5 Small Animals Worth Considering as Family Pets

Family pets are great additions to the family and can even bring the family together. 

If you have limited space, smaller pets might be your best option. Smaller pets also may require less maintenance than larger pets. To save you time, here are five small animals that could make great family pets!

1. Pygmy Hedgehogs

Pygmy hedgehogs are a cute companion, and they can make fantastic small pets. They look like a regular hedgehog, but much smaller. 

Pygmy hedgehogs are often compared to hamsters because they also enjoy running on exercise wheels. Their general lifespan is about 3-5 years.

Keep in mind that pygmy hedgehogs are also nocturnal, which is something to consider if you don’t want activity at night. 

2. Turtles

Turtles are one of the easiest pets to take care of and small in stature. They can’t outrun you and fit well in most homes. They need an aquarium tank or something similar, with a few rocks to perch upon. 

They don’t need much exercise, just to be fed and kept healthy.

However, they do require a commitment. They can live for several decades! 

3. Chinchillas

A chinchilla can serve as a great family pet. Native to South America, these cute rodents are generally about a foot-long.

If you want an affectionate animal, chinchillas can be a great option. They love to cuddle and be held. Chinchillas are also nocturnal, so this is another factor you may want to consider. 

With proper care, they can live about a decade. 

4. Miniature Pigs

Miniature pigs are growing in popularity for a reason. Not only are they cute, but they’re also highly intelligent animals. Like a dog, they can be house trained and can learn the sound of their name. 

For the happiest miniature pigs, they’re best in pairs. 

They also have a long lifespan of around 18-20 years. 

5. Leopard Geckos

If you’re into reptiles, look no further than the leopard gecko. They typically grow to about 10 inches in length and are native to the desert. Because of that, you’ll want to make sure their tank has plenty of light. Leopard geckos usually need 12 hours of visible light in a dry and warm environment.

They’re distinct from other geckos because they’re one of the only geckos to have outer ears and eyelids. They also don’t have sticky hands, so they can’t climb around easily like other geckos. 

Like miniature pigs, leopard geckos can live for about 20 years with proper care, and they’re also nocturnal.  

Ready to Buy One of These Cute Family Pets?

All these small animals would make wonderful family pets. Because the maintenance requirements may differ between the animals, consider an animal that best fits your family lifestyle and preferences. 

Before purchasing anything, it’s always a good idea to do research and talk to other people knowledgeable about the animal. 

So, why not explore some of those options today? 

And if you want to read more about topics related to family life, be sure to check out the rest of our blog!