The Right Pet for You

Congrats—you’ve decided to join the happy ranks of pet parenthood! The hardest decision you face may not be what to name your furry bundle of joy, or what color food bowl to buy, but simply what species to adopt.

Whether you have a thing for fur or feathers, we’re here to help. With tongue-firmly-in-cheek, we've put together a list of the pros and cons of living with a particular—and sometimes peculiar—animal companion.

DOG

YES! We don't call them our best friends for nothing. Loyal and loving, dogs are social animals who thrive on being upstanding members of their family "packs."
NO! Children under seven are usually not developmentally suited for puppies, who have sharp teeth and nails, or toy-sized dogs, who don’t hold up well to a child’s clumsy handling. If there are kids in the house, your best bet's a medium- to large-sized dog over five months of age.
WAY TO GO! If you've done your research and found a breed that meshes with your lifestyle, you’re on the right track! Don’t forget to draw up a schedule of who in the family will do what—walking, playing, feeding and grooming.

For more information about living with a pooch, please read our guide to dog care online. And while you'll score big with us if you adopt a mixed-breed dog, we understand you may have your heart set on a purebred—but don’t give up on finding one at your local shelter!

CAT

YES! Graceful, athletic, playful, sensitive and affectionate, felines are the most popular pet in the United States today. They’re less work than a dog, but still stand high on the cuddle scale.
NO! Cats are not like dogs. Your domestic cat probably won't hang out with you all day or be interested in learning new tricks. We'd also like to recommend adopting an adult cat instead of a kitten—not only are they litter-trained, but most have graduated from the rowdy ankle-attacking stages of adolescence.
WAY TO GO! If you've done your research and decided on a cat of an appropriate age for your household, visit your shelter and be sure to have your new friend spayed or neutered!

For more information about living with kitties, check out our guide to basic cat care online.

BUDGIE

YES! Playful, cheery and chirpy, this little charmer is the most popular avian companion. He's gentle and funny, can be readily tamed to sit on your shoulder, and makes a perfect first bird for the young members of the family.
NO! Birds can be messy….really messy. You'll need to clean the cage and surrounding area daily. Also, keep in mind that not all budgies talk, even though they have the capability.
WAY TO GO! A budgie is a great choice if you've got your heart set on an avian mimic but don't have the time, money or space for a larger member of the parrot family.

For more information, read our guide to bird care. And if your kids or students have birds on the brain, send them to our nifty kids’ site, Animaland.

FISH

YES! Got allergies, limited space and/or lean towards the exotic? Although fish are relatively low maintenance, there's a definite science to keeping them and their environment healthy—hence their appeal to big-brained types who get a kick out of seeing the nitrogen cycle at work.
NO! If you’re looking for a pet who will follow you around, lick your face and play fetch, a finned friend is probably not for you. Getting a fish is not as simple as going to the pet store and dumping your new friend in a bowl with tap water. We recommend that you get your tank up and running a week before you even think about adding fish.
WAY TO GO! Get all of your equipment beforehand, do your research and know what species are safe to keep together. If you've done your homework, you probably know that common goldfish can live for more than 10 years if properly cared for!

Check out our fish care guide for more information. Our young friends can visit Animaland for all the latest dish on fish.

GUINEA PIG

YES! They're not pigs and they're not from New Guinea, but these cuddle bugs are the most docile of all companion rodents. Readily tamed and easy to handle, GPs love to sit on their humans' laps, too. Under adult supervision, guinea pigs are excellent first pets for children.
NO! These little critters aren't the kind of pets you can passively watch through the bars of the cage. They need time out to exercise every day. Do you have what it takes to be a guinea pig's gym coach?
WAY TO GO! Fun for the whole family, social GPs are great in pairs, just be sure you have adequate housing for them. And do your reading—these guys have special dietary needs!

For more information, see our guide to guinea pigs. Little pig caretakers can head to Animaland to learn more about these great pets.

HAMSTER

YES! Off the cuteness charts, hamsters are busy little rodents who are very popular with kids and great pets for apartment dwellers.
NO! Did you know that hamsters sleep during the day and are active at night? Unfortunately, most first-time hamster owners aren't aware of their pet’s nocturnal activities, and try to wake up their cuddly ball of fur only to get nipped on the finger. Repeatedly.
WAY TO GO! You’re ready for a hamster if you're a night owl and/or won't be bothered by your pet eating, digging and running on his wheel in the wee hours. P.S. Syrian hamsters are solitary and must be kept alone. Dwarf hamsters are more social and can be housed together, so make sure you know what species you’re bringing home.

For more information, read our guide to basic hamster care. And we know your kids probably want to know more about these miniature teddy bears, too, so check out our kid-friendly page.

RABBIT

YES! They can be trained to use the litter box, they'll come when called, and their all-time favorite activities are to dig and chew. Who knew? The sometimes sweet, sometimes sassy rabbit can be a great pet for the right family.
NO! Rabbits can’t live outdoors! Outside, rabbits can die of fright and are susceptible to diseases spread by ticks and other parasites. Rabbits and young kids are not a great match. Rabbits naturally feel insecure when picked up off the ground, and will do anything to get down. An accidental fall can result in a broken bone.
WAY TO GO! If you've done the research and understand exactly what rabbits need—big-time digging and chewing—then you’re ready for a cotton-tailed friend. Be sure to have your new bun spayed or neutered.

For more information, peruse our webpage on basic rabbit care. Children can check out our fun bunny facts at Animaland.

AIR FERN

YES! Or should that be "no!?" No water, no soil, no fertilizer—ever! Good old H2O may actually remove the green dye that gives your pet air fern that healthy glow.
NO! And you thought fish had zero cuddle factor! An air fern isn't a plant, but rather the secreted exoskeleton of a tiny sea animal—like having a clam shell to call your very own.
WAY TO GO! If you're not ready for a big commitment and/or have a well-developed imagination, you may find a perfect companion in the air fern.

For more information about selecting the right pet for you and your family, and how to prepare your home for a furry, feathered or scaled arrival, check out our host of adoption tips.

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