14 Pets That Practically Take Care of Themselves—Unlike Dogs!

Are you eager to get a pet, yet you’re afraid your busy schedule won’t allow you to give it all the necessary care? We have the perfect solution for you! While some pets, such as dogs and horses, are quite hard to deal with due to the many hours you are supposed to dedicate to them daily, there are plenty of low-maintenance animals out there. Here are 14 pets perfect for those wanting to get a furry buddy but without the time to care for high-maintenance animals.

Turtles

Turtles, the first on our list, are incredibly low-maintenance pets. Their unique shell patterns and colors make for a fascinating addition to your home. If you’re considering a turtle that stays small, breeds like the African side neck or the eastern box are perfect. These turtles are happy in a small terrarium; the best part is that you don’t have to worry about feeding them daily. Remember to keep their space clean and provide fresh water; you’re all set.

Hamster

Hamsters can be up to 14 inches long and weigh up to 6 ounces. They are an excellent pet for kids because they are always ready to cuddle. You only need to consider getting adequate toys so they can remain busy with your small kids. Also, remember to give them sufficient food and water regularly. Regarding their physical appearance, hamsters are tiny with tan, brown, or multi-colored fur and sharp teeth.

Betta Fish

Betta fish are a beautiful add-on to any home with their vibrant colors and graceful movement. They grow up to 3 inches, making them suitable for smaller spaces. They weigh a maximum of 0.1 ounces, which makes them quite agile. If you are considering getting a betta fish as a pet, do take care of the fact that male beta fishes tend to become territorial with other males. However, the females can cohabitate. The stunning colors and graceful movement of betta fish make them a captivating addition to any home.

Guppies

We suggest you go for guppies if you want a less demanding pet fish. Their length is 2.5 inches. Hence, they only require a little space. Also, these species of fish are fine with the space. They get along with other sea creatures effortlessly. As far as their diet is concerned, it includes regular fish food. However, they are also famous for their particular taste for frozen bloodworms. The guppies have different vibrant colors all over their body with round or V-shaped tails.

Parakeets

We suggest you get parakeets if you want a pet that makes its presence felt without much maintenance. These pets can grow to a maximum length of 18 inches and weigh a maximum of 1.4 ounces. Unlike very talkative parrots, parakeets enjoy speaking with humans but require special training to perform simple commands like stepping on and off your hand. However, make it a point to feed these pets regularly.

Green Anole

Even though green anoles are low-maintenance pets, they have some specialized needs. They grow a maximum of 8 inches long and thrive in 10-gallon tanks or terrariums. The only condition is that it should be set up appropriately.  Like other reptiles, green anoles need particular heating, humidity, and lighting where they are residing. Hence, be careful of these things before considering getting a green anole as a pet in your house.

Sea Monkeys (Brine Shrimp)

These pets are an ideal match for those who wish to have something to watch over without needing to interact with them frequently. Their length is a maximum of 0.75 inches, and their weight varies with the species. The great thing about these pets is that they must be fed every five to seven days. Keep their tanks in excellent condition by regularly cleaning and feeding them at the right time. Apart from this, they only require a little attention, making them a stress-free addition to your home.

Goldfish

Just like betta fish, goldfish look attractive in your eyes. They come in different varieties, making it challenging to pick the one that fits your house. They grow between eight to twenty-four inches. Hence, they are required to be kept in a spacious tank or aquarium and not a bowl. Keep this in mind: goldfish tend to become dirty. Hence, you need to clean their space at regular intervals.

Cats

Cats are known for their independence and self-sufficiency, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a low-maintenance pet. Unlike dogs, cats do not require daily walks or constant attention and are quite content to entertain themselves. They are easy to house-train and can be left alone for extended periods, making them suitable for busy individuals or those with demanding schedules. With a simple diet and minimal grooming needs, cats provide companionship and affection without extensive responsibilities.

Tortoise

Like turtles, tortoises do not make much noise and are always away from the public noise. However, if you are contemplating getting a tortoise, remember that some tortoise species’ diet requires specific vegetables, while others love to eat meat. Contrasting to turtles, tortoises require more space to move around. So, consider getting a spacious pen and a tortoise as a pet.  

Tarantulas

If you do not have arachnophobia, get a pet tarantula. Their length is a maximum of five inches, and weight is a maximum of 6 ounces. These pets only wish for a dark area in the house where no sunlight can be found. They can be found in shades of brown, hairy, and long legs. Tarantulas can grow to approximately ten inches; hence, they will need a spacious terrarium. They love eating live insects like crickets, super worms, mealworms, and roaches, so make sure you are willing to visit a pet store occasionally.

Leopard Gecko

If you want a long-term, easy-maintenance pet, go for a leopard gecko. The average lifespan of these pets is approximately twenty years. They can easily cohabitate with each other. As far as their length is concerned, they can reach a maximum of eleven inches and a weight of a maximum of 2.8 ounces. Do not get a bigger tank for these pets. A fifteen-to-twenty-gallon tank is enough for them to stay active. They love eating wax worms, crickets, and mealworms.

Guinea Pigs

Renowned for their funny appearance and lazy behavior, guinea pigs make the perfect buddies for those with time limitations. While they are social animals, they don’t require as much attention as other pets, such as dogs. Plus, there is no need to take them outside for their daily walk three times daily. On top of this, guinea pigs are very friendly and entertaining.

Bunnies

Who wouldn’t want to share a house with a funny bunny? Bunnies are incredibly cute, and – similar to guinea pigs – they generally don’t require too much attention. You can litter train them and watch them chew on whatever you give them to eat. On top of this, bunnies are very affectionate and quiet, making them the ideal pet for those who hate noise.

While dogs are wonderful companions, they can require much time and effort to care for properly. For those seeking a pet that’s a bit easier to manage, plenty of other options are available. These 14 pets offer companionship and joy without the extensive responsibilities of owning a dog. Each pet has its unique benefits and can fit seamlessly into various lifestyles. So, if you’re looking for a loving companion without high demands, consider one of these easier-to-care-for pets and enjoy the best of both worlds.