We are a part of a generation that trusts animals more than humans. This is not something that can make others feel annoyed, but it is about the comparison we share with them. If you are ready to welcome a new pet into your home, you must be aware of what pet you should choose.
As we all know right now, people are fond of having pets, and they are ready to get any reptile, insect, or animal they want. If you are also dealing with such a hustle-bustle, this read is a preferable choice for you. Here we discuss what pet you should choose and all the other relatable aspects that help you make the best decision.
Different Types Of Pet Animals
When you explore the types of pets, the list is so long, and you will come across some traditional pets like dogs, cats, and birds, reptiles, insects, aquarium pets, exotic pets, and so on. It entirely depends on the individual who wants to have which pet in their surroundings. Some people are so sensitive that they are not ready to get a pet. However, if you want one, think about which one would be best for you.
Traditional Pets
In general, when we discuss pets, we only think of cats and dogs or birds and fish. But traditional pets are those who are domesticated to live as a pet. They haven’t lived in wild generations previously and have been bred in captivity only. Different key factors are there which lead to the domestication of such a pet. These are:
- Some animals grow and mature quickly, and domestication makes it efficient to raise them.
- For them, plant-based diets are best.
- Within a year, multiple periods of fertility are there, and in domestication, it will be efficient for them to breed.
- They are highly adaptable to new environments and changes.
Let’s discuss some common traditional pets!
Dogs
Dogs make excellent companions, and the bond they form with their owners is unfathomable. They require more maintenance, and it is very easy to train them in general. It is the responsibility of the person who chooses a dog as a pet to treat them with basic etiquette. If you are not training them for such things, it will be difficult for them to adjust to their surroundings.
Kittens / Cats
Cats can also be wonderful companions like dogs, as they have an easy-going nature. The best part is that they require low-maintenance care and are curious. If we consider them as entertaining pets, this will not be wrong. Also, a person can easily choose a cat as a pet on the basis of its behavioral traits, fur pattern, and other characteristics. A person can also teach the cat basic manners.
Birds
Birds are also the best pets to have in a household as they can be trained easily. Also, they train children to learn about the responsibility they hold after having a pet. Furthermore, if the owner is taking care of them properly, they can live for many more years, but the age and habitat depend on the species as well.
Reptiles
Reptiles are animals that belong to the class Reptilia and have some specific characteristics. They are four-legged vertebrate animals, and most reptiles lay eggs. Additionally, the skin of reptiles is covered with scales, which gives them quite a scary look. These are cold-blooded animals that breathe with the aid of their lungs.
Right now, people are quite fond of keeping reptiles as pets, and they commonly keep anoles, bearded dragons, leopard geckos, snakes, tortoises, turtles, water dragons, and some other species that share the same habitat.
Insects
Insects are pancrustacean hexapod invertebrates that are members of the Kingdom Animalia and the phylum Arthropoda. They have a chitinous exoskeleton and three pairs of jointed legs along with compound eyes and a pair of antenna. They are among the most diverse groups of animals, and millions of species are there. In general, more than a million described species represent half of the living organisms.
People are fond of keeping insects as pets, including field crickets, ant-lions, praying mantis, caterpillars, and so on.
Aquarium Pets
Aquarium pets are those that can live inside the aquarium. It (the aquarium) is of any size, has one transparent size, and has some aquatic plants or animals that are kept for display. Some people are fond of keeping different aquarium pets at their homes, like frogs and amphibians, hermit crabs, marine or saltwater fish, and invertebrates. Some specific species are there are susceptible to the environment of the aquarium.
Exotic Pets
Exotic pets are those pets that are relatively rare or unusual to keep. With the advancements right now, people are fond of keeping exotic pets. But it entirely depends on their habitat, breed, location, culture, and lifestyle. Some exotic pets are legal, including chimpanzees, serval cats, Bengal cats, fennec foxes, wallabies, chinchillas, and so on.
A Complete List Of Different Types Of Pet Animals
Let’s discuss some different types of pet animals in a bit more detail so that you can make up your mind about which pet you can have in your surroundings!
Bearded Dragon
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Bearded dragons are excellent pets for kids. These are gentle creatures, and as pet owners, they will be able to learn how to handle them. With time, they will develop a strong bond with them, and caring for them is really very easy. However, make sure to pay attention to their meals and maintenance because if they are not properly cared for, they will most likely die.
Birds
Lifespan: 4 – 100 years
If you want a pet that can be easily integrated into your household with every member of your family, birds may be the best option. It totally depends on the species you are choosing, but when you are caring for and feeding them properly, they will stay with you for a longer duration. Also, birds can teach children the responsibility of owning an animal in a better way.
Burro
Lifespan: 25 – 30 years
Burros are the best companions to have as pets. They require moderate living conditions for a healthy livelihood. Also, they never create an unnecessary nuisance in their surroundings and let individuals manage their places accordingly. But care is important, and you need to feed them and clean them regularly.
Kittens
Lifespan: 13 to 17 years
Cats are the best pet for those who have limited space and want someone who can stay with them indoors. Additionally, it is very affordable to own a cat, and they are quiet, so no problem will be there with people in your surroundings. The work with cats or kittens is really small as compared to other pets, especially dogs.
Chameleons (Veiled)
Lifespan: up to 8 years
If different or desirable circumstances have been provided to chameleons, they can be excellent pets. However, it is not a choice for everyone because you must pay close attention to them and be certain about each and every potential factor considered when it comes to it. These are solitary animals and do not like much handling or company. It will be like they are in your surroundings to prevent you from fighting and stressing.
Chickens
Lifespan: 5 – 10 years
Chickens are very easy to keep, and low maintenance is required with them. They are productive and pay for their upkeep. They also provide you with healthy, fresh eggs that can be used by you. A small amount of attention per day will help them to live a happy and healthy life.
Chinchillas
Lifespan: up to 10 years
Domestic Chinchillas are the best to have as pets. These come with a high-strung disposition, so they are not a suitable choice for small children. But these are very friendly and can easily get accelerated by human touch.
The Chinese Water Dragon
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Chinese water dragons are among the most beautiful pets, but an owner needs to be sure about their specific care needs. When they get used to your presence, they can easily handle it. Additionally, if they do not have the appropriate water conditions, then respiratory problems may develop.
Cows
Lifespan: 18 – 22 years
Cows are a fine pet for the usual cattle keeper. These are really very helpful as they can pull carts and pack riders too. If you take care of the cow properly, then it will give you a welcoming experience, and also, you will have the best milk-yielding animal.
Dogs
Lifespan: 8 – 13 years
Dogs are the best pets to have and have a positive effect on the lives of their owners. They have an active lifestyle and provide the best companionship. They are the best friend of human beings because they understand whatever the person is saying without any judgment. Dogs, on the other hand, cannot communicate like humans, but they understand what their master is up to and what they require. They always take care of everything in their surroundings and help in maintaining the best surroundings.
Donkey
Lifespan: 25 – 30 years
Donkeys have a sweet and gentle nature, and they are the best pets to have. They are quite smart, and one should not yell at them unnecessarily. If you want to keep them happy, offer them treats like apples and other food items so that they can understand that you are happy with their presence.
Ducks
Lifespan: 5 – 10 years
Because the indoor lifestyle is not suitable for them, ducks are not supposed to be kept as houses. These are highly social animals, so it is important for them to have other ducks to live a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Ferrets
Lifespan: 5 – 10 years
If you are looking for some highly intelligent and social pets, then choosing ferrets will be the best option. They appear to be small and easy to care for, but they are a big responsibility for you. They require the same attention as you give to a dog and cat.
Fish
Lifespan: up to 30 years (aquarium fish)
Fishes are the aquarium pets you can have in your surroundings. They are great pets because no training, playtime, or grooming is required with them. All you need to do is just clean the aquarium to promote a healthy lifestyle. Also, be sure to feed them with fish food on a timely basis.
Geckos
Lifespan: up to 15 years
Geckos belong to the class Reptilia and are the best reptiles to keep as pets. If you are a beginner, then have them because you can easily handle them, and they will help you to understand how to take care of a pet.
Geese (Chinese Swan Goose)
Lifespan: 10 – 25 years
Yes, geese are the best pets to have. They appear to be aggressive sometimes, but if you are providing them with all the care and attention, this will not happen at all. These are affectionate, intelligent, and loyal, which is not common with all the pets available around us.
Gerbils
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Gerbils are among the active, intelligent, and sociable pets available. These are best suited for adults and children. But having them is a great responsibility, so you need to be sure about when you are handling them and what you are giving them to eat. Within no time, you will feel so affectionate towards them.
Goats
Lifespan: 15 – 18 years
Goats belong to the category of farm animals, but they can be good pets as well. More than 300 breeds of goats are available from which you can easily choose. You can also train them in the basics of a proper lifestyle.
Guinea Fowl
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
If you are not fond of having a pet with good looks, then choosing Guinea Fowl can be a useful addition to your surroundings. These require low maintenance and food as well, so there will be no problems. In the initial days, you may face some difficulties keeping them, but lately, this has not happened.
Guinea Pigs
Lifespan: 4 – 8 years
Choosing a guinea pig can be the best option if you want a pet that can be with you for so many years. You can enjoy them longer as compared to other rodents. They have distinct characters and are very vocal, so you will feel attached to them very soon.
Hamsters
Lifespan: 2 – 3 years
Hamsters are among those pets that do not require a lot of attention. They have the self-sufficiency to perform exercises by running on their wheels, and there will be no need for it to be there any additional time. But you need to be a bit more careful about them because any care instruction is not there with them.
Hedgehogs
Lifespan: 2 – 5 years
Hedgehogs are quite entertaining and active pets available. But if you have sufficient time to take care of them, then only keep them with you. There can be a great companion. Along with that, they have a nocturnal habitat, so you need to be sure about their feeding as well.
Horses
Lifespan: 25 – 30 years
If you are someone who loves to go outdoors and enjoys an active lifestyle, then having a horse as a pet could be the choice. You can go on horse riding with them to keep them fit and healthy in the outdoors. Also, they will help you explore nature with a decent horseback ride.
Iguanas
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Iguanas are among those reptiles that do not like to be touched. If you wish to keep them as a pet, you need to train them to tolerate touch. According to research, even after staying for years with the owner, they are not found to get in touch.
Llama
Lifespan: 15 – 25 years
Llamas are social animals. If you are looking for the best companion, they could be the choice for you. They are low-temperament and very easy to maintain. They are intelligent and understand things easily. You can also train them with mild manners and friendly dispositions.
Lizards
Lifespan: 4 – 5 years
Lizards can also be a great pet for you, but you need to take care of them properly. Be sure about their food and the lightning, because these are essential for maintaining a good lifestyle for them.
Mice
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Mice can be the best choice for people when they are looking for a low-maintenance pet. These are very active creatures and friendly, so you will have hours of enjoyment with them. They are very intelligent, and you can easily train them for tricks with a bit of time and attention.
Mule
Lifespan: 35 – 40 years
If you are looking for some strong pets, then mules can be an option because they actively work in any condition and whether. They appear to be gentle and docile creatures and can be a great addition to your surroundings. These are working animals, so they are very helpful in completing different tasks as well.
Peafowl (Peacock)
Lifespan: 10 – 25 years
Peafowl or peacock is an endangered species, so it is not recommended to keep them as pets. But the blue peafowl can be the best pet, as they are less aggressive and more adaptable.
Pigs & hogs
Lifespan: 15 – 20 years
Pigs and hogs make good companions, but only when you are giving them the right care. These are smart and non-allergic, charming, and inexpensive to feed as well. They will be great companions, and you can easily develop a bond with them.
Pigeons
Lifespan: up to 15 years
If you are ready to give help to pets, then pigeons can be a great addition to your surroundings. These are selectively bred and tamed, so they cannot survive in wild surroundings. So, you will have fun with them easily.
Ponies
Lifespan: 25 – 30 years
Ponies are among the less aggressive animals available. If you are ready to give them the love they deserve, they will be the best companions, and you will not feel alone at all.
Pot Bellied Pig
Lifespan: 15-18 years
When we talk about intelligent and housebroken pets, then choosing pot-bellied pigs will be the best choice. But make sure to keep them in fenced areas because dogs can attack them anytime. They come up with no defense against these attacks, so you need to be sure about the care they deserve.
Rabbits
Lifespan: up to 9 years
Rabbits are amazing and the best pets to have. They are very affectionate, and you will be able to learn a lot of things from them. Once you understand their basic body language, you can easily know what they need and want. They are a great addition to your surroundings, but make sure to prepare your home according to the habitat of the rabbit breed you are purchasing.
Rats
Lifespan: up to 2 years
Rats are social animals and intelligent, so they make the best pets. They can easily be trained and, if you know how to handle pets, they can be the best choice for you to have.
Sheep
Lifespan: 10 – 12 years
Sheep are great pets, and you can have any breed you like. They do not have horns, so they are safe to keep in their surroundings. These are social animals, so make sure to have a small person available to help them have a better and happier lifestyle.
Skinks
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Skinks are the best reptile packs available. They are intelligent and come up with low maintenance and care. But you need to be sure about their habitat because, in the beginning, it may be difficult to understand what they are up to.
Snakes
Lifespan: 13- 18 years
Snakes are a great addition to your surroundings only when you are ready to adjust to them. Different species of snakes are there, and you can have any of them at your convenience. But among all of them, corn snakes are a desirable choice.
Stick Insects
Lifespan: up to 2 years
If you are new to pet care, then choosing a stick insect can be a choice. These are available at a very reasonable price and require low care. Also, they do not have any unpleasant smell, so you can easily adjust to them. Almost 2500 species are there. You can choose any one of them.
Sugar Gliders
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Sugar gliders are not a safe option to consider as pets. They are wild, and all their needs can be met in captivity only. If you force them to adapt to our domestic lifestyle, it will be an unhealthy situation for them.
Tarantula
Lifespan: 15 – 25 years
Tarantulas are among the calmest and quietest bets available. They are docile, and you can choose from them. They are safe to keep, but you need to understand their needs because they cannot make any noise.
Turkeys
Lifespan: 3 – 10 years
Turkeys are also among the excellent pets available for children. They are very affectionate, and you will enjoy spending time with them.
Turtles
Lifespan: 100 years or more
Turtles are the best reptiles and aquarium pets to have. These are considered low-maintenance pets, but special care is important for their growth.
Characteristics Of Pets That Will Help You Choose
Every living being has some distinct characteristics, and pets have them too. Let’s discuss the common characteristics that can help you to know about your pet a bit more:
1. Humans Are Required For Survival.
A pet can only survive when it has access to food, water, and shelter from its owner. They are entirely dependent on humans for their livelihood. The owner takes care of them like a baby that helps them to survive easily.
2. Special Training Is There For Pets
There is special training for pets. For example, if you have a dog at your place, you can simply train them how to sit, stay, and heel in the course of obedience training. The same is the scenario with parrots. You can teach them how to talk and how to be obedient.
3. Veteran Care Is Important
You can not be careless with pets because they are very sensitive, and veteran care is important for them. From time to time, checkups are important for the pet you have.
4. The Owner’s Best Friend
A pet can be a human’s best friend, and with passing time, a person cannot even think of living without them. 24 by 7, the owners are around the pet, and it establishes trust between both of them, which leads to a better understanding.
5. Stay With Humans At Their Home
There is no need to arrange any additional shelter for pets because they can stay with humans at their homes. For example, dogs and cats can live with their masters and even sleep in their beds.
6. Companionship
A feeling of companionship has been developed with the pet. The owner and the pet share a bond that provides companionship that is unbeatable.
7. Different From Farm Animals.
Pets are entirely different from farm animals. The farm animals serve a purpose, whereas pets serve no particular purpose.
8. Not The Ordinary Therapy Animal.
Pets can be considered therapy animals, but in reality, they are not. A therapy animal gets specific training to provide support and care to the owner, but this is not the scenario with pets. They are quite strict as a companion and never think of changing their owners.
9. It Can Be Common Or Uncommon.
Pets can be common and uncommon. If we look at common pets, then dogs and cats occupy the first place. But now people are fond of keeping some less common pets as well, like spiders, snakes, and so on. Appropriate care is very important for pets to survive.
10. The Wild Atmosphere Is Not For Them.
The windy atmosphere is not a suitable environment for pets anymore. They have been domesticated and raised under special human care, so yes, they require the same care for their survival. In most cases, when pets are allowed to be in wild surroundings, they are likely to die.
Choose A Pet That Will Suit Your Lifestyle And Surroundings.
When you are ready to bring a pet home, it is important to choose one according to your lifestyle and surroundings. Some factors you need to keep in consideration include:
- Understand whether you are happy with one pet or you need more. Some pets, like rabbits and birds, require a company to stay happy and healthy.
- Exercise is also important for your pet, and you need to be sure how much time you are ready to devote to the same.
- Have a look at your ambiance and decide whether you have a large backyard or good fencing available or not. If you are occupied with a small backyard with poor fencing, then a dog is not a suitable choice. In this case, considering a pet that can live indoors is the best option, like cats.
- If you are in a rented apartment, get an idea of whether your landlord allows you to have a pet or not. Some landlords are not fond of having a cat or dog around because it affects their ambiance. Well, in that case, choosing a pet like a fish could be a good choice.
- Understand your habits and then conclude whether you are ready to keep up with you inside or not. If we focus on cats and dogs, they usually can not stay in the backyard all day and need some time inside as well. If you are sensitive, then it can be troublesome for you. They fully understand whether you are ready to adopt such changes or not.
- How long will you stay at home? If you stay at work for a longer duration, a dog will not be a suitable choice because a lot of companionships is required by them. Well, in this case, fish can be the best choice.
- Training is important for pets, and it requires time. If you have young dogs or puppies at your home, then you need more time to teach them basic manners. On average, the first six months of their lives will be troubling for you, so be prepared because you need to pay a lot of attention towards the habits they are learning.
- Expenditure you are ready to make is also an important factor. Keeping a pet is an expensive affair, so you need to be sure how much you are willing to invest in them. It is totally up to you which dog breed you want and which not. But I understand the large dogs need more food, so yes, it will be quite expensive.
- People living in apartments face major issues if they have birds in their surroundings. Neighbors complain about the unnecessary noise. If you are a resident of an apartment, make sure to have animals that are silent. You can adapt a cat or fish.
- If you have young children at home, then choosing a pet can be the best choice. Pets have the ability to tolerate children better than adults.
Conclusion
Keeping pets is simple these days, but a person needs to be sure about everything. Before getting a pet, consider whether you are ready to have someone in your home. Apart from that, you get an idea of which pet you want. As we have shared a long list mentioning some different pets, you need to make up your mind about which one will be the best choice for you. If you still have no clue, just discuss it with some experts and understand that one can be the desirable choice.
You might also like to read