Top 10 Best Pets

Pets come in all shapes and sizes, and they bring their own unique charm and companionship into our lives. Whether you're looking for a loyal friend to keep you company, a low-maintenance pet to brighten your day, or even a small critter to entertain you with their playful antics, there's something for everyone.

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

I voted for dogs simply because they are the best. They have every quality possible. They have such great and diverse personalities. Cats just, in my opinion, kind of lack personality. And no dog has the same personality.
Trust me. I have five dogs and they're all so different. One is my HUGE labradoodle who's 100 pounds. He isn't very smart, but he is the sweetest dog I've ever met. He looks big and scary, but he's a huge softie and lays his head on you. He also hates water, unlike my other dog who's also MUCH smaller.
This dog is also easily ten times more dignified than the big doofus. He throws up IN A TRASHCAN. Maybe you didn't need to know that, but still. He is very smart and can be trained to do many things.
All of my other dogs are different too, but the one thing they have in common is they are the most caring animals on this earth. They're the one thing that loves YOU more than they love themselves. And that's a fact.
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

Reasons to get a cat:
They don't have to go outside to use the bathroom.
They don't have to be taken on walks.
They don't require as much attention.
They can do tricks. (I have seen many people say only dogs do tricks. This is false. Many cats, including my own, can do tricks.)
They can sit on laps. (Only small dogs can do this.)
They can catch mice and bugs.
They are much easier to take care of.
They don't jump on you all the time. (I know that not all dogs do this, but many do.)
Also, for those of you saying cats can't save lives, there have been many stories about cats saving lives, including one where a cat saved its owner from a seizure!
All in all, cats are just amazing, and I encourage you to vote for cats.
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 have two guinea pigs. They are adorable, intelligent, and easy to take care of! They are still a little shy, but they know who I am and are generally less scared of me. They are just the cutest little things!
Unlike most rodents, they rarely bite, they will not pee or poo on your shirt, and they can eat a whole variety of things! Each one has a different personality, and it's super fun to experiment and learn more about them and their unique personalities over time.
For instance, one of mine is super social, super friendly, and will chew on everything. My other one, however, is very shy and will only come out for people she recognizes. They were both rescued, and it makes me feel so happy to finally give those two a good home. I wouldn't trade them for the world!
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

When trained properly, rabbits can learn tricks and even use the litter box. I've owned many rabbits, primarily mini rexes. Each one has had a unique personality. One would even hop to the door when someone arrived so she could greet them.
Our current rabbits know the commands "beg," "down," "up," and "bedtime." Rabbits can be very loyal. Our oldest rabbit loves to get pets from all of us, but she greets my dad as if she knows she was his present.
When my bunny passed away, her mom and sister grieved. They were lethargic and had tears dried on their faces. So, overall, bunnies can be very complicated, but given the right care, they can make outstanding family members.
Fish

Fish are not boring. Find the type that appeals to you. They possess plenty of personality. My oscars, for instance, greet me like puppies when I enter their room! Most fish are easy to take care of but require more attention than some people might think. They do not have short lifespans if properly cared for. Please do research to give them the best life possible. Fishkeeping is not for everyone, but if you decide it is for you, be warned - it is addicting. One tank can quickly turn into an entire room full of them.

Many species of aquarium fish are more intelligent than people give them credit for. Goldfish do not have a three-second memory and can remember things for up to five months as well as recognize their owners. Betta fish have unique personalities and can be taught many tricks.
Birds

Birds are much more intelligent than people give them credit for. My cockatiel and green cheek conure can do more tricks than most dogs! Keeping birds as pets is not cruel. These birds were bred in captivity and cannot survive in the wild. It would be cruel to set them free because they could be eaten by a predator, freeze in the winter, or starve to death.
As long as they're allowed to fly around the house every day (wing clipping is wrong), are interacted with, and have a good-sized cage with lots of toys for when you're not home to supervise them (for their safety), pet birds can be very happy. Birds are extremely affectionate and bond deeply with their owners. My cockatiel even asks to be scratched when he bows his head down!
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 awesome. I've only ever had a Chinese dwarf hamster. She was really cute, docile, and loving. She did take some time to get used to me, but once she did, she was great.
She had a shy personality and quivered when she sat in any stranger's hand. I loved that she was loyal to me and only me. Her name was Cali.

I think hamsters are a great pet to have because you have to be really responsible. Also, they are cute and friendly. However, if you keep pestering the hamster, it will bite you (I have learned that the hard way).
Turtles

Turtles are awesome and not so difficult to feed. I have one in my classroom, and she is awesome. You might find one in the grassy plains or a regular box turtle in your yard. However, I recommend getting one from your local pet store to ensure safety. Turtles are really cool. I hope you enjoyed this and that they make it at least into the top twenty!
BOX TURTLES! ~

Turtles are awesome. I have four, and they didn't bite once I trained them. The one and only negative thing about turtles is if you use gravel, the tank gets filthy. But they are pretty cool because they hunt fish when I put feeder goldfish in with them.
Lizards

Go beardies! I have a six-month-old beardie at home, and I have to say, I love him! He's a foot and a third already and still growing. Although he can get a little smelly at times, he still is my sweet boy.
When I first got him, I almost thought he would be like a wild lizard without a real distinguished personality. Boy, was I wrong! He loves to curl up on the couch like a dog for naps, explore, and be downright mischievous! I would advise this pet to anyone who has dog or cat allergies and would like a sweet animal to curl up in their lap occasionally and add a little spice to their life!

They are very clean, docile, and love to snuggle. Most beardies only poop in one corner of their cage and are easier to potty train than cats. They don't really smell, love to cuddle, and don't have fur to get allergic to. Very low-maintenance pets. And pretty indestructible too.
They can go three weeks without food and almost forever without water. If you handle your dragon every day, then they will love you for the rest of their lives.
GO BEARDIES!
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

My rats are what brought me out of depression. Knowing that something depends on you and can't wait to see you is so important. Rats are extremely expressive. You always know what they are feeling, which is why they are very good for people with mental disorders.
Rats are easier to understand than people and are incredibly affectionate. When I stand up to leave, mine hate it so much that they will run and climb up my leg. Each rat has its own unique personality. They are also much safer for children because they only bite when they are terrified or in pain. In contrast, hamsters bite when they are grumpy, often due to their sleep patterns.
Rats are easier to handle than hamsters. People often worry about rat teeth, but rats have the same size and pressure of teeth as hamsters. The teeth are just easier to see. Yes, rats chew things because they are rodents and their teeth never stop growing.
Rats are considered the cleanest of the rodents and are smart enough to develop OCD, which means they clean themselves even more meticulously. Contrary to popular belief, they do not carry more diseases than any other pet. The association with the plague was due to the insects on them, not the rats themselves. It could have been any animal. It just happened to be rats. So before you judge them, do your research, because the reputation they have is completely unfounded.

The Newcomers

?
Chickens

The chicken is a type of domesticated fowl and a subspecies of the red junglefowl. It is one of the most common and widespread domestic animals, with a global population of more than 19 billion as of 2011. Chickens are kept primarily for their meat and eggs and are found in nearly every part of the world... read more

If you grow vegetables, they will eat the lice so the crops won't get destroyed.
?
Chipmunks

Chipmunks are small, striped rodents of the family Sciuridae. They are native to North America, except for the Siberian chipmunk, which is primarily found in Asia. Chipmunks are known for their cheek pouches, which they use to store food.

My big sister has a pet chipmunk.

The Contenders

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

In my opinion, chinchillas should be ranked a little higher because they are easy to take care of and are extremely good with other animals. They are also wonderful with both younger and older children. Chinchillas do not have teeth capable of biting like dogs, cats, or rats, making them safer around kids. They are among the fluffiest animals in the world and learn tricks very easily. It is truly enjoyable. Moreover, when you have to be away for most of the day, they will be sleeping, so you do not have to worry about them feeling lonely.

Chinchillas are very good pets for children aged 10-14. They are not very hard to take care of and rarely bite, but their cages take up a bit of space. I would highly recommend them because they're snuggly and teach responsibility.
Tortoises

I vote tortoises because they don't make any noises. Kids love to see their pets eat a lot, and well, that's what they do. Also, I have one, and it is so great to have.
Kids also get to grow up with a tortoise. And I should know because this is a kid speaking here!

Easy to look after and incredibly cute as well. They are good with children and adults and eat inexpensive food as well!
I think they have endearing personalities and are, personally for me, at least No. 3!

Having a tortoise can be kind of stressful sometimes, but they are really cute and super fun to play with. You can teach them tricks (at least that's what I've heard, though mine doesn't know any).
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.

Gerbils should be number one! Because they are:
1. Cute! Awesome! Cool, awesome, cool!
2. Easy to care for - they pretty much only need food, water, love, and a mate to keep him or her company.
3. Entertaining! They run around here, run around there, and I could watch a gerbil all day!

Gerbils should be ranked much higher! I have one, and they are fantastic pets because they are active and fun to watch. They are easy to take care of and are inexpensive!

Gerbils are very active and are fun to watch. They have their own personalities and are very friendly. They should DEFINITELY be in the top 5.
Horses

I absolutely adore horses. They are beautiful, useful, and quite intelligent. I would advise you to do your research before taking in a horse because they require a significant amount of work to keep them healthy. However, they can practically pay for themselves if used properly. You must take very good care of them, otherwise, they may end up costing you more than you can afford in veterinary bills. But with the proper care, they are not as expensive as many people think.

People think horses are expensive, but they're not really. I have a horse, and all you really have to pay for is their feed, and a bag can last almost a month. The money you do pay is definitely worth it. Horses are so lovable!
My pony follows me around when I go into the field and snuffles me, which is so nice and tickly. I have such a great bond with my pony, and I would NEVER dream of selling her. I can't believe horses are only 12th. They are definitely the best pets, along with cats and dogs!
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.

Most people are afraid of snakes because our culture teaches us to fear them. Books, movies, and media portray them as bloodthirsty monstrosities. But they are very inquisitive and friendly creatures. I have nine snakes, one of which is wild-caught, and all of them love being held and exploring the house from around my shoulders. I really have a hard time understanding the fear some people have of them because I understand how gentle and innocent they truly are. They make great pets!

Snakes are amazing! They are low maintenance and easy to take care of, and they will not bite unless provoked. It is sad that I have to emphasize this so much, but when people visit, they often get scared of my snakes and mistakenly think they are dangerous. Snakes will not harm you, and most are not poisonous. They actually make great pets!
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.

I love ferrets! I am a ferret enthusiast. They are adorable and make excellent pets for adults with jobs. If you go to work early in the morning, you could wake up a little earlier, perhaps thirty to forty-five minutes, and play with your ferret until it is time to leave. Ferrets love attention and sleep between sixteen and twenty hours during the daytime.

Ferrets are so awesome and cute. I want one so badly. They should be third on the list. I have guinea pigs right now, and they are not that great. They make huge messes because they're pigs. They can't control their bladders at all. They just let it out.
Ferrets are as good as or better than cats because they actually love you back. They give you attention, so I've heard.
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

Yes, they are so nice and cute, and I wish I could have one. I met someone with one. They let me pet it. She was fat though but she was the cutest mice ever.

Mice are so awesome! I love it when they squeak. I've never actually had a pet mouse, but I know people who have. Mice are another one of my favorite animals, along with cats, ants, frogs, rabbits, and guinea pigs.

I had a little mouse, and she was adorable, always kissing me and playing. I miss her and will get another one.
I would come back home and call her, and she would come straight away!
Frogs

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 are so cute and they make great pets! There are so many kinds of frogs, so you can really make sure that it is a great species of frog for you. They are very fun and are not gross or slimy either.

Frogs are very cute and easy to take care of, and they're great pets! Just because they have slimy skin doesn't mean they're gross or scary. They're actually very friendly and fun!

Frogs should be much higher on this list! People might think that frogs are gross, but they are actually cute! They aren't too hard to take care of either.
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

Hedgehogs are low-maintenance and provide hours of joy. They have sweet little fluffy faces, fluffy undersides, and look like spiky potatoes from the top. Most of them never bite and are typically very easy to potty train, except when they are on their exercise wheel. They are the cutest things ever.
Hedgehogs exhibit many amusing behaviors. They wholeheartedly believe that if they can't see you, you can't see them. So, they will "hide" by emphatically shoving their little faces under things, with their entire spherical bodies in clear view, and hold very still. They take themselves very seriously! They let you know they are grumpy by huffing and scrunching their foreheads. Then, a second later, they look at you with these sweet, angelic faces. You can roll them into a ball and set them down, and many will just stay where you put them like that for hours, napping away. Sometimes you find them "splooted" out while napping, with all four legs sprawled out. They are just so cute and funny! Plus, they have the cutest little butts ever.
Pigs

Pigs are the best! You can teach them tricks! And no, they are not dirty like everyone says. You can train them to be potty trained too.
They are very friendly and affectionate. They are nice to kids and wouldn't hurt them! I would very much recommend a pig!

Pigs are the cutest animals! They are also the smartest pets and can learn tricks faster than dogs. I really want a little teacup pig, although obviously, not everyone wants a pig in their house. They are very loyal and loving animals. They are typically pink and are not always dirty and covered in mud - only if you let them be. They also do not usually shed much. Pigs make fabulous pets.
- Pink
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.

I have a glider named Sweetheart, and she is such a sweetheart that the name fits her perfectly. However, she doesn't like my dad. Whenever he comes over, she bites him on the neck.
She LOVES my mom, though, same with my brother and wife. My little 7-year-old son is kind of scared of her and thinks that our dogs will protect him. We don't want our dogs around when we let Sweetie out because of the predator-and-prey stuff. He is so attached to our dogs.
We have six: a Bergamasco, Shiba Inu, Rottweiler, Greyhound, Gordon Setter, and Keeshond. By the way, I love talking about dogs, so that's why I told you their breeds. Because I like talking about dogs. Okay, yeah, you get it. Yeah, gliders are AMAZING! Fabulous!
Monkeys

Monkeys are haplorhine primates that form a paraphyletic group. Most monkeys have tails and are distinct from apes. There are approximately 260 known living species of monkeys.
They are divided into two groups: New World monkeys (Platyrrhines), found in Central and South America, and Old World... read more

I have a passion for monkeys, especially finger monkeys. However, it's important to understand and read up on them before taking one home.
Alpacas
Hermit Crabs

They may pinch you, but they still are awesome. I have two in the same cage, and they get along great. So, if you get them, then you don't have to worry about them eating each other! They are also very cool to watch because they like to climb on the walls of their cage.

They are awesome, but they do need high humidity and they are picky about what they like eating. So, you must offer a wide selection of food so that they don't starve.

I know they don't do much, but they are cool. I want one so much. They carry their shell on their back. It should be heavy. I say they should be number one. They're so cool.
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.

Skunks make strange but wonderful pets.