7 Great Starter Pets Who Aren’t Dogs or Cats

Want to enter the wide, wild world of pet parenting but aren't quite ready or just don't want to commit to a dog or cat? Yeah, we get that!

Dogs and cats are, objectively, great options for any pet parent, but sometimes, you just want something a little bit... different. You might consider a pet who is easier to manage but still brings a ton of love and life to your home. Luckily, there are plenty of great starter pets out there just waiting to wiggle, waddle, or wriggle their way into your heart!

What Makes a Good Starter Pet?

Before diving straight into the list of great starter pets... what actually makes a pet good for beginners? Well, that would be a combo of being easy to care for, needing no to little maintenance when it comes to grooming, and not needing too much medical care aside from your typical vet visit.

Of course, research is always key. Before bringing a new pet home, you'll want to be prepared. This could mean talking to current pet parents, reading up from various sources, and even consulting a vet.

7 Starter Pets for Beginners

1. Fish

If you think a pet fish just swims around in circles all day, think again! Fish can actually be pretty cool pets, and they are surprisingly easy to care for once you get the hang of things.

So, what do fish need? It's actually quite simple. They need a clean tank, the right water conditions, a balanced diet, and entertainment, either in the form of fellow fish or places to sleep and hide. Weekly water changes and a good filter will help keep your fish friend healthy and happy. You'll also want to monitor things like water temps and pH levels. This is where your research skills come into play.

Most local pet stores sell fish, but for more unique types, you might have to find a reputable breeder. Also, specialized aquarium stores often have a wider selection and more knowledgeable staff.

2. Hamsters

Hamsters are pretty much the go-to starter pet for several reasons. They're cute, cuddly, and actually pretty low-maintenance, all things considered! They need a cage with plenty of bedding for them to burrow in, a wheel for exercise, and toys for that much-needed mental stimulation. Their diet is made up of hamster pellets, fresh fruits, and veggies (so a lot like a person's, aside from the pellets), and they're nocturnal, so expect them to stay up more nights than days.

Look for hamster breeders through local pet store recommendations or online forums. Also, ensure the breeder you get your new buddy from follows all ethical practices so you don't have long-term issues down the line.

3. Bearded Dragons

If you’re looking for something a bit more exotic, a bearded dragon might be the pet for you.  Surprisingly friendly, these cool little reptiles are easy to handle and surprisingly funny to watch as they roam their cages and around your home. They do need a terrarium with UVB lighting, a heat source, and plenty of space to explore. But once that's set up, there is little else you have to do to keep them happy, aside from regular cleaning. And you don't have to feed them anything too unusual - just insects, veggies, and some fruits!

Reputable reptile breeders can be found online or through pet stores specializing in exotic pets. Make sure to choose a healthy, well-cared-for dragon and check reviews or ask to talk to other people who have gotten them from the same person.

4. Guinea Pigs

Next up we have guinea pigs, which are adorable little fluff balls who are social, gentle, and chock full of personality. Great for families big and small or an individual who just wants something to come home to, 'pigs' have a lot to bring to the table when it comes to cuddles and companionship. They communicate through a series of squeaks, purrs, and whistles, so you'll quickly learn what they need and when they need it! Guinea pigs need a pretty big cage, some fresh hay, veggies, and guinea pig pellets as well as regular (but fairly easy) grooming and social interaction. They do better in pairs or small groups, making it easy to talk yourself into getting more than one.

To bring a guinea pig home, it's best to adopt from shelters or find breeders through local pet stores and online communities. Look for breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of their animals.

5. Hermit Crabs

Hermit crabs are a unique and pretty low-maintenance pet for those who want a friend in the house but don't really want to deal with the daily demands of more... 'traditional' pets. Hermits need a tank with moist sand, a few hiding places, and both freshwater and saltwater pools. They also need a few differently sized shells lying around. These little guys like to change out their shells as they get bigger, meaning you'll have to help them 'size up.' As a bonus, they are hypoallergenic and odorless, so you won't have to worry so much about nasty smells or allergies! Their diet includes commercial crab food, fresh fruits, and vegetables.

Most pet stores carry hermit crabs, but you can also find breeders through online forums and specialized reptile shops.

6. Rats

Rats often get a bad rap, but they’re actually intelligent enough to learn tricks such as coming when called or solving puzzles. They're affectionate and cuddly, and easy to care for. This makes them excellent pets for those looking for a small, interactive animal. Rats need a bigger cage with plenty of bedding, toys, and places to climb to keep them happy, as well as regular cage cleaning and plenty of social interaction. Luckily their diet is also pretty simple. You just need some rat pellets, fresh fruits, and veggies (sensing a theme, here?)

Look for rat breeders through local pet stores or online communities. Ensure the breeder follows ethical practices and provides healthy, well-socialized animals.

7. Small Birds

Small birds like Canaries, Parakeets, and Cockatiels are surprisingly easy to care for,  which not many people realize! Birds of all sorts need a spacious cage, fresh food and water, and toys for mental stimulation. Regular cage cleaning and social interaction with you and other birds are important, so it is a good idea to snag a pair or ensure you're willing to spend some serious time bonding with them.

To make a birdie bestie, you can find reputable bird breeders through local pet stores or avian clubs. As always, make sure that the breeder prioritizes the health and socialization of their birds.

And there you have it! These a few great starter critters to begin your journey into loving an animal! Whether you're looking for a super low-maintenance pet who can pretty much take care of themself or a more fuzzy, friendly companion, there should be a new friend on the list for you. Just do your research ahead of time, talk to more experienced pet parents, and you'll have it made!