Lifestyle
Pet Types as Companions
15 popular pet types compared by average lifespan, space requirements, maintenance level, annual cost, and ideal owner profile.
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15 of 15 rows
Animal↕ | Avg Lifespan (years)↕ | Space Needed↕ | Maintenance Level↕ | Cost/Year (USD)↕ | Best For↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | 12 | medium-large yard or regular walks | high | 1,500 | Active families and individuals seeking loyal companionship |
| Cat | 15 | apartment-friendly | medium | 1,000 | Independent owners who want affectionate but low-maintenance pets |
| Goldfish | 10 | 20+ gallon tank | low | 200 | Beginners and small living spaces |
| Hamster | 2 | cage (min 450 sq in) | low | 300 | Children and first-time pet owners with limited space |
| Rabbit | 10 | indoor pen or bunny-proofed room | medium | 800 | Gentle families wanting a social, trainable small pet |
| Parrot | 50 | large cage with out-of-cage time | high | 1,200 | Experienced owners who want a talkative, intelligent lifelong companion |
| Turtle | 30 | tank or outdoor pond | medium | 400 | Patient owners wanting a calm, long-lived pet |
| Guinea Pig | 6 | cage (min 7.5 sq ft for one) | medium | 500 | Families with children who want a social, vocal small pet |
| Ferret | 7 | multi-level cage with play area | high | 800 | Playful owners who enjoy energetic, curious pets |
| Snake | 20 | terrarium (size varies by species) | low | 350 | Owners who want a quiet, low-maintenance exotic pet |
| Budgie (Parakeet) | 8 | cage with flight space | low-medium | 300 | First-time bird owners and apartment dwellers |
| Hermit Crab | 15 | 10+ gallon terrarium | low | 150 | Low-commitment pet owners who enjoy observing unique behavior |
| Chinchilla | 15 | multi-level cage in cool room | medium | 400 | Owners who want a soft, long-lived small pet with personality |
| Gecko | 15 | 20-gallon terrarium | low | 250 | Reptile enthusiasts and beginners wanting a handleable lizard |
| Betta Fish | 3 | 5+ gallon heated tank | low | 100 | Small space dwellers wanting a colorful, interactive fish |
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