Best pets to have – Do you know which animal is the best to have as your pet? 

They say your home is never complete unless you have a pet animal. If you are an animal lover, you may agree with that statement in a heartbeat. Not only you, but people worldwide also love animals and enjoy their company. Today, we will introduce several best pets to have in your household. If you are considering options for a new pet, you will find this article helpful in making your choice.

 

How to figure out the best pets to have

How to figure out the best pet to have? Well, it depends on many factors. You will have to consider the property’s size, dorm or apartment restrictions, if you can afford to maintain the pet, safety concerns [like allergies to certain animals]

Once you carefully consider the factors, you can choose a pet that suits you.

To make things easier for you, we put together a list of different types of pets that people love the most. So go ahead and scroll through to find out the most popular pets.

What are the top 5 most popular pets?

• Dogs

Dogs are undoubtedly the most popular pets. With their adorable puppy eyes and immense loyalty, it is no surprise that people love these furry friends. Also, if you are wondering ‘what are the friendliest pets, do not have to look far; you will find a best friend in a dog. These furry friends are gentle, loving, and playful. Having a dog will also push you to go outside and play. These animals are also excellent at reading your facial expressions. They will know when the master is upset and will playfully try to cheer them up. Apart from basic needs like food, water, medication, these guys need regular exercise.

If you would like low maintenance pets that like to cuddle, you can choose a breed like a yellow lab. These guys are such cuddle bugs. You can also consider getting a collie or greyhound too. They are cute furry friends that love cuddling as much as you.

• Cats

Cats are undeniably adorable pets. Not only that, but they are also independent, curious, and loyal companions. All these qualities make them one of the most popular pets worldwide. Cats are hands down some of the best pets to have at home. Also, they are very indoorsy and love to stay in and chill. Some cat breeds love to snuggle up to you and purr all day. So if you wish to have low maintenance pets that like to cuddle, consider getting a breed like Coons. Other than that, Birmans and Siamese are such cuddle bugs too.

• Fish

Next up, we have the aquatic pals; fish. They are some of the most popular pets. One primary reason is that they are such easy pets to take care of ever. Also, if you have kids, naturally, you may want to know What is the safest pet to have?  Hands down, fish are the best pets for kids under 10 years old because there is no safety issue whatsoever. However, here is the catch. Not every fish is as low-maintenance as others are. Still, you can find types of fish that require simple care. They will make pretty good pets if you are away most of the time.

One fish that does not need as much commitment is the betta fish. They are very low maintenance pets. The care for these pets is simple. They only need a big bowl, water to swim in, and some floating vegetation. Your job is to feed the animal and clean its bowl from time to time. The latter is crucial as a build-up of dirt and feces in the fish’s habitat can cause health problems and eventually lead to its death.

Every type of betta fish has a unique appearance, and each one is equally gorgeous. However, male bettas fight with other males that share their space. So consider that when you are getting the aquarium ready for the animal.

• Birds

A lot of people choose these feathered friends as their pets. If you think of getting yourself a pet bird, we have some recommendations for you. Choose one that is friendly and gentle. These traits come in handy if you have limited pet bird experience. It’s easier to bond with and take care of an animal that has naturally friendly instead of one that tends to be timid or aggressive. Below are some suggestions on the best birds to have as pets.

• Parakeet

Budgies, also known as parakeets, enjoy popularity around the world. They are some of the best pet birds for a good reason. These feathery creatures can be very loving and affectionate with proper care. Also, they can be one of the best low maintenance pets for kids. On top of being kid-friendly, budgies take well to training and can learn to perform many fun bird tricks, including learning to talk.

• Cockatiel

The beautiful cockatiel is another fantastic choice if you want a friendly and affectionate pet bird. These lovely creatures make lovely pets when hand-fed during their early days and raised with care.

These guys may not learn to talk like some other breeds. However, you cannot underestimate their intelligence with their lack of speech. They are, in fact, brilliant. Most of the time, they learn to whistle pretty well. Also, they would even mimic everyday household noises, like doorbells and telephones, which is adorable.

• Hyacinth macaws

Hyacinth macaws are comparatively larger. They are also gentle and incredibly affectionate, which earned their nickname “gentle giants.” They are, in fact, the largest of all parrots. Their favorite way to spend time is by cuddling with their owners. Understandably, it can be difficult for people to provide proper housing for these birds because they require ample space. However, if you can offer a spacious place, hyacinth macaws will be a great choice of pet for you.

• Parrotlet

Size-wise these little birds are wildly different from hyacinth macaws. However, parrotlets are also gentle, sweet, and affectionate, like hyacinth macaws. If you are a bird person, these parrotlets are the best small pets to have. They are famous for their bright personalities. Another pro about these guys is that they are low maintenance. However, they need to socialize and be around their owners a lot. Otherwise, these birds can become a little wild. So try to interact with your parrotlet every day, and you will form a strong bond with your pet.

• Reptiles

These fascinating creatures can make excellent pets with a charm of their own. If you plan to get one as a pet, you may want to know the best reptiles to have as pets.

 

• Ball pythons

Ball pythons are hands down one of the best snakes to have as pets. These snakes earned a lot of popularity as pets and are one of the most kept snakes. These guys are such cool pets to have. Their docile temperament is one primary reason they get a lot of love. It is not that challenging to handle them. However, like every snake, these are sneaky enough to find escape paths out of their enclosure. So make sure that the area is “snake-proof” with zero escape points.

A ball python’s diet includes mainly mice and rats. The sizes of the prey animal will differ depending on how old and large the python is.

The size of Ball pythons is roughly 2 to 5 feet. It usually depends on whether it is a male or a female and on the animal’s genetics.

• Crested Gecko

What is the safest pet to have? The best answer is Crested geckos. They are one of the best lizards to have as pets. Crested geckos are quite the climbers and are a gorgeous species of gecko. These adorable geckos are some of the best pets for kids under 10.  You can choose crested geckos if you want to get small pets for kids.

These geckos are probably the smallest pets on the list. They are so gentle and would sit there on your hand.

Also, they only require simple care. If you plan on getting a crested gecko, you will need to set up a suitable terrarium. Other than that, provide it with food and water in proper amounts.

As you can see, crested Geckos will be easy pets for kids. However, it is essential to teach your child to handle the pet gently and carefully. A baby crested gecko will need time to adjust to their living situations first, which can take three to four weeks.

Apart from the top 5 most popular pets, here are some more popular animals that people have as pets.

• Hamsters

These little animals are undeniably adorable and the best small pets for cuddling. The best part is that you can raise a hamster even if your house is not that spacious. These guys are tiny and do not need much space. Hamsters are incredible because they are clean and require only simple care. So if you are looking for low maintenance pets that like to cuddle, hamsters are the way to go. Plus, if you dislike loud noises, hamsters are the ideal pet for you because they are quiet. That is one reason why these guys are the best pets to have in college. Another pro about them is that they do not shed, which is excellent. Your hamsters will need a cage with an exercise wheel, items to chew, a hiding spot and absorbent bedding.

• Turtles

Turtles are fascinating, quiet, and relatively low maintenance as pets. That makes turtles an appealing option as a pet.

Having a turtle as a pet is not for every household, though. These guys are not as interactive or cuddly as most other animals we mentioned. Also, if you decide on getting a turtle as a pet, keep in mind that it is a lifelong commitment. In fact, given their long lifespans, they may even outlive you.

There are a variety of turtle species, and some make better pets than others. Some of them will grow to an immense size. On the other hand, some types are more friendly and less aggressive. Depending on the species type, their space, lighting, and diet requirements will vary.

Now let us go through the best turtles to have as pets.

• Red Eared Sliders

Red Eared Sliders are such a popular aquatic turtle species. These guys tend to be friendlier and more sociable than others. These are also pretty active. These turtles are most popular as indoor pets. However, they can also do well in an outdoor pond with the proper shelter, cleaning, and warmer temperatures. As they grow, you can offer them the space they need outside.

Note that Red Eared Sliders are relatively large, so make sure to get them a spacious tank. The enclosure needs a water filtration system and UV lighting.

Their dietary needs and space requirements show they are not low maintenance pets. If you can afford to provide the proper care, they are generally healthy. Also, these guys will live not less than 50 years.

• Common musk turtle

Common Musk Turtles are pretty popular among turtle fans. These guys are small, and favorably they are not as high maintenance as many other turtle species.

The only downside to them is their temperament. These guys can be aggressive, and whenever they get scared, they release a foul and musty odor. That habit earned them the nickname – ‘The Stinkpot.’

Usually, musk turtles are not as good at swimming as some aquatic turtles. That means you cannot let them in deep water. So make sure the water in their tank is not too deep for the pet. Also, make sure to provide it with many areas to get out of the water and bask under UVB lighting.

• Wood Turtle

Wood Turtles can be affectionate and friendly, with proper handling and care. Their needs are not complicated as most other turtles. Of course, you will have to get an enclosure that should be spacious enough. Also, it is best to keep the pet outdoors.

Keep in mind that wood turtles are not aquatic. So deep water is a big no-no for them. What you can do is keep their pond area at a low level.

When it comes to their diet, it is all about protein. Apart from that add a lot of meat and leafy greens to their meals.

• Hedgehogs

These little guys are also popular among animal lovers. You could say they are one of the best mammal pets out there. These little guys do not require much space. They are also a fantastic choice if you are busy as these animals will not mind if you are not home most of the day. They are pretty quiet and also do not generate much dander. That makes them good animals to have as pets for people with allergies. Hedgehogs are pretty gentle and peaceful. The only downside about hedgehogs is that some places do not allow you to have them as pets. So be sure to check your laws on exotic pets before you adopt one.

• Monkeys

So many people cannot help but wish to have a playful monkey as their pet. Maybe you would love to have a pet monkey too. Who can blame you? They are such fascinating animals, and their charm is unmatched. You may wonder why they are not popular as pets if they have such outstanding qualities. Although monkeys are fantastic animals, they do not make the best pets. These guys can be aggressive, loud, and not easy to handle at all. Also, it is illegal to keep a monkey as a pet most of the time.

If you would like to have a pet monkey, consider the options below. These are some of the best monkeys to have as pets.

• Capuchin

Capuchins are not as dangerous as most other species. Also, they are pretty small, which makes it easier to take care of them. Their height is usually less than 2 feet and weighs less than 10 pounds. Capuchin monkeys can live around 25 years.

• Squirrel monkeys

Staying true to their name, squirrel monkeys are pretty small. They usually reach lengths of only 10-14 inches without the tail. Also, they weigh just 1-3 pounds. These cute monkeys are very energetic and acrobatic creatures and require a lot of space. If you decide to bring a squirrel monkey home, prepare a big enclosure. In it, you will have to add a lot of trees. That is because squirrel monkeys enjoy hanging by their tails and swinging across tree branches. Their diet can be a little tricky because these guys are picky eaters.

• Guenons

Guenons are a medium-sized monkey breed. They can grow 16-22 inches tall and usually weigh 5-15 pounds. These monkeys are gorgeous and come in a wide range of colors, including green, red, and yellow. One specialty you will notice about these guys is their hair is of two different colors. There are over 20 different types of guenons, including vervet, grivet, and more.

“Taking care of a monkey is easy,” said none ever. It is a huge responsibility and will require so much time and effort to take care of one.

Summery

There you have it; a list of the best pets to have. We presented you with a wide variety of animals that you can choose as your new pet. Now, remember to carefully select the animal that suits your environment, budget, and liking. Also, no matter which pet you choose, even if the animal is low maintenance, it is a responsibility you are taking. So make sure to give your time, energy, and care to the animal.