Choosing a pet that aligns with your lifestyle is a great place to start, especially if you’re looking for a companion that requires minimal maintenance. If you are a renter, check the policies on animal restrictions for your apartment complex. If you are a parent with a busy household, think about the best pet for your growing family. And finally, if you like to travel it might be best to find a pet that can be left overnight without feeding or supervision.
Here are some of the easiest pets to care for:
1. Turtles
Care: Feeding a few times throughout the week.
Additional considerations: Initial tank and proper environment setup might be expensive.
Turtles are noise-free, calm and don’t require much interaction. You will need a properly set up tank with both land and water areas, UVB lighting, and a balanced diet that may include commercial turtle food, vegetables, and occasional protein. Prepare for a regular tank cleaning to prevent shell and skin issues. Pet turtles usually don’t grow past a foot in length but they do live a very long time so take it under consideration.
2. Hamsters
Care: Clean water and pelleted food, clean cage regularly.
Additional considerations: Excellent, easy-to-care-for pet that is great for smaller children.
Hamsters are small, nocturnal rodents known for their independence and minimal care requirements. They thrive in a simple habitat equipped with a water bottle, food bowl, and exercise wheel. Feeding primarily involves pelleted food and occasionally fresh vegetables. Regular cleaning of their cage and providing toys for stimulation are key to their well-being. Hamsters don’t like to be held for a long time and generally self-entertain.
3. Betta Fish
Care: Clean water tank and water conditioner.
Food: Pellets or freeze-dried food specifically designed for bettas.
Betta fish are vibrant freshwater species ideal for beginners. They can be housed in small tanks, and the maintenance includes mostly feeding and keeping the tank clean. Male bettas are territorial and should be kept alone, while females can coexist peacefully. A balanced diet of fish pellets and occasional treats ensures their health.
4. Guinea Pigs
Care: Large care and clean bedding.
Additional considerations: Perfect for those with busy schedules as they need minimum maintenance.
Social and gentle, guinea pigs enjoy interaction and can even recognize their owners through their strong sense of smell. They require a spacious cage with proper bedding, fresh hay, and a diet rich in vegetables and fortified pellets. Regular handling and grooming, especially for long-haired breeds, keep them happy and healthy.
5. Chinchilla
Care: Well-ventilated cage, toys and bedding.
Additional considerations: It is illegal to house a wild chinchilla. You have to adopt a domesticated animal.
Chinchillas have soft fur and are relatively low-maintenance. They need a well-ventilated cage, specialized chinchilla pellets, and regular dust baths to maintain their coat. While they appreciate social interaction, they prefer not to be handled excessively. They are a great option for people with allergies as their coat is hypoallergenic.
6. Leopard Geckos
Care: Requires 15-20 gallon tank.
Additional considerations: Adult geckos don’t have to be fed daily.
Leopard geckos are hardy reptiles that adapt well to captivity. They need a simple tank setup with hiding spots, a heat source, and a diet primarily of insects like crickets or mealworms. Their docile nature makes them suitable for handling, and they don’t require frequent feeding.
7. Parakeets (Budgies)
Care: Birdcage and clean water.
Additional considerations: Requires daily feeding.
Parakeets are small, social birds that can mimic sounds and even learn simple words. They thrive in a cage with perches, toys, and a balanced diet of seeds, pellets, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Regular interaction keeps them mentally stimulated, and their cages require routine cleaning.
8. Hermit Crabs
Care: A tank set up in a quiet, draft-free area.
Additional considerations: Hermit crabs are nocturnal, and most prefer to eat at night.
Hermit crabs are unique pets that live in shells they periodically outgrow and replace. They need a tank with both sand and humidity, access to fresh and saltwater, and a diet of commercial hermit crab food supplemented with fresh fruits. Providing extra shells for them to move into as they grow is essential.
9. Goldfish
Care: Clean water tank with a filtration system.
Additional considerations: Requires daily feeding.
The most popular aquarium fish, goldfish, is a great option for busy families. It’s a beautiful fish that does not require a lot of maintenance. Goldfish can grow to recognize their owners and can live 15-20 years. Adult goldfish can be fed once a day. Younger goldfish may need to be fed more often as they grow.
10. CatS
Care: Clean litter box, food and water.
Additional considerations: Great, low-maintenance companion.
Cats are independent and affectionate animals that easily adapt to their environments. They require regular feeding, access to fresh water, and a clean litter box. While they appreciate attention, they are also content spending time alone, making them great for pet owners with busy work schedules.
Many families wonder about the best pet to add to their household that fits their often busy schedule. Think about the lifestyle, available space, outdoor areas, and the time you can commit to care for a new pet. The above list highlights some of the pets that could be a great option for busy families.
