Top 10 Easiest House Pets to Take Care Of

Looking for a low-maintenance pet that fits into your lifestyle? Not everyone has the time, space, or energy for a high-maintenance companion, and that's okay. Some pets require constant attention, while others are content with minimal care, making them ideal for busy people, first-time pet owners, or those who just want an easygoing addition to their home.

This list is all about ranking the easiest house pets to care for based on factors like feeding, grooming, space requirements, and overall upkeep. Your vote helps shape the rankings too, so if you have experience with any of these pets, be sure to add your opinion.

The Top Ten

Fish

Betta fish are really good pets. They could live for a couple of days without food, but they'll be really hungry. You just have to clean their tanks about once a week. You also have to check the water temperature for the fish. Different kinds of fish need different care.
I have three betta fish. I keep them in different tanks because they might attack each other, so I have some experience. I also had ten goldfish before, but they all died because some ate a lot and died, and others got no food and died from that.
You should have from 1-3 fish in one tank because it gets harder to take care of them. I also had a guinea pig, but they were a little harder to take care of. So, I think you should get a fish as your first pet. Then, when you grow more responsible, get a hamster, then a dog or a cat. Bye.
Hamster

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.

I have a Chinese dwarf hamster named Latte, who I got almost two years ago. They are the sweetest hamsters ever! They are very easy to take care of. You simply have to make sure they have a 360" cage, a water bottle, a wheel (not wired), hideouts, a hamster ball, food (Ox Bow is a great brand), bedding (do not use pine), a hamster bath, tons of chews, treats, and other accessories. That may seem like a lot, but it is inexpensive. My total came to about $90, but it was worth it! My hamster is so loving, unlike the Syrian hamsters who bite constantly. Latte has never bitten me and loves everything and everyone. I love her being so content!

We had hamsters, and at one point, I think we had about 50 because they kept having babies and then more babies. But they are super fun to have around.
I remember we put a twist tie on our cage door, and the dad hamster untwisted it and got out. We found it a day later in my mom's closet. That hamster was really smart. We put one on our treadmill one time. It was really funny. They're really easy to take care of too.
Dog

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

Dogs are my favorite pets. I have a husky. Although they are very cute and fluffy, they can be mischievous and naughty. They are extremely intelligent and hilarious. If you want one, I strongly recommend you stay at home a lot. If you don't, they may escape and run off. They get distracted by noises and sometimes run into roads. Unfortunately, most huskies die from running into the road and getting hit. So, if you want one of these amazing dogs, give them a lot of attention and don't leave them outside when you're away!

Well, I have waited four long years to get another dog, after the passing of my highly aggressive Akita (Shiba Inu). In that time, I have managed to gather a lot of information on this amazing species.
In my opinion, the easiest breed would most likely be a pug, seeing as they need little exercise and grooming, are easy to train, fit for any environment, and are very social with people and other dogs.
Cat

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

Cats should be No. 1. If you want a pet that's easy to care for but with whom you can still share unlimited affection, go for cats. My cat practically looks after himself. He takes care of his own grooming, hygiene, and exercise needs. All I have to do is feed him twice a day. People think cats are aloof and distant, but that's because they show love in very subtle ways, which it is your job to learn.
While the cat doesn't need your love and attention to thrive, if a cat has bonded with you, it's because it really wants to. The more you love your cat, the more they bond with you. At the same time, if you just want a casual housemate or a mouse hunter, cats are fine with that too. Neglect your cat, and he will probably just find somewhere else to live.
When you put in the effort, the bond is an incredibly tight one. Once you are bonded, YOU and only you are the one they really trust and care about. Cats are happy doing their own thing and are rarely needy.
There is lots of stuff you can do with your cat. I take my cat for walks to the park late at night when it's quiet. The good thing, though, is if I don't feel like doing it, he doesn't need to be walked. He can just as well go out on his own. Cats are the perfect balance between cuddly affection and mature independence.
Turtle

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

I have really wanted a small pet for a while, and a turtle would be nice. The only thing is, I already have a dog, and we usually are away.

All you need is a big space for it to live in and a huge rock. They are smart, and they recognize you as their owner.

Turtles are cute, fun, and can be difficult to take care of, but it is worth it for such an adorable pet.
Lizard

Lizards are a widespread group of squamate reptiles, with over 7,000 species found across all continents except Antarctica, as well as most oceanic island chains. The group is considered paraphyletic because it excludes snakes and Amphisbaenia, which are more closely related to some lizards than those... read more

One person said that they do not smell. I disagree, especially for bearded dragons. They don't produce body odor, but their feces are real, and if you don't do at least a weekly full cage deep cleaning, they will begin to stink. Also, bathe the lizard in water to get feces residue off. Otherwise, they are super easy.
I had a couple for a while, but my first one died, and he was so loving! He was only six months old and was oversized because of eating too many crickets, which led to paralysis and eventually caused his death. He ate twelve crickets a day, which was way too much! My new ones eat twelve each on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. That is a good amount.

My family owns many animals, and honestly, my leopard gecko isn't the easiest to take care of, but they don't require a lot of work and time. Just do your research (of course, with all pets!) and make sure they have at least two or three hides, as well as a heat mat under one, and preferably something to test the temperatures.
They need one side of their cage warm (with the heat mat) and the other side cold. Other than that, they're pretty easy. They just need crickets and mealworms dusted with calcium powder every couple of days. Make sure you use paper towels or reptile carpet as substrate. Sand can cause impaction and kill them.
I would recommend getting a leopard gecko if you are a gentle, calm person. I would also say try to handle them once a day if you can. They are very loving and affectionate pets!
Frog

Frogs are a diverse and largely carnivorous group of short-bodied, tailless amphibians composing the order Anura. They are found worldwide except in Antarctica, with more than 7,000 species currently described. Frogs typically lay their eggs in water and undergo metamorphosis from aquatic larvae to adult... read more

Frogs, specifically African Dwarf frogs, are amazing and adorable. I had two for at least six years. One lasted eight. They are very easy to take care of, they don't smell, and you don't have to be home all the time to watch them. Mine knew who I was and would follow my finger around if I traced it on the glass.
All of my friends always wanted to see them because they are so unique. I highly recommend getting one if you want a pet you can take care of on your own.

I own African Dwarf frogs, and trust me, they are so easy to take care of. They are so much fun to watch and aren't as smelly as hamsters or dogs or cats! Ten times less work! Plus, you clean the tank once every three months! Just like fish but less cleaning!
And I love them so much!
Bird

It depends on the type of bird. If it's a large parrot, like a macaw, they can live for about 50 years. Macaws and other large parrots scream very loudly, which is not good for young children, especially when they bite.
If it is your first time getting a bird, I suggest you get a smaller bird, like a budgerigar or a cockatiel, which live about 10-20 years and are relatively quiet even if they scream. (Mine don't scream. They squawk, but it's not that loud.) They are easier than a cat or dog because you only have to clean their cage once a week or every two weeks, unlike a litter box which is cleaned every 3-5 days. (One thing I am not doing is bringing down the other animals in favor of birds, okay?)
Anyway, dogs bark, which could annoy neighbors, especially if you live in a townhouse, but a parakeet is something your neighbors will never notice since budgies are really quiet.
Worm

Mealworms are great. Get a plastic storage bin, shoebox size. Drill holes around the top lip of the container. Add a container of rolled oats. Keep it dry! Dump in your mealworms, add a carrot and a toilet paper tube. And voilà! Mealworm farm. You can watch them pupate, morph into beetles, and then about a week later, watch teeny tiny mealworms grow.
I'll say it again though, keep it dry! And keep it in a dark, well-ventilated area.

When I was in 6th grade last year, I kept mealworms for my school's science fair. I actually won first place because they are so easy to take care of! Just put them in a jar with holes and give them food (banana peels are great), and ta-da! You have your mealworm farm.
I'm not sure about pet earthworms, though. I don't think they would live very long.
Guinea Pig

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 don't actually think they're as "easy" to care for, but they aren't super hard either. As I walk in the door, my little one wheeks and wheeks, knowing that it's treat time.
They need regular vet checkups and are prone to a lot of unrecognizable diseases. They are smarter than you think. Mine know a lot of tricks.
They don't smell as much as a lot of people think, but my old one constantly needs baths. There are a lot of people who just lock them in a store-bought cage, but they need exercise as they also tend to get more rotund. A lot of people can be capable of owning a guinea pig, but please don't buy your six-year-old daughter one for her birthday.

The Newcomers

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Cockroach

Cockroaches (or roaches) are a paraphyletic group of insects in the order Blattodea, which also includes termites. About 30 out of approximately 4,600 cockroach species are associated with human environments. Several of these species are considered pests due to their presence in homes and buildings.... read more
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Weasel

The Contenders

Hermit Crab

My dad was thinking really hard about a pet for me to have. I am fourteen, and my family travels quite often to visit family. We already have goldfish, so he needed to think harder. I LOVE animals, but due to our lifestyle, he had a tough decision to make. Either keep me begging and whining or find me a suitable pet.
He chose hermit crabs. They're easy, affordable, and perfect for a mature child to take care of. They are low maintenance and don't smell if you properly care for them. You need to be careful with them. They are fragile creatures and easily frightened. If you want one, be careful of the environment and weather. Do NOT spray toxic substances or expose them to it, or they WILL DIE. Otherwise, I highly recommend them. They require less work than a fish tank too, in cleaning terms.
Snail

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

Snails are amazing! They are super cute (in my opinion) and can be held as well. I had two pet garden snails, and they were so much fun! Unfortunately, they died of mites.
If you get snails, make sure to clean the container at least once a month and ensure it is secure. You can feed them pretty much anything. Just make sure to give them calcium as well. It's also fun to race them, make treats for them, and watch them slime around!
They are quite fast and love climbing, especially on your hands. I don't care what anyone says about snails. They are super cool! They live a long time in captivity if you care for them well and are quite rewarding. Just make sure to check for eggs, as they are hermaphrodites, and get multiple because they get lonely and like playing with each other!
Hedgehog

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

My sister's friend has a hedgehog, and they lived happily ever after! They lived such a happily ever after that I was thinking about adopting one myself! So, I did some research. Hedgehogs are fairly easy to wash. The problem is they are nocturnal, meaning, for those of you who don't know, they mostly do things at night. You will most likely only play with them for a short amount of time during the daylight hours.
Other than that, have fun!

I've been doing research for years now, and they're shy at first but eventually warm up to you. You can put them in a dark, enclosed space for the first couple of weeks with a piece of clothing you wear a lot. They will get used to your smell from the clothing. You DO have to feed them live mealworms, but it's not too bad.
However, hedgehogs cost a TON of money, which is (mostly) why most people don't have hedgehogs.
Toad

Wonderful pet! I have kept Southeastern American toads all my life, starting as a child. My toddler found a toadlet at my stepfather's house, and we took it home. Just mimic the environment they normally live in: soil, water, rocks, weeds, plants, and a hide in a 10-gallon tank, no smaller. I spritz the enclosure once a week with water. We keep the house at a comfortable temperature.
It eats one mealworm larvae and one housefly a day, right from our hands. In two months, it has tripled in size. Great fun and a sweet little teaching tool for my toddler. We talk about its features: big beautiful golden eyes, soft tummy, and bumpy back. Tiny toes and fragile nature. My son is learning to be gentle. This will come in handy with any future additions to our family! Feeding it is easy and free.
Rabbit

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

I have two rabbits, and the thing with rabbits is they need a very specific setup and routine. Once you have that squared away, they are extremely easy to take care of. The only other challenge can be their personality. I have two sweet little guys who come when I call them, use the litter box, do various tricks, and love to play and cuddle with me.
The hardest part of rabbit ownership, in my experience, is bonding two rabbits. It is hell on earth. However, if you have a solo rabbit or a pair that are already bonded, the rest is easy.

I had one rabbit. Her name was Whitedonut, and she was almost cage-free. She actually wasn't too much work. I would say guinea pigs need much more interaction and are harder to take care of.
We just had to block off the area around the extra fridge, as she had quite a problem with chewing electrical cords, so we needed some toys. Other than that, rabbits aren't too bad!
Snake

Snakes are elongated, limbless, carnivorous reptiles of the suborder Serpentes. Like all other squamates, they are ectothermic, amniote vertebrates covered in overlapping scales. Many species have skulls with several more joints than their lizard ancestors, enabling them to swallow prey much larger than... read more

My corn snake is the best. I rescued him from very poor conditions under someone else's care. Initially, he was very timid and refused to come near me or eat for the first six months. Now, he's extremely friendly. He's fed every 10 days and his enclosure is cleaned every two weeks. He's never bitten me and loves to explore. I wrap up my bedsheets and duvet for him to explore and work through. People say snakes can't have a personality, but they're definitely wrong.
I see a lot of people say all you need is some paper towel, a box, a water bowl, and a heat mat to have a snake. I disagree. For a happy snake, you need a stimulating enclosure. I have two hides, natural substrate, and loads of climbing material with greenery within his enclosure. I feed him when he's willing to explore out of his enclosure in a separate feeding tub. Definitely get one, but beware, they live for years and years.
Mouse

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

I think mice are really cute! Mice should be easy to take care of. They eat pretty much anything, but be careful and don't feed them candy. Candy will make them sick and they could die quickly.
Mice like Cheeto Puffs and cheese balls. Experiment and find out what their favorite foods are. Don't feed them fast food or processed cheese, like the cheese squares that come in packets. Feed them cheese that was freshly made. At Whole Foods, there's a desk where they make cheese right there! Have fun with your mouse!

Mice, if cared for properly, are okay pets. They will still pee and poo on you, no matter how "tame." The enclosure needs to be cleaned twice a week, or they smell. Anyone that tells you otherwise has just gotten used to the stink. I worked at a pet store and cleaned the enclosure daily. They will eat their own young and can chew plastic cage sides to escape. The best route is a 10-gallon glass tank with a wire lid that cannot be reached. Use pine shaving bedding (NEVER cedar), a free-hanging water bottle, a paper towel tube, a plastic wheel, and a small metal bowl for food, and they'll be content.
Tortoise

Big species of tortoise, like sulcatas, are very hardy when they turn into adults, but they are not easy to care for unless you have a big grassy garden and it is hot all year long. If you meet those requirements, you can just leave the tortoise outside and let it graze all day. Give it a place to hide and occasional treats of flowers, prickly cactus, and lettuce, and they'll most likely outlive you.

I have always wanted a tortoise. They cost a lot. The only problem is, how do you care for them?
Butterfly

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

I've raised a few of them. They require a lot of delicate maintenance, but the transformation is amazing.

Beautiful and amazingly easy to take care of.
Sea Monkey

Sea monkeys can live for two years and sustain a family of sea monkeys for more than a decade. Their bowl, tank, or jar never has to be cleaned. In fact, they seem to prefer messy water. They do need salt water, but they can survive much more than most creatures. Sea monkeys can eat special food that comes with a kit, or alternatives like yeast, sliced salami, and phytoplankton. Did you know their eggs can survive two years out of water? In other words, sea monkeys are perfect beginner pets.

I have gotten Sea Monkeys for Christmas for two years, and they're SO EASY to take care of! All you have to do is feed them. It's so much fun to watch how fast they grow!
Ant

Ants are eusocial insects of the family Formicidae and, along with related wasps and bees, belong to the order Hymenoptera. They evolved from wasp-like ancestors during the Cretaceous period and have since diversified into over 12,000 species. Ants are known for their complex social colonies and division... read more

I love ants so much. Funny story: as a kid in 2nd and 3rd grade, I LOVED these tiny little bugs. One day, I got one of those pink pencil boxes your teacher may give you, went to the large field at my school, and collected grass, dirt, sticks, leaves, and, of course, ants. I took them home, kept them in my room, and gave them things like water in bottle caps, along with food.
As usual, they died, but it's been years and my love for ants has never died.
Rat

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

My rats have always been my best friends. They're small but lovable, like a permanent pocket-sized puppy! Always get two, as they'll keep each other entertained while you work.
Rats aren't nocturnal or diurnal. Instead, they are pretty much available when you are! Weekly cleanings are a minor drawback, but they don't smell, and it's better than picking up dog poo with your hands daily. Exercise is simple. Rather than long, muddy walks in the rain, simply release them into a rat-safe room.
Rats can learn dozens of tricks and are always up for a bit of grooming. They are actually cleaner than dogs due to their low exposure to germs outside.
Pig

A pig is any of the animals in the genus Sus, within the Suidae family of even-toed ungulates. Pigs include the domestic pig and its ancestor, the common Eurasian wild boar, along with other species. Related creatures outside the genus include the peccary, the babirusa, and the warthog.

I want a pig more than anything in the world!
Gerbil

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.

My sister has 2 gerbils. I disagree with the person saying they're smelly and poo a lot. Ok, yes, they poo, but like 8 times a day. They are super small and they don't smell. The pee is what smells, and you don't even notice any bad smells. The only way you could possibly call this a "smelly pet" is if this is the only pet you've ever owned.
The only reason I wish she hadn't gotten them is because:
1. They bite, so don't buy one thinking you can cuddle it for an hour because you can sorta only hold them for about 12 seconds.
2. I would read this one before you go out and buy one. A gerbil's natural instinct to do this. They're not devil gerbils, and once you think about it, it proves how smart a gerbil is. Okay, so when a gerbil dies, if there's another gerbil in the tank (which there should be), a gerbil's instinct is to... um, ok bear with me. Their instinct when a gerbil dies is to eat the parts that would bring disease to the "burrow" to protect the others. They do not kill the gerbil. They just do this after he dies.
If you find your gerbil flat in his cage (and this will only happen if you have two in there, which you should), all you have to do is take both gerbils out, bury or do whatever you want with the dead one, and clean the cage and you're good to go. Don't be worried to buy another!
Sugar Glider

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.

This is my opinion, but I personally feel like sugar gliders aren't very good pets to keep, and I don't think they should be house pets. I certainly have done my research because I wanted one. However, I realized during my research that these beautiful creatures should not be pets. But, if you feel absolutely sure that you will provide all their necessities, care, etc., and give them lots of room and love, then I guess you could get one. Just so you know, these animals are also wild. They're not like a fish, a dog, or a cat. If you read this and still are very positive that you will get one, that's good for you, and good luck to you and your little buddy.