Everyone knows saying that dog is man’s best friend, but who said he had to be? Is there an unwritten rule that man’s best friend must be a dog? While dogs, of course, are loyal and loving, there are plenty of other exciting pets out there that will prove to be family favorites. We’ve included seven of these below.
Move Over Fido – 7 Interesting Pets for You or Your Family
Horse
Horses can be a lot of hard work, and you have to not only factor in feed, hoof boots for horses, saddles, and all kinds of products for daily care, but you’ve got to hire a farrier and make sure you groom them, as well. However, the love and loyalty you get in return can more than make up for the money you have to spend on them.
Tarantula
You probably think that a great white shark would make a better pet than a tarantula, but spider ownership is more common than you think. Of course, a good proportion of the population is still deathly afraid of spiders, but those who aren’t may benefit from introducing a creepy crawly into their abode. They’re low maintenance, and they merely require an enclosure that’s no smaller than 30 x 30 x 30 centimeters.
Blue-tongued lizard
Dogs live, on average, 10 to 13 years, and for some people, that’s just not quite long enough. Blue-tongued lizards, on the other hand, can be your faithful companion for 20 to 30 years. They are also low maintenance, requiring warmth, light, food, water, and a tank to keep them happy. They aren’t the cuddliest of creatures, but they make an unusual house pet.
Turtle
If you want a pet that few people own, yet is readily available; a turtle could be worth considering. They are docile, low maintenance, and can live for up to 25 years. However, a turtle is more suitable for a family with older children, or no children at all. They are known to carry viruses, and you need to ensure you wash your hands thoroughly when handling them.
Goat
If you live out in the country with plenty of grass and scrub, a goat will make a great addition to your family. They won’t leave fur on the sofa, they don’t need you to walk them, and they don’t want to play fetch, either. Their milk is also delicious, and their manure is perfect for the garden. However, you will need robust fencing, and they are herd animals, so they do prefer a friend to share their paddock.
Hedgehog
While they’re a pest in some countries, in the United States, hedgehogs are a much-loved family pet. One of the main reasons people prefer hedgehogs as a pet is due to how quiet they are. They won’t bark and disturb the neighbors, and they only require a small enclosure to be perfectly happy. However, they do need consistent temperatures of around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, so if you’re from a colder climate, they might not be the best pet for you.
Ferret
Around 68 percent of US households have a pet, but how many can say they have a ferret? These cuddly critters will provide no end of entertainment, and they are also easy to train. They’re agile, they love to play, and they can even do tricks. They’re also hoarders so if you’re missing items, be sure to check their enclosure.
Not everyone pines for a cat or a dog, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have pets. Pets come in a huge variety of all, and you can benefit from the same companionship that more common domestic animals offer.
Resources:
https://sites.psu.edu/siowfa15/2015/10/14/why-are-so-many-people-afraid-of-spiders/
https://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/evr_dg_how_long_do_dogs_live
https://www.statista.com/statistics/198095/pets-in-the-united-states-by-type-in-2008/