19 Low-Maintenance Pets Perfect for Busy People

If you love animals but don’t have the time or energy for a high-maintenance pet, you’re in luck! There are plenty of low-maintenance pets that can bring joy and companionship without requiring hours of care each day. From small animals to unique options, these pets are ideal for busy people who want the benefits of a pet without the heavy responsibility. Here’s a list of 19 low-maintenance pets that might be the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

1. Betta Fish

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Betta fish are colorful, resilient, and require minimal care. They can live in a simple bowl or tank with a filter and only need feeding once a day. Betta fish thrive in tanks with warm, clean water and don’t require air pumps or companions. They’re perfect if you want a beautiful, calming pet without a lot of fuss.

2. Leopard Gecko

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Leopard geckos are hardy reptiles that are easy to care for and make excellent pets for beginners. They’re low-maintenance because they don’t need a large enclosure, and they only need to be fed a few times a week. Leopard geckos are generally docile, don’t require UV lighting, and are happy in a simple setup with a warm environment and hiding spots.

3. Guinea Pigs

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Guinea pigs are friendly, social animals that can bring lots of joy to any household. Although they need a bit of space and fresh hay, their needs are pretty straightforward. They enjoy a predictable routine, regular feeding, and occasional cage cleaning. Guinea pigs are great for busy people who can spare a few minutes daily for feeding and playtime.

4. Hamsters

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Hamsters are compact pets that require minimal attention but can still be a lot of fun to watch. They only need a small enclosure, a water bottle, and fresh food daily. Hamsters are mostly active at night, so they’re great for people who aren’t around much during the day. As long as they have a wheel to run on, hamsters will stay happy and healthy.

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5. Hermit Crabs

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Hermit crabs are fascinating creatures that are easy to care for with the right setup. They need a tank with sand, some hiding places, and a small amount of water. Hermit crabs are relatively low-maintenance, especially when their habitat is properly set up. They don’t need much attention and are perfect for people who want an exotic pet that’s easy to maintain.

6. Budgies (Parakeets)

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Budgies are small birds that are known for their playful personalities and cheerful chirps. They require a cage with toys, perches, and fresh food and water daily. Budgies are social and intelligent, so they enjoy interaction, but they’re also fine on their own if you’re busy. A budgie can brighten up your day with minimal effort on your part.

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7. Syrian Hamsters

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Syrian hamsters are the largest hamster species and tend to be more solitary than their smaller cousins. They are low-maintenance and only need a simple cage with a wheel, fresh food, and water. Syrian hamsters are generally friendly and don’t require constant attention, making them great for busy owners who want a cute, self-sufficient pet.

8. Turtles

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Turtles are surprisingly low-maintenance pets, provided you have the right tank setup with a basking area and clean water. They don’t need much attention and can be left alone for extended periods as long as they’re fed regularly. Turtles are quiet, long-lived pets that don’t require constant handling or interaction.

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9. Sea Monkeys

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Sea monkeys, or brine shrimp, are tiny crustaceans that are easy to care for and interesting to observe. They come as eggs that you hatch and grow in a small tank. Sea monkeys require only occasional feeding, and their tank doesn’t need frequent cleaning. They’re ideal for people looking for a low-commitment, low-maintenance pet.

10. Corn Snakes

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Corn snakes are beginner-friendly reptiles that are relatively easy to care for. They require a secure tank, a warm environment, and only need to be fed once a week. Corn snakes are generally docile and don’t require much attention, making them perfect for busy owners. As long as their basic needs are met, they’re content and easygoing.

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11. African Dwarf Frogs

Image Credit: James Gathany, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Public Health Image Library (PHIL)/Public Domain/Wiki Commons

African dwarf frogs are aquatic frogs that thrive in a tank environment and don’t need any land areas. They require clean water, a balanced diet, and a simple tank setup, but they don’t need constant attention. These frogs are peaceful and easy to care for, making them great pets for people with busy schedules.

12. Rats

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Rats are social, intelligent, and surprisingly easy to care for. They’re fine in pairs and only need a spacious cage with toys, fresh food, and water. Rats enjoy occasional interaction but don’t require constant attention, and they are happy to play on their own. For busy owners, a pair of rats can be great low-maintenance companions.

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13. Tarantulas

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Tarantulas may not be everyone’s first choice, but they’re actually low-maintenance pets. They only need a small enclosure, some hiding spots, and infrequent feedings, as they can go days without food. Tarantulas are also quiet and don’t require any social interaction, making them easy to care for if you’re often busy.

14. Snails

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Land snails are low-maintenance and surprisingly interesting to watch. They require a small tank with moisture and a bit of food like fruits and vegetables. Snails don’t need much space, and their tank can go days without cleaning. They’re a great choice for anyone who wants a simple, unique pet without much responsibility.

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15. Ant Farms

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Ant farms provide an easy way to enjoy observing animals without much hands-on care. Ants require a setup with soil, food, and water, but they can go for days without much intervention. Watching ants tunnel and interact can be fascinating, and they’re perfect if you’re looking for a low-commitment, low-maintenance pet.

16. Crested Geckos

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Crested geckos are small, gentle reptiles that are easy to care for and don’t need much space. They require a humid environment, occasional feeding, and minimal handling. Crested geckos are active in the evening, so they’re great for people who work during the day. As long as they have a suitable enclosure, they’re a stress-free pet.

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17. Fancy Mice

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Fancy mice are cute, low-maintenance pets that are happy to entertain themselves in their cage. They need fresh food, water, and a bit of space to run around, but they don’t require constant attention. Mice are also relatively quiet and are happy in pairs or groups, making them a good option for a busy household.

18. Millipedes

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Millipedes may seem unusual, but they’re incredibly easy to care for and require little attention. They thrive in a simple, humid enclosure with some soil, leaves, and occasional vegetables. Millipedes don’t need much handling or interaction, making them perfect for busy people looking for an interesting, hands-off pet.

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19. Hermit Frogs

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Hermit frogs are small, low-maintenance amphibians that do well in simple tanks. They need a bit of water, hiding spots, and occasional feeding. These frogs are active at night, so they’re perfect if you’re out during the day. Hermit frogs are a unique, peaceful pet that requires little work while still offering an interesting animal to observe.

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