8 Best Family Pets - Including Non-Dog & Cat Options

You've got the house or apartment. You've had the 2.5 kids. The car is even in the garage. The only thing left is choosing the family pet. But which do you pick?

Let's review the top eight pets that will be the perfect addition to your family!

8. Guinea Pigs - A Good Long Term Option

Guinea pigs are adorable, right? Expressive to boot. Despite their diminutive appearance, you can tell what they're thinking. Because guinea pigs are social creatures who thrive in the company of other pigs, keeping a solitary guinea pig from getting lonely and bored is a hard task, even for someone devoted to spending substantial time with their animal every day.

If they've been cuddled since they were small, they’ll be warm and friendly. Because guinea pigs are fragile, your children will need to be aware of what they can and can't do with their cute critters. If they’re pressed too tightly, they’ll squeal in pain. Otherwise, just handle them properly and they will snuggle and be happy.

Guinea pigs have a rather extended lifespan when compared to other little rodent friends. They typically live five to seven years, while mice and hamsters usually only live about three years. Because of their extended longevity, these pets may create long-term bonds with their families.

7. Hamsters - Cute & Fury

Hamsters are excellent pets for families. Certain families, though, are more suited for them than others. One of the most popular pets to get when you are a kid is a hamster. These furry pals are ideal for first-time pet owners since they are low-maintenance and take up minimal room in the home.

Their bodies are quite delicate and require a great deal of attention as well as gentle care, which a young child can't supply alone; an adult may need to help look after them for proper maintenance. Hamsters are a fantastic first pet for children aged 10 to 13 to teach responsibility.

These furry friends are nocturnal and spend the entire night on their wheels. Hamsters are not sociable animals and dislike being hugged or caressed. They won't hesitate to bite you. Also, keep an eye on what's happening within the cage. If the hamster overeats, it may get trapped and injure itself.

6. Gerbils - A Ball of Energy

Gerbils are excellent pets. They are lively, friendly and bright, yet they are best suited to youngsters and people who dislike handling their pets. Gerbils are not generally hostile, so they can be handled, but they are incredibly swift, so holding them for lengthy periods of time will be difficult. They are content alone or in same-sex couples and small groups. For smoother bonding, it is ideal to get them while they are young.

Their speedy nature indicates that there is a lot of movement in the cage, which may stimulate your child's curiosity. Gerbils may be fascinating pets for older children, but an adult should be in charge of their care and well-being.

Gerbils enjoy digging and burrowing, so make sure they have enough bedding to do so. They have a lot of fun with cardboard tubes, such as empty toilet paper rolls, and will run through and devour them.

Gerbils are more sensitive to their environment than most other tiny animals, and excessive humidity can cause respiratory and hair issues. Gerbils would also welcome a more peaceful environment in your house. They use ultrasonic wavelengths to communicate. As a result, they may be sensitive to ultrasonography, moving water, or vacuum cleaners. To lessen their tension, it is advisable to place them away from any of these.

5. Rabbits - Your Own Bugs Bunny

Rabbits are a better choice for adults and older children since they are inherently skittish and dislike being petted, which can be difficult for younger children to grasp considering how adorable they are. Rabbits are among the most demanding little creatures. They are incredibly sociable beasts who desire their owners' attention and will necessitate a large time and care commitment.

As communal critters, they flourish in small groups, so you should expect to take on at least two of the same sex (otherwise, these two will multiply rapidly). They also need a lot of area to exercise and can survive for more than a decade. Because of their long lives, they may genuinely become long term members of your family, establishing individual personalities and delivering years of devotion.

These lop-eared pets may coexist with other animals, but tamer breeds are always preferable. One of the greatest is the French Angora. Spending time with other people is believed to make them more sociable and kind, making them a great pet for couples looking to extend their family.

4. Cats - One of the Most Independent of Pets

Cats are extremely entertaining pets, despite the fact they sleep around 15 hours each day (or more). If you have children, adding a cat (or more) to your family is a terrific way to offer them a built-in playmate. Children and cats are like ham and cheese, both just go together.

A cat may be an appealing snuggler and, most significantly for parents, low-maintenance addition to the family that teaches children patience and responsibility. The greatest cats for kids will be friendly, playful, and patient, particularly if you have preschoolers or children under the age of five.

If your child is more on the rambunctious side, you should opt for a cat breed that is both affectionate and devoted, yet sturdy and resilient. For example, if he or she accidentally plucks out a clump of fur when attempting to share love vigorously, you would want a breed that would be more understanding. Most pets, especially kitties, will respond better to snuggles, but may not retaliate as readily to such unintentional violent acts.

3. Fish - The Best Low Maintenance Pet

Fish make excellent pets since they require no training, entertainment, or grooming. Fish make excellent pets for folks who don't have a considerable amount of time or room. You may train your goldfish to do tricks if you really want to take your aquatic commitment to the next level. All it takes is a lot of perseverance and consistency.

When deciding on the sort of fish you want, do some homework on what would work best for your lifestyle. Fish care does not have to be time-consuming. Freshwater fish require far less attention than saltwater fish. And, the most straightforward of these is live-bearing fish; no special steps to breed these guppies.

The most popular varieties of fish are betta fish and ordinary goldfish. They're also simple to care for and don't need a sophisticated aquarium setup. Choosing and decorating fish aquariums can also liven up a house and be fun for the whole family. There are also health benefits; observing fish in an aquarium has been known to reduce stress.

2. Chickens - The Best Farm Style Pet

Chickens are an easy pet to integrate into practically any household - they don't bark at your neighbors, they don't need to be walked, you can leave them for a long weekend without worrying while you're away - and, of course, they provide you with all the fresh eggs you can eat!

There are literally hundreds of different types of chickens, each with its own distinct personality. Several chicken breeds are excellent with children. Besides, only the males are the noisy ones, so you can have a female chick without the stress of being woken up in the morning and have an omelet to boot.

Chickens do require a little more space and outside time is best for these fowl friends. Be cautious with hand-washing after handling as these birds can carry salmonella, so it is recommended that children under the age of 5 avoid contact. If your child is 10 or older, they can have free range of these pets independently.

1. Dogs - Our Best Friends

Dogs of all kinds are amazing, but some breeds are less temperamental around children or other pets. This makes them ideal for families. They come in a variety of sizes, from little dog varieties to huge dog breeds and everything in between.

They have the most adaptable, loyal, and lovable personalities. Because they herd and defend their own species, many of them make for excellent guard dogs. Some are better suited to suburban and country living than city apartment life because of their high activity levels.

There are also hypoallergenic dogs that don't shed and won't leave toddlers with itchy eyes and a runny nose even after a good snuggle.

Every dog breed has its own unique requirements. In general, pets require nutritious, wholesome diets, albeit some will consume far more than others, the same goes for different breeds. And remember, all household animals must be groomed, however, some require regular attention while others require less.

Choose the Right Pet for You and Your Family

Choosing the pet that’s perfect for you and yours is the hard part, but we hope we have helped guide you through a little bit of this difficult decision. We’re a bit biased here at JLDD, cause we know doodles are the best! If you have decided to bring a bundle of doodle delight into your home, we have all the answers. Click here to find out more!

And, for those of you who have chosen another amazing animal, happy hunting for your perfect pet-mate! No matter what pet you decide to make the newest member of your family, they’ll bring you smiles and laughs and all the feels for the time you’re fortunate enough to spend together.

Jenna and the JLDD Team