Choosing A Pet: Which Animal Is Right For You?
There are all kinds of animals that you can choose as pets. But just which animal is right for you? It’s easy to be sucked in by which animal looks the cutest or coolest instead of considering the practical requirements. This guide breaks down some of the pros and cons of the most popular pets so that you can decide which pet is best suited to your lifestyle.
Fish
Fish are one of the most popular first pets. You can keep fish in a bowl, a tank or a pond. The most common type of fish tends to be goldfish, but you can own all kinds of other fish if you desire, from carp to angelfish.
The biggest benefit of fish is that they require very little looking after – you have to feed them and clean their tank/pond, but that’s pretty much it. More elaborate tanks and ponds may be more hassle to clean and maintain. Fish cost very little in the long run, although can be expensive upfront (especially if you need to buy a specialist tank or hire someone to build a pond). They don’t make great pets for cuddling or playing with, however watching them can be very relaxing for many people.
PROS
- Low maintenance
- Relaxing to be around
- Fish tanks make stylish decor features
CONS
- Not a very interactive pets (some may find them boring)
- Cleaning out tank/ponds can be a chore
- High upfront costs for some fish
Small mammals
Small mammals include the likes of hamsters, mice, gerbils, rats, guinea pigs and rabbits. Such animals are typically kept in a cage or hutch. They are popular animals to give to children as first pets (although some can be quite unsuitable due to being nocturnal and not liking handling).
These pets typically require more care than fish, but are still fairly low-maintenance. On top of feeding them/giving them water and cleaning their cage, you need to provide some basic stimulation such as toys or letting them out of their cage to explore. If you’re looking for a small mammal that doesn’t mind petting, consider animals such as rats, guinea pigs and rabbits.
PROS
- Relatively inexpensive
- Fairly low maintenance
- Can be petted and played with (especially rats, guinea pigs and rabbits)
CONS
- Can bite if not handled regularly
- Generally nocturnal
- Short lifespans
Cats
Humans have kept cats in their homes for thousands of years – originally as a form of pest control and more recently as a beloved pet. Cats are free-roaming animals that are very independent. They can be kept exclusively indoors or allowed outdoors.
Cats are able to clean themselves and don’t require walks. That said, they still require a certain level of care such as feeding them and taking them to the vet. You should be prepared to spend quality time with your cat – they can get lonely if no-one is at home – and it’s worth buying some equipment such as scratching posts and cat towers to keep them occupied (especially if they’re an indoor cat). Some cats can develop destructive tendencies such as clawing the floor and you do need to be ready for mess such as hairballs or dead mice. However, compared to dogs, cats tend to be much more placid and relaxing animals to have around.
There’s something you may want to consider when getting a cat: what do cats represent in different cultures? Certain countries and religions will have different attitudes towards cats. Different breeds can also have their individual pros and cons.
PROS
- Long lifespans
- Independent
- Stress-relieving animals
CONS
- Tendency to scratch furniture/carpets
- You may have to deal with hairballs and dead mice
- Vet care can be expensive
Dogs
Dogs are often referred to as ‘man’s best friend’. Like cats, they have been populars pets for thousands of years. In most climates, dogs should be kept indoors, with access to somewhere outdoors to play and do their business (they’re generally not suitable for upper-storey apartments). This guide offers some tips on getting your home ready for a dog.
Of all the pets listed in the post, dogs are the biggest commitment and require the most maintenance. When getting a dog, you need to be prepared to take them on walks, play with them, groom them, take them to the vet and feed them the right foods. A lot of people get dogs because they want a reason to exercise or they want a companion to play with. Others may have practical ‘working’ needs for a dog – these animals can be trained to help the blind, hunt for truffles, round up sheep or guard the property. Taking care of a dog involves regular exercise, proper nutrition, grooming, and routine veterinary visits to ensure they remain healthy and happy. Also, as they age, they can experience changes in mobility or stiffness, making gentle activity and supportive care increasingly important. In such cases, approaches like dog arthritis treatment can serve as an example of how targeted care can help maintain comfort and quality of life for senior pets.
There are many different dog breeds to choose. It’s worth noting that some may require more exercise, may have more destructive tendencies or may have more health problems.
PROS
- The most playful, loyal and loving pets
- Can be trained to do all kinds of things
- Great motivation to exercise and stay fit
CONS
- Expensive to care for compared to other animals
- High-maintenance pets that require a lot of attention
- Can create a lot of mess and destruction if not well-trained (particularly puppies)
Exotic pets
Exotic pets include birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects or arachnids. Such pets are typically kept in specialist enclosures such as vivariums or bird cages. They are often considered to be not as mainstream as other pets listed here.
Because such pets are less popular, sourcing equipment can be a little trickier. You may have to self-teach yourself a lot of the important stuff. That said, there are communities out there dedicated to niche pets, which can be exciting to be a part of. Exotic pets tend to be great as a challenge and tend to be great pets to watch rather than great pets to interact with.
PROS
- Novelty
- A fun challenge
- Fascinating to watch
CONS
- Generally not very cuddly
- Harder to find supplies/veterinary treatment for
- May require a lot of personal research to look after
