Which pet to choose?
Find your perfect fit!
Are you smitten with kittens or fascinated by fish? Deciding on a pet is more than just picking your favorite animal—you have to make sure you are right for each other. Take a look at some of these pets and think about which might be right for you.
Corn Snake
Level of Difficulty: Beginner
Home Sweet Home: Large glass habitat with a wire top that latches
What It Eats: Mice and rats that are dead
Quick Tip: To prevent your snake from biting you, feed it with kitchen tongs, and wear a rubber glove. The glove keeps the snake from associating your scent with its dinner.
Guinea Pig
Level of Difficulty: Beginner, with supervision
Home Sweet Home: Cage with access to food, a toy ball, and soft bedding
What It Eats: Guinea pig pellets, fresh fruits, vegetables, and hay
Quick Tip: Guinea pigs will whistle and squeak when they are happy. Some will squeal delightedly when they see their owners because that means food is coming.
Parakeet
Level of Difficulty: Beginner
Home Sweet Home: A large cage with toys, food, and water
What It Eats: Pellet food and small pieces of fresh fruits and vegetables daily
Quick Tip: Parakeets can live up to about 10 years, so this pet may be the one for you if you want a longtime friend. Parakeets need a lot of interaction and are very social. They are also able to mimic words and noises.
DOG
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
Home Sweet Home: A comfortable spot for sleeping and lots of room for playing
What It Eats: Dog food made mostly from protein, with some grains and vegetables
Quick Tip: No matter what size dog you choose, be prepared to run and have fun! A dog needs lots of activity every day. Training a dog is also a big part of having one as a pet. Tell your pet “Good dog!” as often as possible, and enjoy the dog kisses that come with the job.
LEOPARD WRASSE
Level of Difficulty: Expert
Home Sweet Home: A 50-gallon saltwater aquarium
What It Eats: Frozen shrimp and other organisms growing in the aquarium
Quick Tip: This is a fish that is easily stressed, has a special diet, and is prone to illness in captivity. For aquarists (people who have aquariums), caring for fish with special needs offers a greater challenge.
CAT
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
Home Sweet Home: A soft place to sleep and lots of areas to explore
What It Eats: Cat food made mostly from protein
Quick Tip: The animal shelter is an excellent place to find your new kitty BFF. Once you bring your furry friend home, place it in a small room at first so it can get used to the new house. It might take a while for your cat to warm up, but with patience you'll be best buds in no time!