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Should I Get a Low Maintenance Pet?

Rhonda Rivera
Rhonda Rivera

There are some advantages to having a pet, but even a low maintenance pet is not for everyone. If you live in an apartment, condominium, or other type of housing that might have strict pet rules, find out what pets are allowed. Fish that require a big aquarium, rodents, and some or all dogs and cats are frequently prohibited in shared or controlled housing situations. If money is a concern, remember that a low maintenance pet is not synonymous with an inexpensive one. You might also want to consider how long the pet will ideally live, because an animal’s lifespan can be anywhere from several weeks to more than 100 years.

Determining whether or not your housing authority prohibits some types of pets is important. Often, failing to abide by apartment or condo rules results in heavy fines, eviction, or both. Even if you find the perfect pet and can easily sneak it into the building, this is usually not a good idea without money on hand for fines, another home for the pet, and a backup living arrangement for yourself in case the worst happens. However, if you’re pet provides comfort or support for your mental health you may be able to get them certified as an emotional support animal. To do so you need to acquire an ESA letter from a healthcare professional.

Turtles can make fairly low maintenance pets.
Turtles can make fairly low maintenance pets.

The start up expenses for a low maintenance pet might not be low at all. If the initial costs are not a problem, think about how much the pet will cost long-term, including monthly costs for food and bedding. A low maintenance pet presumably does not have frequent medical issues, but you should determine the cost of veterinarian help if the pet does become ill. When low maintenance pets do have health issues, treatment can be expensive and potentially time-consuming. As with all pets, their health is the owner’s responsibility, and at the very least you might have to pay to humanely euthanize the animal.

Hamsters are considered relatively low maintenance pets.
Hamsters are considered relatively low maintenance pets.

A frequently overlooked aspect of owning a pet is the animal’s average lifespan. Even some fish, gerbils, and hamsters can live for several years, or longer with good health care. In fact, some types of birds and turtles live much longer than the average human, and must be given a new home in the owner’s last will and testament. If you are planning to move or otherwise do not want a pet in two or more years, some low maintenance pets are not for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some examples of low-maintenance pets?

Fish can be a low maintenance pet.
Fish can be a low maintenance pet.

Low-maintenance pets typically require less time, space, and daily care. Examples include betta fish, which need minimal space and feeding; small rodents like hamsters or gerbils, which are self-sufficient and require simple cage maintenance; and reptiles such as leopard geckos, which do not require daily feeding or social interaction.

How much time should I expect to spend on a low-maintenance pet daily?

Birds might be considered low maintenance, but some can live very lengthy lives.
Birds might be considered low maintenance, but some can live very lengthy lives.

The time commitment for a low-maintenance pet can vary, but generally, you might spend anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes per day on care. For instance, feeding a fish takes only a few minutes, while cleaning a small rodent's cage might take a bit longer. It's important to research the specific needs of the pet you're considering.

Are low-maintenance pets suitable for children?

Snakes don't have to be fed very often and are generally considered low maintenance.
Snakes don't have to be fed very often and are generally considered low maintenance.

Low-maintenance pets can be excellent for teaching children responsibility without overwhelming them. Pets like guinea pigs and certain fish species are great starter pets. However, it's crucial to supervise interactions to ensure the safety of both the child and the animal, and to instill proper care habits in the child.

Can low-maintenance pets still provide companionship?

Chinchillas are relatively low maintenance pets.
Chinchillas are relatively low maintenance pets.

Absolutely! While low-maintenance pets may not require as much interaction as dogs or cats, many can still bond with their owners. For example, rats are known for their intelligence and can form strong connections with humans. Similarly, certain types of birds, despite being relatively easy to care for, are very social and enjoy human interaction.

What should I consider before getting a low-maintenance pet?

A pet mouse doesn't require much care.
A pet mouse doesn't require much care.

Before acquiring a low-maintenance pet, consider your lifestyle, budget, and long-term commitment. Assess whether you have the appropriate space and environment for the pet's habitat. Also, consider any allergies among household members and the pet's lifespan, ensuring you're prepared for the duration of its care.

Are there any hidden costs associated with low-maintenance pets?

While low-maintenance pets generally have lower initial costs, there can be hidden expenses. For instance, even small pets require habitat setups, which can be costly. Veterinary care for exotic pets like reptiles can also be expensive due to the specialization required. Always research the total cost of ownership, including potential veterinary bills and habitat maintenance.

Discussion Comments

burcinc

I noticed that maintenance doesn't just have to do with the kind of pet you have, but also the breed. I have had several different breeds of cats and they all had different characteristics and personalities. My Siamese cat was definitely less maintenance than my British Shorthair. Yes, they both require the same amount of care- food, clean water and clean sand, but my British Shorthair is very attention needy. She wakes me up at very early hours every morning and requires that I hand feed her cat food. She will just keep licking my face until I do. She is always asking to be let out to the other rooms or she wants to go outside, play or she wants food.

My Siamese, on the other hand, was very easy going, rarely asked for anything and slept quietly most of the time. So breed makes a difference, definitely keep that in mind when getting a pet.

ysmina

Sometimes I think that there are no low maintenance pets. They all require attention and care no matter what. You might need to spend less time with some than others. Cats are a little bit less maintenance than dogs for example, because you don't have to take cats out for their bathroom needs. But cats need just as much attention as dogs, they also require the same amount of vaccinations and might have the same health problems. All pets need to be cleaned up after too.

I have friends who are not ready to take care of pets but still adopt them just out of curiosity or because they think kittens or puppies are cute. Having a pet requires responsibility, so I would suggest that one wait until they are ready to devote time, attention and money to a pet, regardless of how much maintenance that pet seems to require.

turquoise

Parakeets are the best low maintenance pets and they are generally allowed in most housing. I love pets but I obviously couldn't keep any pets when I lived in University housing. My final year in college though, I moved out into an apartment and bought a parakeet immediately after.

The only cost of a parakeet is the bird itself, a cage, bird seeds and any toys you want to get for the parakeet. It really doesn't cost much at all and all you have to do is make sure that there is enough food and fresh water in their cage. You do need to clean their cage once a week or so, but it's not like looking after a cat or dog.

After I graduated, I left my parakeet with my brother who lived in the same town and he stayed with my brother for the remainder of his life.

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    • Turtles can make fairly low maintenance pets.
      Turtles can make fairly low maintenance pets.
    • Hamsters are considered relatively low maintenance pets.
      By: Subbotina Anna
      Hamsters are considered relatively low maintenance pets.
    • Fish can be a low maintenance pet.
      By: Matthew Jones
      Fish can be a low maintenance pet.
    • Birds might be considered low maintenance, but some can live very lengthy lives.
      By: Glenda Powers
      Birds might be considered low maintenance, but some can live very lengthy lives.
    • Snakes don't have to be fed very often and are generally considered low maintenance.
      By: Alexey Kuznetsov
      Snakes don't have to be fed very often and are generally considered low maintenance.
    • Chinchillas are relatively low maintenance pets.
      By: Virginie Soucaze
      Chinchillas are relatively low maintenance pets.
    • A pet mouse doesn't require much care.
      By: jagodka
      A pet mouse doesn't require much care.