19 Low-Maintenance Pets That Are Perfect for Busy People
Having a pet can be a rewarding experience, but not everyone has the time or energy to care for high-maintenance animals. If you’re a busy person but still want the joy of a pet, there are plenty of options that require minimal care while still providing companionship. From small creatures to more unusual pets, here are 19 low-maintenance pets that fit perfectly into a busy lifestyle.
1. Betta Fish
Betta fish are colorful, low-maintenance pets that require just a small tank and clean water. They thrive in environments with little attention, only needing feeding once a day and a weekly water change. Betta fish also don’t require filters or heaters in most cases, which keeps things simple. Their long flowing fins and bright colors add beauty to any space without demanding much from their owners.
2. Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are cuddly, social pets that don’t require much attention beyond feeding and cage cleaning. They enjoy simple foods like hay, pellets, and fresh vegetables, and their cage only needs cleaning once a week. While they love interacting with humans, they can entertain themselves for hours with chew toys. Their gentle nature makes them great companions without being overly demanding.
3. Leopard Geckos
Leopard geckos are small reptiles that are perfect for anyone looking for a low-effort pet. They need a small terrarium with a simple heat source, and they only eat every other day. These geckos are also quite hardy, making them easy to care for even if you’re new to reptiles. Their calm demeanor and colorful patterns make them fun to observe without requiring a lot of your time.
4. Hamsters
Hamsters are classic small pets that are easy to care for, especially for people with busy schedules. They spend most of their day sleeping and are most active at night, so they don’t need constant attention. With basic care like feeding and keeping their cages clean, hamsters will happily entertain themselves by running on wheels or exploring their tunnels. They are low-maintenance but still offer plenty of entertainment.
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5. Hermit Crabs
Hermit crabs are fun and unusual pets that require minimal maintenance. Their tanks don’t need much beyond some sand, a couple of shells, and a water dish. Hermit crabs are social creatures that enjoy having other hermit crabs around, but they don’t require a lot of direct attention from you. With the right setup, they can be a fascinating, hands-off pet.
6. Cats
Cats are independent animals that do well even when left alone for hours at a time. They are naturally low-maintenance, requiring only regular feeding and a clean litter box. Cats are self-groomers, so you don’t need to worry about baths, and they tend to entertain themselves by exploring or napping. Despite their independence, they still offer companionship and can be affectionate when you’re available.
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7. Turtles
Turtles are slow-moving but low-maintenance pets that require little beyond a clean tank and fresh water. Aquatic turtles need a good filtration system, but beyond that, they can be left alone for most of the day. They eat a simple diet of pellets, vegetables, and the occasional protein, and they can go a few days between feedings. With their long lifespan, turtles can be a quiet, calming presence in your home.
8. Sea Monkeys
Sea monkeys are tiny, shrimp-like creatures that are incredibly easy to care for. They come in a kit with everything you need, and you just add water to bring them to life. After that, they only require feeding once a week, and their tanks are small enough to sit on your desk. They are fascinating to watch as they swim around, making them perfect for people with limited time or space.
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9. Chinchillas
Chinchillas are fluffy and adorable pets that are fairly easy to care for. They need a large cage to jump around in and some simple dust baths to keep their fur clean, but they don’t require much day-to-day maintenance. These nocturnal animals are active at night, so they won’t mind if you’re busy during the day. With proper care, chinchillas can live long, healthy lives without needing constant attention.
10. Frogs
Frogs are low-key pets that can thrive in small spaces with little effort. They require a tank with some water and humidity, and they only need to be fed every few days. Many frogs, like African dwarf frogs, are aquatic and stay in water most of the time, so cleaning their environment is easy with a filter. Their unique appearance and easy care make them a great choice for a busy pet owner.
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11. Snails
Snails might not be the first pet that comes to mind, but they are surprisingly fascinating and extremely low-maintenance. All they need is a small terrarium with moisture, some fresh vegetables, and a calcium source like cuttlebone. Snails move slowly and don’t require much attention, making them a peaceful and relaxing pet. Plus, they can help keep small plants in their habitat clean.
12. Parakeets
Parakeets, or budgies, are small birds that are easy to care for and can provide hours of entertainment with their chirping and singing. They don’t require much beyond a clean cage, fresh water, and bird seed. Parakeets enjoy human interaction but can also entertain themselves with toys when you’re busy. With regular handling, they can become friendly and affectionate without demanding too much attention.
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13. Goldfish
Goldfish are classic low-maintenance pets, needing just a small tank, clean water, and regular feeding. They don’t require any special equipment or care beyond keeping their water clean, which makes them one of the easiest pets to own. Goldfish are beautiful to look at and can live for years with proper care. Their calm presence makes them an ideal pet for people with busy schedules.
14. Rats
Rats may not have the best reputation, but they are surprisingly affectionate and easy to care for. They are social animals that enjoy playing with toys and interacting with their owners but can also entertain themselves when you’re busy. Rats only need a clean cage, fresh food, and water, and they are known for being clean and intelligent pets. Despite their low-maintenance nature, they form strong bonds with their owners.
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15. Fire-Bellied Newts
Fire-bellied newts are small, colorful amphibians that require minimal care. They thrive in a tank with both land and water areas, and they only need feeding a few times a week. These newts are hardy and can live for several years with basic care. Their vibrant colors and interesting behaviors make them fun to watch, even if they don’t require much direct attention.
16. Dwarf Hamsters
Dwarf hamsters are smaller than regular hamsters, but just as easy to care for. They don’t need much space, and a small cage with some bedding and a wheel will keep them happy. Dwarf hamsters are independent and only require feeding once a day, along with a quick cage cleaning once a week. Their small size and playful nature make them a fun, low-maintenance option.
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17. Stick Insects
Stick insects are unique, low-maintenance pets that are perfect for someone who wants something different. They only need a small enclosure with some branches to climb on, and they eat fresh leaves. Stick insects are quiet and require very little care beyond occasional misting to maintain humidity. Their camouflage and slow movements make them interesting pets to watch without demanding your time.
18. Fancy Mice
Fancy mice are small, lively pets that require minimal care. They thrive in a simple cage setup with bedding, toys, and fresh food. Mice are social creatures that enjoy playing and exploring but can also entertain themselves when you’re busy. With basic care, they are happy, healthy pets that don’t need constant supervision.
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19. Ant Farms
Ant farms are one of the most low-maintenance pets you can have. Once set up, the ants work independently, tunneling and creating their own environment. All you need to do is provide occasional food and water. Ants are fascinating to watch as they build their colonies, making them a great option for someone who wants an interesting, hands-off pet.
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