Top 10 Best House Pets

There are many popular house pets, but which one is number one?

The Top Ten

Dogs

The dog, or domestic dog (Canis familiaris or Canis lupus familiaris), is a domesticated descendant of the wolf and is characterized by an upturned tail. Derived from an ancient, extinct wolf species, the modern wolf is its closest living relative. Dogs were the first species to be domesticated by humans... read more

No animal has aided humans in their endeavors more than canines have (horses come closest). The best part of that story is that the benefits have come full circle to help both sides. Only ignorant people debate whether cats are as good as dogs for humans. Those who know, shut the debate down.
Dogs will and do put their lives on the line to protect their human companions. Search and rescue, bomb detection, hunting, etc., what would be considered a miracle when accomplished by a cat is considered a daily job for hundreds of thousands of dogs.
Cats are known to devour their deceased owners, while dogs are known to die of starvation alongside a deceased owner rather than opting to eat him or her. Say what you want about intelligence, but you can't argue the loyalty and dedication. Dogs are even known to become depressed and pass away due to the broken heart phenomenon, similar to an old couple.
Dogs get criticized for being loud. It's a shame because back when we needed a manual warning system before alarms, and even still today because alarms won't protect you, dogs were and are there. When it was just humans and Mother Nature, and we would hunt and gather, dogs were there. When technology failed on all fronts, including by air and railroad, in 1925 and humans couldn't make the journey alone, a pack of dogs willed the serum run to Nome, Alaska to retrieve medicine for the critically ill children (see the true story of Balto and Togo).
So no offense to cats, which I love... Get real. To those who demonize all dogs for one who wasn't cared for, shame on you. I suppose you don't go to the movie theatre anymore because of one guy in Colorado. The sad part is, you have no empathy. And you don't realize that if a cat was 100+ pounds, it wouldn't be considered "domesticated". Bias is the only reason anyone could see a cat as a better companion. As beautiful and majestic as they are, they haven't made half the sacrifices in the face of adversity nor... read more
Cats

The cat (Felis catus) is a domesticated small carnivorous mammal. It is the only domesticated species in the Felidae family and is commonly called the domestic cat to distinguish it from wild felines.
Cats can be house pets, farm cats, or feral. They are often valued for companionship and for... read more

So far, chose cats. Glad they are silver. Birds, hamsters, and rabbits are among the best family house pets in this tier too.
Lizards, toads, turtles, and fish are great but not as close to first place as the other few mammals, except birds. We have three and are very fond of them, cats I mean. Glad to see they're doing well on there though.

Cat haters just don't understand cats so they hate on them because they don't understand. Either that, or they had a bad experience with them but I think it's unfair to hate on a whole species based on ONE of its kind.
Rabbits

Rabbits, also known as bunnies or bunny rabbits, are small mammals in the family Leporidae, which also includes hares, and the order Lagomorpha, which also includes pikas. Oryctolagus cuniculus encompasses the European rabbit and its descendants, including the world's 305 breeds of domestic rabbit. Sylvilagus... read more

Rabbits are the best because they are smart, funny, and friendly. They can be both home pets or outdoor pets. That is why rabbits are amazing. If they stink, it just means you need to clean their cage and litter box.
You can train your rabbit to do lots of tricks, even put a ball in a hoop. I saw it on YouTube. Rabbits are cuddly, but they are afraid of not being on the ground. However, if they want to cuddle you, they will. If they are scared, they will run away.
Oh, and they are adorable. They're like cats but better. I think you should get one and see for yourself. Rabbits have their own personalities, not based on their color or breed. Even rabbits of the same breed can have different personalities, and that's why rabbits are amazing pets.
Hamsters

Hamsters are small rodents belonging to the subfamily Cricetinae. This group contains approximately 25 species that are classified into six or seven genera. They are commonly kept as pets and are known for storing food in their cheek pouches.

Hamsters are good pets. I've had one before. I'm thinking about getting another because they are so easy to look after and they're cheap.
However, hamsters are not suitable for children under six. I have a friend who breeds them, and he says that they are very easy to breed, so unless you want babies, keep males and females apart. Also, don't put two males together because they will fight.
Once, my cousin's hamster almost died. So, I would recommend a hamster as a pet.

I have had four Syrian hamsters, and each one had their own personality. Overall, they are great pets! It's better to get them as a baby or younger. When doing this, you are able to let them get used to you earlier on. Both females and males can be sweet. I have had both, but females have a musky odor when they are ready for breeding.
I would recommend a hamster for a responsible child or teen. They are fairly low maintenance and cost-effective. They are smart and can also be litter-trained. Very good pets once they are used to you, and super fuzzy and cute!
Birds

Birds! Yes, they are cute and live a long time but if you're someone who hates noise or doesn't have a lot of time on their hands then I wouldn't recommend them.

Birds also need a lot of care. Never go out and get one before you do your research. Birds require a large cage with lots of toys and perches, a diet that consists of pellets, a limited amount of seeds, and fresh veggies/fruit, and at least an hour out of the cage for small parrots and several hours for large parrots. Don't clip their wings. Let them fly around the house (supervised).
They need a lot of time and can be noisy and messy. But they also form deep bonds with their owners and are very affectionate and friendly if given enough attention. You can train them to do many tricks, such as talking, target training, flight recall, waving, the big eagle, playing dead, and more.
Lizards

Geckos are lizards belonging to the infraorder Gekkota, found in warm climates throughout the world. They range in size from 1.6 to 60 centimeters. Geckos are known for their vocalizations and for the ability of many species to climb smooth surfaces using specialized toe pads.

Blue-tongue skinks are the BEST lizards to have as a pet. They're very docile, and you don't have to feed them bugs! They eat dog food and veggies (with calcium and vitamin supplements). You don't have to feed them every day. They love to cuddle, and best of all, they can live up to 25 years!

I have a bearded dragon, and he is so cute. They eat bugs and greens. Put them on your shoulder and walk around!
I also have a snake, which is really easy to take care of. I love reptiles so much!

Why so low on the list? I have a bearded dragon. He is adorable, doesn't make a mess, is docile, and fun to handle. If you have one, get a lid, though. My brother's cats think he looks delicious.
Guinea Pigs

The guinea pig, also called the cavy or domestic guinea pig, is a species of rodent belonging to the family Caviidae and the genus Cavia. Guinea pigs are popular pets and have been bred in captivity for centuries. They are also used in scientific research and play a cultural role in some South American... read more

I want guinea pigs so badly! My family owned them when I was younger, but we got them from somebody and they were old and didn't live long.

Let's drop the pretense and start seeing guinea pigs for what they really are: more visually appealing rats. All credit to the lads, they've got some serious style. Every guinea pig looks different, with some sporting a grubby teenager hairstyle and others opting for a responsible banking consultant's cut.
They're just very amusing to look at, and that's half the battle when you're trying to find the right pet. Guinea pigs are entertaining, harmless, and cute. In summary, a very solid pet.
Turtles

Turtles are an order of reptiles known as Testudines, characterized by a shell developed mainly from their ribs. Modern turtles are divided into two major groups, the side-necked turtles and hidden-neck turtles, which differ in the way the head retracts. As of 2025, there are around 360 recognized living... read more

Great pets! Assuming you know what you're getting into, these animals must live on a "Tortoise Table," not in a tank. They live very long, so be prepared to have them for a while. Also, depending on the type, they can get quite big. So, the bottom line is that they make great pets as long as you know what you're doing, what you're getting into, and you're willing to spend time and money on these animals.

This may seem odd, but my friend found a turtle, so he picked it up, and it peed all over him, and now it's his pet turtle. I don't know how that works! But my point is that turtles are awesome and have great personalities, and they're not the slow old "things" that people say they are!
Ferrets

The ferret is the domesticated form of the European polecat, a mammal belonging to the same genus as the weasel, Mustela, of the family Mustelidae. Ferrets have been domesticated for thousands of years and are commonly kept as pets. They are known for their playful behavior and inquisitive nature.

Ferrets are like a combination of a cat and a dog, only better! They are so agile and playful. They can even be trained to come when called or do tricks. Their little ferret dance is always a blast to watch, and their curiosity keeps them forever getting into adorable awkward situations.
If ever something goes missing, check your ferret's stash. It's almost certain the little carpet sharks decided it belongs to them now. They need less space than both dogs and cats and have so much character. I love them.

Ferrets are great pets. I had an albino jill (that is a female) and the males are called hobs. She was cute with pink eyes. They like plenty of sleep, and I'd recommend taking them outside for a walk at night, as they like to dig and roll around and aren't as nervous as they are during the daytime when it's busier.
Inside the house, they like to stash food, socks, and newspapers under sofas. They are funny to watch and to play with. I used to shower my ferret once a month with baby shampoo, towel-dry her, then a few hours later apply a flea treatment to the back of the neck. I would advise you to hold the animal while the treatment absorbs into the skin, because if you put them straight back into their cage, they will roll around in the bedding and it won't be effective.
They love to eat chicken, but you can buy ferret nuggets as their main diet and treat them with different types of meat that you eat. My Delillah lived for 8 years. Seven to nine is normal. I hope this information was helpful.
SM, Swansea, UK
Fish

I love fish so much and currently have four tanks of my own. I am constantly able to have fun while I watch them, feed them, and clean their tanks. I highly recommend getting into the fish hobby and learning all you need to know before you get a few fish. If you don't follow certain guidelines for fishkeeping, your fish won't be very happy, and they will not live a good life.
Overall, I think fish are great pets, and if you and your family have enough room for a tank or two, you should definitely get them! They are super easy to customize to what you like because there are so many different species with brilliant colors, and different sizes and shapes.

The Newcomers

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Millipedes

Millipedes are a group of arthropods characterized by having two pairs of jointed legs on most body segments. They are known scientifically as the class Diplopoda, a name derived from this distinctive feature. Millipedes are detritivores that primarily feed on decaying plant material and play a key role... read more

I kept millipedes. They are really fun pets.
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Prairie Dogs

Despite the name, prairie dogs are not canines. They are herbivorous burrowing rodents belonging to the genus Cynomys and are native to the grasslands of North America. Prairie dogs are actually a type of ground squirrel.
There are five recognized species of prairie dogs: black-tailed, white-tailed... read more

Prairie Dogs are loveable animals that make great pets. They need lots of love and attention as they will get very sad if you abandon them or loose interest in them. With a healthy diet and a loveable home prairie dogs can live 12+ years. I'm going on my fourth one and I can say they truely rank up there with dogs and cats. Make sure to spayed or neuter your baby as it will be a more loveable and happy pet. Prairie Dogs should be on this list. Thank you.

Educate yourself and know what you're getting into, or else you will not enjoy these animals in your home. Assuming you know what you're doing and have the time and money to care for some, they should make nice pets!

The Contenders

Snakes

Snakes are elongated, legless, carnivorous reptiles that belong to the suborder Serpentes. Unlike legless lizards, snakes do not have eyelids or external ears, which are key distinguishing features. They can be found in a wide range of habitats around the world and vary greatly in size and behavior.

I have a pet piebald ball python named Limpnoodle. I got her for Christmas of 2025 and she is in my hand right now. They are expensive, but they make awesome companions! They are very calm and fun to hold and snuggle with. They are also quiet and don't smell bad. The one thing they aren't, though, is low maintenance. It's totally worth it though. Mine likes to wrap around my hand like a bracelet. Definitely the best exotic pet there is!

Excellent pets, if you choose the right species. Corn snakes are amazing: they come in over 50 morphs, are extremely docile, and overall require low care and skill.
Fascinating, brilliant creatures, many good species. You can level up to more complicated ones after gradual experience, and engage in the wonders of these horribly misunderstood animals.
Hedgehogs

A hedgehog is any of the spiny mammals of the subfamily Erinaceinae, in the eulipotyphlan family Erinaceidae. They are native to parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and have also been introduced into New Zealand. Hedgehogs are nocturnal and are known for their defensive behavior of rolling into a tight... read more

They are great pets. I have one called Lila and another called Pete. They don't actually spike you. They only do that when they're scared, so don't frighten them. They like to cuddle up with you, and they are so cute.

They are cute and nice but can get grumpy. You have to keep the temperature at a certain level, or they will go into hibernation, which can be deadly. Overall, they are so worth it!

I have a hedgehog. They are cute and easy to care for. I don't like them as much as ferrets, but I love my hedgehog, Mooki. She is a little scared of me, and I don't know why. She is a great starter pet.
Sugar Gliders

The sugar glider is a small, nocturnal, omnivorous, and arboreal marsupial. It belongs to the species Petaurus breviceps and is native to Australia, New Guinea, and the surrounding islands. Known for its ability to glide through the air, the sugar glider is a popular exotic pet in some regions.

Little squirrel-like animals don't "fly" but jump long distances using spread skin. Very friendly. They sleep in a small pouch or bag and can be trained to sit in a bag around your neck or in your pocket. (I brought one to school in the pouch under my jacket, and nobody knew.) They are nocturnal. When in pain or afraid of danger, the animal lets out a growl or a small squeak-ish noise to warn you.
Very good housepets. But be aware, although friendly, the animal needs great attention and cleaning. If you don't spend great amounts of time with the animal, he/she will create a hate toward you and begin to bite or become scared or mean towards you.

Sugar gliders are so adorable but not as low-maintenance as hamsters, gerbils, or guinea pigs.
Sugar gliders are good pets, even though they're opossums.
Chinchillas

Chinchillas are two species of crepuscular rodents that are slightly larger and more robust than ground squirrels. They are native to the Andes Mountains in South America and live in colonies called herds at elevations up to 4,270 meters. Known for their incredibly dense and soft fur, chinchillas have... read more

I got a chinchilla, and she is so cute. If you are in search of a pet for your kids that lives for 15 years, consider a chinchilla. These fragile animals are ideal for your home.
Initially, they need to get used to you. They might be shy and scared at first. The uniqueness of this pet lies in their velvety soft fur, and they come in a variety of colors such as white, charcoal, brown, and more that you can choose from. Chinchillas are the best rodents.

These small little creatures are great for little kids when they need a friend. They are perfect for hide-and-seek, and just for a cuddle when you're sad.
Mice

A mouse is a small rodent characterized by a pointed snout, small rounded ears, a body-length scaly tail, and a high breeding rate. The best-known species is the common house mouse, which is found in homes and urban areas worldwide. Mice are also popular as pets and are widely used in scientific research... read more

Many people see mice as smelly, gross rodents, but from my experience, mice are very playful and adventurous. Mice don't smell as bad as you think, however, this is said if you clean their cage weekly.
Mice can be trained as well as rats and ferrets. They are very cute and love making little warm beds in small containers. It is recommended to buy two or more mice of the same gender. These little friends love to cuddle up to each other and clean themselves often.

Yeah! Cool! You can just leave them in your living room! And boom! Also, they are cute and clean!
In case you wonder, there is a difference between rats and mice. Mice love adventures and try to get away, while rats will sit on your lap while you pet them (males usually, but females are sweet, too). But mice are also awesome!
Rats

Rats are various medium sized, long tailed rodents of the superfamily Muroidea. "True rats" are members of the genus Rattus, with the black rat (Rattus rattus) and the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) being the most significant to humans. These species are commonly found in urban areas and are known for... read more

How did pet rocks rank higher than rats? Seriously, they're my favorites. They're second only to dogs in how affectionate they are, and relatively very easy to take care of. The only thing about them that might be difficult is that you need to spend time with them every day, but they're so lovable and fun it won't be tedious. They love to lick and cuddle their humans, more than I can say for most hamsters and rabbits! Sweeter and better lap pets than cats and just as clean and easy to take care of. And very smart! They can learn tons of tricks. Honestly, the only downside is that they only live for three years, but I guess that's good if you don't like commitment.
Pigs

Pigs are the only farm animals I'm putting on this list. You might be wondering why. Well, it's because pigs are the only farm animals I would keep inside a house. This is best house pets. Not best pets in general. Whoever added goats and sheep probably read the title wrong because let's face it. Sheep and goats are amazing but I'm NOT keeping them inside my house!
But about pigs. Pigs are intelligent and clean animals.

These are great animals to have, but DO YOUR RESEARCH, or these animals can make your life horrible. They are very intelligent and will damage your house if you don't provide them with stimulation. And that myth about them staying tiny? Couldn't be further from the truth! These animals can reach a maximum weight of 50 pounds when they're adults, so make sure you know what you're getting into when you get one.
Remember that these are not low-maintenance animals! But if you do your research, you will be very happy with your new pet!
Hermit Crabs

I have one, and I must say they are low-maintenance. However, depending on your crab's personality, they may not be very social. Most people would recommend a cage mate, but my crab does not like cage mates and will not be happy if I try to introduce another crab.
If you're considering one of these pets, be aware that they live very long. I've had mine since I was 8 years old, and she's now 21 years old but still has a good 10 years left! So be aware that these pets have a long lifespan, but personally, I haven't regretted getting the pet yet.

I have a pet hermit crab named King Crabby, and I'll never regret it. I found him in the wild at a beach. It's been the best choice I've made since my frogs died.
He is a little shy, but I was able to bring him home. I bought some supplies at the pet store and made a great home for him. Anybody who thinks that a hermit crab is more trouble than it's worth is a knucklehead!
Gerbils

A gerbil is a small mammal in the order Rodentia. Once known simply as "desert rats," the gerbil subfamily includes about 110 species of African, Indian, and Asian rodents. These include sand rats and jirds, all of which are adapted to thrive in arid environments.

I got two sister gerbils over five years ago. One passed away two years ago, but I still have one who is now about seven years old. She still acts fine and is very lovable, intelligent, sweet, and friendly.
Gerbils are very easy pets with sweet tempers and can be trained. My girl uses a litter box, which means I don't have to clean her cage often. It only took me about a week to litter-train her. She has never gotten sick and has never bitten anyone.

I currently own gerbils too.
Some people dislike rats because of their scaly tails, but gerbil tails are soft and furry. These petite rodents are adorable and fun. It's hilarious to see them running so fast on their wheel and darting around the house in their run-around ball.
Gerbils are awesome pets, and I would totally recommend them.
Capybaras

The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the largest living rodent in the world. It is a member of the genus Hydrochoerus, which also includes the lesser capybara (Hydrochoerus isthmius). Capybaras are native to South America and are commonly found near bodies of water.

Don't listen to the comments that say they should not be kept as pets. You just need to be a dedicated family and have a pool. They are sweet, loving, affectionate, playful, and very friendly!
Consider getting two because, like guinea pigs, they get lonely very easily. They are legal in a lot of states, so yeah...

Amazing. If you have a pool, you don't need to give them exercise. They are huge rodents. They're sweet and they are cute.

A capybara is a really big guinea pig.
Foxes

Foxes are small to medium-sized animals in the Canidae family, which also includes jackals, wolves, and domestic dogs. There are 37 species of fox, but only 12 are considered true foxes of the genus Vulpes. Foxes are omnivorous and adaptable, with diets that include small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects... read more

Don't listen to the other comments, please. I have owned Arctic foxes, and they are quite the best thing ever! They are domesticated, and I, of course, own many acres of land on my farm, and my Arctic fox is very nice. You just need to train them well and be experienced.
I use mine for breeding and as an educational animal, but they can be good pets if you care for them properly.

They are sometimes called a mix between a dog and a cat. They are nocturnal and require quite a lot of training but are the most social out of the fox family.
I personally love all breeds of foxes, but the Fennec would be my house pet of choice if I were to get one. They are also not commonly seen in many households, so it would be great to show guests or family members this desert fox!
Butterflies

Butterflies are part of the class of insects in the order Lepidoptera, along with moths. Adult butterflies have large, often brightly colored wings, and a conspicuous, fluttering flight. They undergo complete metamorphosis, with life stages including egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult... read more

Not really a pet, but raising them is fun!

Butterflies are good pets, but watch their wings, or they cannot fly.
Snails

Snail is a common name that is applied most often to land snails, terrestrial pulmonate gastropod molluscs. Snails are known for their coiled shells and slow movement, and they can be found in a variety of environments including gardens, forests, and deserts. They play an important role in ecosystems... read more

They're fragile and free, although mine isn't very social. I prefer my dog, even though he eats my family of snails.

Snails are so cute, and they poop multicolored poop! They are fascinating pets to have.

Snail slime is sold in Holland and Barrett. This is a natural source of slime. It's good for your skin.
Degus

The common degu is a small caviomorph rodent endemic to the Chilean matorral ecoregion of central Chile. The name "degu" can refer to the entire genus Octodon or more specifically to Octodon degus. Degus are highly social animals known for their diurnal activity and complex vocalizations.

I saw one in a pet shop and fell in love. Sadly, I couldn't get it, but they're cute and decently priced. Do your research, and this could become your new companion!

Pronounced 'day-goo,' these fascinating animals are like gerbils and are a cute little addition to most households if you are willing to provide the money, time, and space.

They're just amazing (probably 12+) and they are really clever and cute - definitely get them!
Skunks

Skunks are mammals known for their ability to spray a liquid with a strong odor as a defense mechanism. Species of skunks vary in appearance, with coloration ranging from black-and-white to brown or cream. All skunks have warning coloration to deter predators.

As long as you get the stink glands removed, skunks can be adorable and curious pets that require a lot of care, but in the end, are worth it.

Skunks are cuddly and cute! They don't stink if you get their scent glands removed.

Playful, cute, curious, and extremely loving! Totally worth it!