Pets are a wonderful way to share companionship and love. But at what price? Adopting a cat or dog can be too costly for some people. Adopting a pet is not only a way to please ourselves, but it’s also a way to care for another animal.
Consider how much time you can commit to taking care of your pet before you decide to adopt them. Perhaps you already own a dog and would like to add another pet to the mix. However, it is possible that another dog will be too much.
These 17 small pets are easy to care for and less expensive to keep. We’ll start with low-maintenance rodent pets. Next, we’ll talk about low-maintenance reptile pets, then low-maintenance marine life pets. Finally, we’ll look at low-maintenance insect/arachnid small pets. Let’s get on with it!
Four Low-Maintenance Rodent Animals
1. Hamsters
When asked for a low-maintenance pet, many people think of hamsters as one of their small pets. They belong to the rodent family, and they eat an omnivorous diet.
Hamsters can be as small as 5 to 7 inches in length. Hamsters live for an average of four years. They can be kept in the home if they are not being used. The hamster is a distant relative to the guinea pig. It may take them a while for humans to get used to handling them, but they eventually become more comfortable with it.
Hamsters don’t require much interaction daily so they are easy to neglect. Make sure to clean out their cage and make sure they get enough water every day. They will return the love and care you show them.
2. Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs require about the same investment as a pet hamster but they are generally more friendly from the beginning. Although they are smaller than hamsters, they are delicate and gentle. Because they are delicate, they can be dangerous to older children.
Guinea pigs have a life expectancy of 4 to 5 years. They prefer to be with other people. Consider adopting more than one guinea pig to keep them company.
Omnivorous guinea pigs mainly need vegetable-based meals. They require more love each day than a hamster but still need to be kept clean and healthy by their cage attendants.
3. Chinchillas
The Chinchilla is undoubtedly the most adorable of all low-maintenance pets on this list. For companionship and longevity, they need someone to share their enclosure with. They live an average of 10 years longer than small pets.
Chinchillas are a great choice for low-maintenance pets because they don’t like being held too often. They love to be loved, but they don’t require a lot of attention.
They are independent in their natural habitat and require an enclosure large enough for them to roam around in. They require nesting space and food that is made for chinchillas. You can find this kind of food at most pet shops and online.
4. Rats
Rats are the best low-maintenance pet. Rats are one of the smarter pets in this group and make interesting pets.
Some people picture rats as creatures that crawl through the sewers. Pet rats are clean and tidy creatures. They spend a lot of time grooming themselves.
Norway rats are a common breed that can be kept as a pet. They live between 2 and 3 years, which is shorter than other animals. From tip to tail, they can grow up to 9 to 11 inches in length. Because they are flexible, your interaction with them can be as intense or as light as you wish.
Three Low-Maintenance Reptile Animals
5. Snakes
Snakes are a standout among reptiles, even though they might not be for everyone. While some people prefer snakes to other pets, others find them quite charming.
Some snakes can be poisonous but not all. It is best to keep non-toxic snakes in your home. You don’t need to be concerned about picking the wrong snake.
The ball python and California kingsnake are all common pet snake species. You should consider their temperament and the size they will reach as adults.
6. Leopard Geckos
Geckos of all kinds are great pets for families or single people who don’t want a fuzzy pet. Cool species are the leopard geckos. They are great for apartment dwellers, and they have a calm nature that kids can play with.
Daily care is not necessary for leopard geckos. Many of these tiny animals can be kept in a 15-to-20-gallon tank. You can purchase mealworms or crickets for them to eat.
Geckos live up to 20 years, which is a long time compared to the average rodent’s lifespan. They are a great choice if you’re looking for a long-term commitment.
7. Turtles
The turtle is another small pet that’s low-maintenance but long-lasting. You can choose from many different species of turtles to keep as pets. It all depends on your needs and preferences in terms of size, longevity, enclosure requirements, daily habits, and other factors.
The painted turtle is one of the most popular turtles. They are small and can live for over 30 years. These tiny animals can be kept in a regular terrarium. They don’t need to be fed every day. You can feed them insects, dark greens, fish, or a combination of both, four to five times per week.
Maintaining a turtle’s water temperature and cleanliness is one of the most important aspects of caring for them. They don’t require much care, but they will not mind being handled.
Five Low-Maintenance Sea Life Pets
8. Betta fish
A fish is the best choice for people looking for low-maintenance pets. A fish does not require personal affection or coddling, but they still need a lot of care.
It is much easier to get a freshwater fish than it is to create a saltwater aquarium. Adopting a betta fish is even easier. Because they are territorial, they will not tolerate other fish in their aquarium. If they are well cared for, they can live in smaller spaces for longer periods of time. You can spend more time cleaning an aquarium if there is one fish.
9. Hermit crabs
Hermit crabs are strange creatures that can fit between many animals. They can be kept with other sea creatures and will happily carry their shells around for 7-10 years.
Hermit crabs can grow to 6 inches in length. One of the most important aspects of keeping them healthy is finding the right type of shells to keep them happy as they outgrow the ones they have. Their terrarium should have at least 5 gallons of space and be placed in indirect sunlight.
It is easy to clean the terrarium of hermit crabs. They don’t like being disturbed and will often be left alone. They eat small amounts of powdered and pelleted food so it won’t take much to keep them happy.
10. Sea monkeys
The marketing campaign for sea monkeys in the late 1990s and early 2000s was a strange one. They were advertised as an “instant pets” that could be hatched from a powder. These pets were loved by children, but for a time, no one could answer the question about their exact nature.
Sea monkeys are brine shrimps that are almost microscopic in size and require very little maintenance. Because they are easy to care for and fun to look at, they make a great pet. They require a light tank wash and a feeding schedule of twice per week and once per month.
Sea monkeys (or brine shrimps) can live up to 2 years. They are an affordable initial investment.
11. Snails
Snails can be very easy to take care of and live a long life. If they are well cared for, they can live up to 15 years.
They need to be kept in a terrarium with soil at the bottom. Feeding is done every other day. To keep their shells healthy and happy, you can add small amounts of cucumbers, eggshells, cuttlefish bone, and chalk to the terrarium.
To clean the snail’s terrarium, you should spray the walls with water once a week. You and your pet will live happily together.
12. African Dwarf Frogs
The African Dwarf Frog, a fascinating little creature, can be kept in an aquarium with fish or it can be left alone.
They grow up to 1.5 inches in length and can live for as long as 5 years. They are primarily omnivores and will eat brine shrimps and bloodworms.
Maintaining water quality is the most important thing to keep a dwarf frog happy. You should check it at least once per week, and change the water about twice per month.
3 Insect/Arachnid Low Maintenance Pets
13. Tarantulas
The tarantula is a pet that many people love, but others hate. These hairy, large spiders can reach 10 inches in size, while others grow only 2 inches.
There are many species of tarantulas, but most live for 7 years. Because they are not dependent on human attention, they can be easily cared for. Set them up in a terrarium where they can roam freely and give them insects to eat. You can use super worms and mealworms as well as roaches.
You should keep them out of direct sunlight and clean their enclosures every few weeks.
14. Praying Mantis
A praying mantis can be a very engaging pet. They are able to sit still for hours and then suddenly turn their heads to attack any insect in their terrarium. They are very colorful in comparison to other insects.
A praying mantis can live for approximately one year in captivity. Because they don’t move around much, they only require a small tank. They will eat fruit slides, moths, and smaller mantids. Sometimes, they will even eat crickets.
These animals are usually free, which is one of their best qualities. Take a walk outside to find one you can adopt.
15. Scorpion
A bug, while simple, isn’t going to satisfy someone who wants to have a pet. The same principles apply to a scorpion, but they are a little creepier.
This creepy crawlies can grow up to 8 inches in length and live for between 2 and 6 years. A scorpion adult needs to be fed every other day. They eat a diet consisting of mealworms and crickets as well as wax worms.
Temperature is the most important factor in caring for scorpions. A scorpion needs a hot tank that is kept at between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
2 Other small pets that require little maintenance
16. Cats
Many will argue that cats are low-maintenance and show more affection than fish or bugs. Cats are independent and solitary creatures who will come to you when they need your attention.
All cats require is a few minutes of your attention once in a while. The Sphynx, British Shorthair and Russian Blue, Maine Coon, and Scottish Fold are some examples of low-maintenance breeds.
17. Birds
You can adopt many different species of birds to make your pet intelligent and fun to train. Although parrots can be trained and taught to communicate with you, they can be noisy. Parrots can live up to 80 years, so make sure you are ready for a lifetime commitment.
The low-maintenance scale generally ranks smaller birds higher than larger ones. These are parakeets and budgies as well as canaries. Their cage should be cleaned at least once per week. They also need to be fed regularly. If you have the time, allow them to run free and play in the yard. Be careful of droppings.
What is the simplest animal to care for as a pet?
Hamsters are a terrific first pet for your children! Once you’ve made their home, these furry friends are simple to care for. Make sure to add a water bottle, food dish, and, of course, a hamster wheel – hamsters love to get their cardio in!
What pets can be left alone all day?
Dog breeds that can be left alone for extended periods of time include the Basset Hound, The French Bulldog, Chihuahua. Shar Pei. Pugs. The bull terrier. Chow Chow, and The Akita Inu.
What animal enjoys being alone?
All bears, from polar bears to brown bears, prefer to live alone. It is in their nature for bears to be solitary creatures, and most bear species are.
What is a suitable pet for a busy person?
Low-Maintenance Pet Breeds for Adults Who Work 9 to 5 Hamster, Gerbil, guinea pig, Rabbit, Dog, Fish, Bird, and Terrapin.
What is the cheapest animal to own?
That’s why we’ve produced a list of the most affordable dogs – so you can have a new pal without taking on a second job. Hermit Crab, Goldfish, Budgerigar, Leopard Gecko, and Guinea Pig.
What animal is cuddly?
Dogs are definitely at the top of the list of the most loving pets. In reality, research demonstrates that dogs are emotionally aware and can sense human emotions. However, dogs are not the only fuzzy creatures that may be affectionate toward people. Small pets like rabbits, ferrets, and cats may also do this.
Which Small Animals Enjoy Cuddling?
12 Cozy Animals Small and toy dogs that snuggle Cats who are affectionate, Rabbits that are cuddly, Guinea Pigs that enjoy being held, Lizards that enjoy being handled, Rats that are cuddlers, Cockatiels and Budgies, and Cockatoos.
What animal does not bite?
According to recent study, Labrador Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Newfoundlands are among the safest dog breeds that are least prone to bite. While every dog may nip, these breeds are noted for their exceptionally sweet-tempered nature when properly cared for.
What kinds of pets are clingy?
According to The Animal Rescue Site, which fundraises for animal rescues, the following breeds are most likely to become velcro dogs: Labrador retrievers are dogs. Bulldogs from France. Papillons. The golden retriever. Chihuahuas. Shetland sheepdogs. Pugs. Shepherds from Australia.
What is the easiest cuddly pet?
Hamsters are inherently lively, but they’re also highly loving and crave attention. Ferrets, Guinea Pigs, Lovebirds, Hedgehogs, Sugar Gliders, Chinchillas, and Rabbits are just a few examples.