A Quick Guide to Choosing the Right Pet for You

Last Updated on December 21, 2023 by Fumipets

Choosing the Right Pet

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Pets can make life a lot more fun but choosing the right type of animal for your home and lifestyle is really important. Here’s a quick guide to what you might need to consider with the most commonly chosen types of pet:

Dogs

While different sizes and breeds of dog require different amounts, all dogs need daily exercise, and a new dog will also require a period of settling in and training. This means that while dogs can be one of the most fun and affectionate types of pet, they’re also the most demanding. If you spend a lot of time at home and have space for a dog, it can be a great companion. If not, a lower maintenance pet is a better choice.

Cats

Cats tend to be more self-sufficient than dogs and yet just as full of character and fun to live with. They do still need plenty of attention though and can cause issues if you live in a rented home, as they can sometimes damage things. As with a dog, you’ll need a good veterinarian because cats need vaccinations and other treatments.

Rodents

Hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, and mice can be cute and lovable pets that are great if you don’t have the space for a cat or dog. They’re also good first pets for kids.

Reptiles and Amphibians 

If you like the idea of a different type of pet, or are allergic to fur, then reptiles like iguanas, snakes like corn snakes, or amphibians like turtles can be a good choice. It can take some research to learn how to take care of pets like these because they’re not as commonly kept as dogs and cats, but you can find all you need online. You’ll also need more specialist equipment, but you can find coupons that helps alleviate the cost of pet ownership, even turtles.

Rabbits

Rabbits can be a good choice if you want something cuddly and cute but less active and destructive than a dog or cat. They’re also a good choice if you are vegetarian or vegan and don’t like the idea of feeding your pets meat since rabbits are also herbivores. Rabbits, like rodents, are a good choice to have around young children or to have as an older child’s first pet of their own because they don’t tend to bite or scratch and are fairly easy to clean up after.

Birds

Birds can be hard to look after, as they are delicate and prone to escaping, so you need to do your research into the type of bird you want and make sure you can create the right habitat. They can then be beautiful and rewarding pets, though.

Fish

Fish offer you a lot of options, from simple goldfish in a bowl or outdoor pond through to elaborate freshwater or even saltwater environments full of beautiful tropical fish. They are not as interactive as other pets and do require a lot of care in terms of cleaning, but they are interesting to keep and relaxing to watch.

Fish, unless you are just going for a goldfish, do require a fair amount of research before you choose which types you want in your tropical fish tank, with some types not getting along and others, like various catfish species, actually helping keep your tank clean.

Of course, there are plenty of other animals that people keep as pets, from horses and pigs to stick insects, but hopefully this quick guide to the most popular has helped you decide what’s right for you!

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