While some of us like the high energy of dogs, while others love the laid-back nature of fish, almost everyone has their personal preference of choice when it comes to a houshold pet.
Pets can be great companions that can help us to have a greater sense of joy and purpose in our lives, along with just being great friends that can provide us emotional support when we most need it. Pets help kids learn responsibility.
That said, not all animals are made equal when it comes to being household pets, and there’s a lot to consider before making a choice for one.
For example, you might have a small apartment or a rather large home with lots of breakable items in it. Something else to consider is if you have children, or if you’re away from your home a lot on business. There’s a lot that goes into the decision-making process of choosing a household pet.
In this article, we’re going to show you a list of five pets, and their various pros and cons which will help you to choose the absolute best pet for your household and your personal needs.
Five Best Pets for the Home
Here are a few of the very best pet choices for one’s household:
1. Dogs
Dogs have been called “man’s best friend” for quite a while now, and there’s a very good reason for that. They are loyal and affectionate, and they can fit into a lot of different niche roles depending on breed type and training.
They are ideal for singles, small and large families, senior citizens looking for a companion in their golden years, and as an emotional support animal for those in need. The variety of dogs out there offers a range of choices that can cater to all kinds of lifestyles.
Labrador retrievers, for example, are known for being friendly and adaptable which makes them great family pets. If you’re more of a relaxed and mellow type, a border collie might be more in your wheelhouse.
Dogs can be a challenge to take care of, however. This pet care chore chart helps even the kids keep things organized.
They need to be walked daily, have social interaction with others, as well as checkups from a veterinarian on a regular basis. They can be overwhelming to take care of sometimes, but the companionship that a dog can give is unmatched, and they can be great household pets once you invest enough time and care into them.
2. Cats
Cats are great for those who want a pet that is more independent and does its own thing. They are well-known for being self-sufficient and not needing as much attention as dogs. Cats can be playful and affectionate, but they need their own space as well. This is perfect if you are more of a hands-off type or don’t have the time to invest in an animal that is more high-maintenance.
Though some long-haired breeds of cats require regular brushing and grooming, most cats are self-cleaning. Some might benefit from a more stimulating environment, such as toys or a scratching post, but otherwise, they can mostly entertain themselves with ease.
3. Fish
Fish might seem to be an odd choice for a pet as far as interactivity goes, but did you know that watching them for just ten minutes a day can reduce one’s stress and anxiety drastically?
They also add an element of peace and tranqulity to one’s home, and that’s not to mention all of the aesthetic possibilities as well. When it comes to variety, they are unmatched in variations, sizes, colors, and more.
Fish require relatively little maintenance and care. They only need proper fishtank upkeep, regular feeding, and changing out their water on occasion. That said, certain fish species may have their own care needs, so be sure to research thoroughly before making a commitment.
4. Birds
Birds can really enliven a home with a special kind of musical elegance. Many popular pet birds, like parakeets, canaries, and cockatiels, are well-known for their bright colors and cheerful chirping songs. Some species of birds are social and will enjoy engaging with each other, which can be amusing to watch for anyone in the vicinity.
Birds can be sensitive to environmental changes and require a bit more upkeep than more hands-off pets, however. Providing them with a variety of things to do and places to rest and relax can help to keep them happy.
It has to be said, though, if you aren’t accustomed to noise or prefer more quiet living environments, then perhaps a bird pet isn’t for you.
5. Rabbits
Rabbits are cute and cuddly and can make a great addition to a household. They only require some amount of space to hop around in, such as a decently-sized cage. They can also be litter trained, which helps them to stay clean and thus keep your house clean in the process.
Their diet is pretty simple, consisting of mostly fresh vegetables and/or commercially available rabbit food. Some breeds, such as longer-haired varieties, need to be groomed on a regular basis, but otherwise, they are a fairly low-maintenance pet and love to interact with families both large and small.
Final Thoughts
Pets can help give your life meaning and purpose in many ways. Whether you have a loyal dog waiting for you at home from a busy day at work or a beautiful fish tank display just waiting to be adored all day, every day, each pet variety can bring its own unique feel to one’s home.
Be sure to research the kind of pet you are interested in thoroughly before making a final investment. This way you know that the pet will settle well in your home and not cause you too much stress or time/financial burden down the line.
