium or a plastic tub and will thrive on dirt that’s free of pesticides, just as they do in the wild. They love digging, and their feet are shaped like elephants’ with flat claws for gripping the ground.
Because tortoises are ectothermic, they must bask for an hour or two each morning to absorb the sun’s heat to regulate their body temperature. They should also have regular exposure to artificial UV in their enclosures, but not so much that they get burned or overheated.
Be sure to feed them a balanced diet that includes plenty of greens and supplemental vitamins. Check their diets regularly for deficiencies, which usually show up as listlessness accompanied by weight loss and raspy breathing. These can be corrected with a little research and proper nutrition.
6. Goldfish
If you want a pet that is cheap and easy to raise, a goldfish may be right for you. These fish typically only require a small bowl, daily feeding and occasional water changes.
Goldfish eat a variety of foods including high quality fish flakes, pellets made from dried peas, blanched green leafy vegetables, frozen adult brine shrimp and blood worms. They also enjoy fresh or cooked kale, collard greens and zucchini.
Goldfish are tetrachromats, meaning they can see four colors including ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths. This allows them to detect predators and prey by water reflection. Goldfish are a good choice for first-time pet owners because they are more tolerant to water quality fluctuations than other fish. They also do well with tank mates.
7. Chinchillas
Chinchillas, related to guinea pigs and porcupines, look like small-eared rabbits or mini kangaroos. They have short front legs and long hind legs, and their fur can be a range of colors from white to pearl gray. They are nocturnal and crepuscular, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk.
In the wild, chinchillas are herbivores that feed on a variety of plants, seeds and vegetables. As pets, a diet of chinchilla pellets, hay and vegetables will keep them happy and healthy. They also need gnaw on things to wear down their constantly growing teeth, so provide them with wooden sticks or chew toys.
These fast-moving creatures require a cage with a hide box for sleep time and a wheel for exercise. They chatter a lot, too, using ten different sounds to express themselves. When well cared for, chinchillas can live up to 10 years.
8. Hermit Crabs
Although hermit crabs are interesting pets, they can be a bit difficult for beginners. In their natural habitat, hermit crabs have evolved to scavenge food. This makes them opportunistic and they will eat both plant and animal matter.
They also use their gills for breathing and require a humid environment, which can be easily achieved by misting the tank regularly. Their terrarium should have 2 water dishes (one for fresh and one for saltwater) that are deep enough for them to submerge themselves in and should be filled with dechlorinated water and marine aquarium salt.
Line the terrarium with 2 to 3 inches of silica play sand or soil and provide hiding places and safe climbing toys like branches, half logs, driftwood, shells and Catappa leaves. Hermit crabs love a variety of foods including fruit, especially pineapple, apples and pears, as well as cooked meat, eggs and raw seafood.
9. Gerbils
Gerbils are social creatures that become tame with gentle handling and regular food rewards. Hand-taming gerbils can take a few weeks of regular interactions and feeding, as well as cleaning the cage.
Gerbils should be handled only by adults, as children lack the fine motor control and self-restraint needed to handle small animals safely. Moreover, young children can accidentally drop or squeeze gerbils to the point of injury or death.
Provide a gerbil with a habitat that gives them opportunities to dig, hoard, and explore. Supplement this environment with a commercial diet formulated for gerbils, and provide daily fresh water. Be sure to disinfect the cage regularly to avoid disease and keep the bedding material clean. The bedding should be a light material such as plain shredded facial tissue or paper products marketed for use as pet bedding.
10. Dogs
If you're looking for a pet that is easy to raise and fits in with your lifestyle, dogs are a great choice. They are obedient, intelligent, and respond well to positive training and routines.
Labrador Retrievers are America's favorite dog for a reason - they love to learn and want nothing more than to please their owners. Shetland sheepdogs are sensitive herding breeds that are naturally obedient and focus on their owners.
Poodles are a beautiful and highly intelligent breed that is a breeze to train. They come in three sizes (standard, miniature and toy), are hypoallergenic and adapt easily to living conditions. They also enjoy clicker training and can pick up on tricks quickly. This makes them the perfect addition to a family!
