Many homeowners want an animal companion, but know it can be difficult to decide which house pets are best for their home. Depending on where you live, some pets may not be as common or even not allowed by local laws. The amount of space and time commitment may also be on your mind – how do you pick the best pet for your lifestyle?
Low-maintenance, small-space pets do exist, but it’s important to know how to provide for them. Here is some basic information about which house pets might work best for your home:
What animals are common house pets?
Some of the most common animals raised as house pets include:
- Cats
- Dogs
- Birds
- Guinea pigs
- Hamsters
- Reptiles (snakes, lizards, turtles)
- Fish
What is the easiest indoor pet?
If you’re interested in low maintenance pets, consider species that don’t require constant human interaction. Reptiles like snakes, chameleons and bearded dragons can be affectionate and form a bond with their humans, but for the most part, are happy to live their lives undisturbed.
One way to keep pets entertained is to have more than one. For instance, having two cats instead of one will allow them to play together and enjoy natural interactions even if you can’t spend the entire day with them. Other animals like fish or hermit crabs thrive when living among other creatures in the same environment.
What pet needs the least space?
Some pets require plenty of space – often more than the run of the entire house. If you’re interested in a pet without a large space requirement, terrarium animals are a great start. Reptiles like turtles and snakes can live in a relatively small environment as long as their needs are met. Depending on the size, a pet tarantula can live happily in a tabletop terrarium.
Consider your chosen pet’s natural habitat and instincts when deciding how much space they need. For example, cats are very territorial, and appreciate having enough space to have time to themselves. Some breeds of dogs are better suited for small spaces, while others need plenty of room for regular exercise.
Are you ready to find your perfect house pet? Whether you want something soft and fuzzy like a guinea pig, or something more independent and exotic like a tarantula, these tips will help you make the best decision in selecting an animal friend.
About the Author
Kyung Kim
Hi, I'm Kyung Kim. I immigrated from South Korea to the United States in 1968 when I was 7 years old. I have seen my mom struggle with the English language and work hard to raise her four kids by herself. Still to this day, I don't know how she pulled it off, but she bought her first home in 1979 for $70,000 and because of that decision, she was able to live without worrying about her financial future. I want that for everyone, to feel the pride of home ownership and to build their financial wealth using real estate as part of their financial portfolio. I feel so blessed to play a small role in helping others reach this goal.
I live in Beaverton with my husband, Richard. My mom, who lived with us for several years, passed away in our home in February 2022. Her first home purchase in 1979 made it possible for her to live to the very end, without worrying about her finances. As of August 2022 with a little downpayment assistance, our four children own their own homes. Being in real estate, I quickly realized that if they didn't buy now, they may be priced out of the market in the future. Whether that would have been the case, we will never know, but what we do know is that they are all realizing some good, healthy appreciation in their home values.
As passionate as I am about people owning their homes, I'm also passionate about giving back to our community. I support Compassion First, a non-profit organization that provides aftercare for sex trafficked girls in Indonesia. My husband and I also feel called to financially support social injustice organizations.
I'd love to assist you. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.
