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Between work, errands, and family obligations, life gets hectic, and you might feel like getting a moment to relax seems nearly impossible, let alone finding the time to care for a pet. But that doesn't mean you have to give up on the idea of having a companion.
Low-maintenance pets offer the best of both worlds: they provide the joy of having an animal in your life without the full-time commitment of a high-energy or high-maintenance species (we're looking at you, dogs).
Of course, every pet will still need proper care, attention, and love, but some are simply more hands-off than others, requiring no daily walks, minimal grooming, and simpler living setups. So, if you want some companionship without all the chaos, here are some easy-to-care-for animals to consider.
Scroll to see the best low-maintenance pets for the busiest people!
1. Betta Fish
Don't let their delicate fins and vibrant colors fool you! Betta fish are surprisingly low-maintenance and a stellar option for smaller spaces. They thrive in compact tanks, as small as one gallon for a single fish, and do not require elaborate filtration systems.
Male bettas should be kept alone, given that they are territorial by nature; however, females can often live peacefully together. Plus, caring for them is simple. All you have to do is feed once a day, clean the tank every two to four weeks, and check water quality regularly.
2. Parakeet
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Parakeets are cheerful and surprisingly social, making them great pets for people who want a bit of personality without a high-maintenance lifestyle. In fact, these birds enjoy interacting with humans and can even learn basic commands with some training.
They have a lifespan of up to 12 years, too, making parakeets a solid long-term pet. They just need a roomy cage, fresh food and water, and a bit of attention each day. You should spot-clean the cage and clean dishes daily; then, you can replace bedding on a weekly basis.
3. Turtle
Turtles embody a laid-back vibe, and their maintenance requirements bring that same energy. Once their habitat is set up, they are generally content with a predictable routine.
To get started, your turtle will need a sizable tank with proper UVB lighting, water heaters, and thermometers to mimic their natural environment. Depending on their size, tank capacity may vary. A good rule of thumb is 10 gallons of water per inch of shell.
As for day-to-day care, turtles just need to be fed with pellets, veggies, or an occasional protein treat. Half of the water in their tank should be swapped out weekly, and you can give the tank a deep clean once per month.
4. African Dwarf Frog
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If you're searching for a quiet and low-key aquatic pet, the African dwarf frog might be perfect. These amphibians are fully aquatic, meaning they spend their lives underwater. Still, they need to surface for air every so often, so a tank that's at least three gallons and not too deep is crucial.
African dwarf frogs are peaceful and do well with other non-aggressive tank mates. However, don't expect them to crave too much of your attention. You'll only need to feed them once per day, clean out any uneaten food after a few minutes, and make sure their water stays clean and filtered.
5. Guinea Pig
Guinea pigs are sweet little pets that strike a good balance between interaction and independence. That's why they make great first companions for families.
These rodents do well with some gentle handling and can be very social. At the same time, they also value alone time and thrive when kept on a regular routine.
Hay is their main food source, supplemented with fresh veggies and pellets, and water can be dispensed from a hanging bottle. They don't need baths, either, but their bedding should be changed weekly, and their nails need to be trimmed monthly.
6. Corn Snake
For those intrigued by reptiles, corn snakes make a solid starter pet because they're solitary animals that don't demand much time or interaction. Baby corn snakes can live in a 10 to 20-gallon tank, while adults will eventually need closer to 40 gallons.
Their diet consists of an occasional thawed mouse, which can be fed once every five to 14 days, depending on your snake's age, and a shallow dish of fresh water that's changed daily. Otherwise, simply add in some weekly tank cleanings, and you've got a low-effort companion.
7. Hermit Crab
It may come as a surprise that hermit crabs are mellow pets with super simple needs. They require a warm, humid habitat with enough sand to dig in and a few spare shells to change into as they grow.
In terms of food, hermit crabs mostly eat pellets, but they'll happily munch on safe leftovers from time to time. Just steer clear of anything acidic or seasoned. The best part? Their sand only needs to be fully replaced about three times a year, though weekly spot cleaning is still advised.
8. Guppies
If you're fascinated by fish, guppies are colorful, lively, and thrive in groups. Plus, they get along well with other peaceful freshwater species, like rainbowfish and cory catfish.
The most important thing is to make sure their tank is large enough. You can start with five gallons and add two gallons for each additional fish. For food, their diet consists of regular fish flakes, but they're huge fans of an occasional frozen bloodworm.
9. Hamster
Last but not least is the quintessential childhood pet: a hamster. Tiny but spunky, these creatures do well on their own and can keep themselves busy with tunnels, wheels, and chew toys.
Hamsters are ideal for older kids or adults who can handle them gently. Aside from that, care is simple. Just refill their food and water each day and deep clean their cage around once a week. Finally, since their teeth grow continuously, you'll need to give your hamster plenty of chew toys to keep them filed down.
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