TOP 10 EASIEST ANIMALS TO CARE FOR YOU CAN KEEP

Having a pet can be a very fulfilling experience, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities. If you are new to pet ownership and thinking about getting one, it might be wise to start with a low-maintenance animal. By “small,” we mean easy to take care of rather than physically small like a fish or hamster. Find out with Petlandlove top 10 easiest animals to care for you can keep in the article below!

Before we discuss the top 10 easiest animals to care for, here are some factors to consider:

• What is your daily routine like? If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, a high-energy dog may not be the best fit. Instead, you might find it more suitable to care for an English Bulldog, a cat, or a gerbil. Conversely, if you enjoy being active outdoors, a German Shepherd or Great Dane could be great companions for outdoor activities.
• How much time do you spend at home? If you have a busy schedule, travel frequently, or socialize a lot, a cat or another independent pet might be a better choice. Dogs require a lot of attention and need to go out multiple times a day. However, all pets need regular feeding, so if you are often away from home, you should reconsider getting a pet.
• How much interaction can you provide for your pet? Dogs demand a significant amount of attention, similar to caring for a child. If you are not prepared for that level of commitment, consider getting a reptile, rodent, or cat, as these animals generally prefer to be left alone.
• How much effort are you willing to dedicate to taking care of and training your new pet? While this article focuses on the simplest animals to care for, it is important to understand that all pets require some level of work. Owning a pet means being responsible for feeding, watering, and looking after another living being. It also involves maintaining a clean environment for your pet.
• Different pets have different needs – for example, a fish only requires regular feeding and cleaning of its bowl, while a dog needs house training, leash training, and more in addition to being fed, watered, walked, and loved.

• Do you have kids? If you are getting a pet to teach your children about responsibility, choose one that they will love and can realistically take care of. For instance, a snake may be easy for you to care for, but it may not be suitable for a child to handle. A dog or cat may require more work, but they can be great companions for children and as your child grows, they can take on more responsibility for caring for the pet.

WITH THESE CONSIDERATIONS IN MIND, LETS EXPLORE THE TOP 10 EASIEST ANIMALS TO CARE FOR

DOGS – EASIEST ANIMALS

Dogs are considered one of the easiest animals to take care of, but they may not be as simple as some people think, especially depending on the breed. Regardless of the type of dog you have, they all need basic necessities such as food, water, exercise, a clean environment, training, affection, regular vet check-ups, and essential items like bowls, leash, collar, tags, microchip, and toys. It’s important to train them properly in areas like housebreaking, walking on a leash, crate training, and preventing excessive barking or chewing.

However, despite these challenges, dogs are popular because they are easy to love. Once you develop a bond with your dog, taking care of them becomes a joy rather than a chore.

CATS – EASIEST ANIMALS

Cats are similar to Batman’s Robin in the Marvel universe – their companionship is often overlooked, and their ability to bring joy to a person is not fully appreciated. Cats can be wonderful companions and can even be taught to perform entertaining tricks. They have a strong and independent nature, yet they also enjoy snuggling up for a cuddle.

However, it is important to provide cats with food, water, a clean living space, and regular veterinary care. They should be trained to use a litter box, which needs to be cleaned daily. Just like dogs, cats are lovable creatures, and once you develop a bond with your cat, she will become your loyal companion.

HAMSTER – EASIEST ANIMALS

Hamsters, similar to cats, are very independent creatures that need minimal attention. Unlike cats, hamsters do not enjoy being held or petted for extended periods of time. This makes them an ideal companion or educational pet for children. By providing a spacious cage and toys, hamsters can keep themselves entertained for long periods.

However, it is important to still provide food, water, and a clean living space by regularly cleaning out their cage and replacing bedding at least once a week. Just like any other animal, hamsters require regular veterinary check-ups.

RABBIT – EASIEST ANIMALS

Rabbits are generally calm animals that do well in spacious environments with plenty of places to hide. It is a misconception that rabbits can be kept in cages. Rabbits require a sheltered area for resting and sleeping, as well as a large outdoor space for exercise and play, connected by a tunnel. They also need bedding such as straw or shavings that should be cleaned and replaced weekly.

Proper care for rabbits includes providing food, water, regular veterinary check-ups, and some human interaction, but not excessively, since rabbits are naturally shy. Additionally, rabbits benefit from companionship with other rabbits, so it is recommended to have at least two if you decide to get one.

FERRETS – EASIEST ANIMALS

Ferrets share many similarities with cats, such as being independent, inquisitive, and playful. Despite this, they are excellent pets due to their high energy levels and intelligence. Children particularly enjoy having ferrets as pets, and with proper training, they can become a devoted and easy-to-care-for companion.

It is important to ensure your home is safe for ferrets by removing any items that could be harmful or pose a risk of trapping them. Regular visits to the vet and some basic training are also necessary for ferret care.

BIRDS – EASIEST ANIMALS

Birds that have been raised by hand can be wonderful and affectionate companions, as they tend to form strong bonds with their owners quickly. They are a great addition to a peaceful environment and require minimal care. It is important to provide them with a spacious cage that has multiple perching spots. Cleaning the cage daily by changing the papers at the bottom is necessary due to birds’ frequent defecation.

A thorough cleaning should be done once a week. Birds with clipped wings can be taken out of their cages and handled gently. It is advised not to have birds as pets for children under the age of 8 due to the need for delicate handling.

TURTLES

Turtles don’t need much human interaction, but they do require a lot of care. Setting up the right habitat for turtles can be challenging and costly, as they need a spacious tank, heat lamps, and filters to thrive. Moreover, turtles are messy animals, so their tanks must be cleaned frequently.

They also have specific dietary needs, which your vet can help you with, along with any necessary medications to keep them healthy. Turtles can live for up to 40 years if well cared for, so owning one is a long-term commitment. If you’re not prepared for that, then a turtle may not be the best pet for you.

REPTILES

Reptiles like snakes, lizards, and frogs are generally easy to take care of. However, creating the right habitat for them can be challenging and costly. Just like turtles, these reptiles need a specific environment to thrive. If the temperature is too high or too low, it could be fatal for them. Without proper hiding spots, foliage, or ground cover, they may experience stress and depression.

Additionally, reptiles need live prey for food, which might not be suitable for everyone. If you’re uncomfortable feeding live mice or insects to an animal, a reptile may not be the best choice for you. On the bright side, reptiles don’t require much exercise and prefer minimal handling. They are perfect for someone seeking a low-maintenance, quiet, and independent pet.

RODENTS

Rats and mice can be enjoyable pets for young children because they are active, playful, and low-maintenance. Rats, despite their negative reputation, are intelligent and sociable animals that can be taught tricks. On the other hand, mice are more timid and are better suited for observation rather than handling.

Regardless of your choice, rodents need a spacious cage where they can move around freely. They require bedding material for sleeping and hiding, as well as toys for stimulation. It is important to clean their bedding daily to remove droppings and replace it weekly. If you decide on a rat, make sure to let it out of its cage regularly for exercise and interaction with humans.

FISH

We were unsure about ranking fish as the easiest animal to take care of, since some fish need a lot of maintenance. However, if you’re getting a goldfish or another non-tropical type, you’ll still need a good tank, filters, rocks, and plants, but they generally require minimal time and effort. Just feed them daily, maintain the water’s pH balance, and clean their tank weekly.

But if you choose tropical or exotic fish, the time and money needed could increase significantly, as these fish often need specific environments to thrive. For first-time pet owners, it’s not recommended to start with tropical fish.

CONSULT WITH AN EXPERIENCED VETERINARIAN BEFORE MAKING THE LEAP

If you are considering getting a pet for the first time, the veterinary experts at the United Veterinary Center are available to assist you in making pet ownership a rewarding experience. It’s important to understand that all pets require care and attention, and the amount of effort and resources you are willing to dedicate will determine the best pet for you.

If you are not prepared to invest time and money into a pet, then pet ownership may not be suitable for you. To find the perfect pet that fits your lifestyle, discuss your expectations with the compassionate professionals at the United Veterinary Center and let us help you choose the right animal for you.

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