When it comes to compact spaces, it can be difficult to find a pet that will work within that area without causing too much trouble for the owner, but the animals as well. If you have a small space or simply would like a smaller pet, what small pets exist that are easy to care for?

The types of small pets that are easy to take care of include Sea Monkeys, Betta Fish, Turtles, Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches, Hermit Crabs, Garden Snails, Ants, African Dwarf Frogs, Butterflies, Leopard Geckos, Praying Mantises, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, and Fancy Mice. 

Small pets offer owners the advantage of having an animal to care for and love without having to sacrifice a huge amount of physical space to keep them happy and healthy. If you are looking for a new pet that is small and easy to take care of, the options may seem a bit overwhelming. Before getting too overloaded with information, take a look below to find some of the best small pets out there that are easy to take care of.

The Best Small Pets That are Easy to Take Care of

If you are looking for a pet that goes a bit off the beaten path and strays away from the typical cat or dog, you may be put in a position of searching through endless options wondering if these various creatures are really all that easy to care for. Although the animal you see may be small, that does not necessarily mean that it is easy to care for. Take a look below to find some of the best small pets out there that have an incredibly easy care routine to boot.

Sea Monkeys

Starting at the very front of this list are Sea Monkeys. Now, this may be a bit of a stretch for those of you that would like an animal to have and hold, however, when it comes to having something to care for that is simplistic, it doesn’t get much easier than the Sea Monkey. They need to be fed once a week, are fun to watch, and only need their tank cleaned if you see a large amount of bacterial build-up within them.

Betta Fish

Keeping in line with water pets is the Betta Fish. Many are under the impression that all fish are rather easy to care for, however, this could not be further from the truth. When it comes to low-maintenance fish though, Betta Fish typically always fall at the top of the list. These fish require only a 5-gallon tank, are happy in the most simplistic of tank setups, need to be fed only once a day, and only need their water partly changed once a week.

Turtles

If you would like a pet that doesn’t need to live completely underwater, a turtle may be a great choice for you. There are hundreds of turtle varieties out there, but when it comes to their care, they are easy as can be. For turtles, they need to be fed about five times a week, need their water temperature controlled so they can stay nice and warm, and are easy to transport from tank to fresh air spots, making them a great option for those who want a little interaction.

Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches

If a turtle is a little too mainstream for you and you are looking for a house pet that goes outside of the norm, consider the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach. Some may squirm at the thought of this, but if you are an insect lover, this cockroach is incredibly entertaining. They only need a good aquarium with proper ventilation, proper feed along with fresh fruits and greens, then clean water to keep them hydrated. They are fun to watch and require very minimal interaction.

Hermit Crabs

A little less adventurous than the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach are Hermit Crabs. These tiny crabs are cute as can be, but beyond that, they require very minimalistic care. Once you have their habitat set up with proper sunlight and gravel, you simply feed them a specific Hermit Crab food (found at pet stores) and your work is done. If you have an itch to play with this pet, simply remove them from their tank and see if they’d like to explore the area a bit.

Garden Snails

Another crawling creature that comes in line after the Hermit Crab is Garden Snail. Now, you may be thinking this is a bit of a stretch considering you can find them right in your backyard, but these creatures make great pets for those who want something that is easy to care for. They are happy to be handled or left alone, need a habitat with a few hiding places and moss, and are happy to nibble on fresh fruit, vegetables, and natural chalk.

Ants

Even smaller than the garden snail are ants. If you are someone who has very limited space but would love something to care for and look after throughout your day, bringing home an ant farm may be just the answer. Once the aunts have built their tunnel within the farm, all that is required of you is to give them fresh water on a cotton ball and feed them fresh food such as small pieces of fruits and vegetables.

African Dwarf Frogs

If you like the idea of not having to handle your pet, just as ants reflect, you may like the idea of having an African Dwarf Frog. These amphibians actually live underwater, so they make a great pet for those who like to look, but not touch. Simply give them an aquarium with a bit of swimming room with filtered water, a place to perch on outside of the water, and food to sustain them. Once you have educated yourself on their care, they should be a breeze to maintain.

Butterflies

Frogs may be great for some, but they will be a long-term pet that will last for years to come. If you are looking for a pet that is a tad more temporary, consider bringing butterflies into your home. If you bring a butterfly in as a caterpillar, they will be around for about six to eight months before they need to be released. During this time, all they need is a cage with good ventilation, a plant for them to feed on, and a few sticks for them to wander about on.

Leopard Geckos

Butterflies may be great for some, but if you want something that is a tad more interactive than this insect, the Leopard Gecko may suit your fancy. This gecko is really quite popular because they are sweet in nature, are happy to be handled, and are very easy to feed. They require lice insects and mealworms and are most content in a vivarium so that they have plenty of room to climb and hide. Keep their environment heated and humid and the biggest job will be done.

Praying Mantises

Speaking of insects (but those that won’t be consumed), the praying mantis is an incredibly intriguing pet to have within your home. These insects live for about a year, but they are able to eat a wide variety of foods such as fruit flies, moths, house flies, and crickets every now and then. They just need enough space with twigs to crawl on and a soft bed of grass beneath them to be happy, making their care shockingly easy.

Guinea Pigs

Going outside of the world of fish, insects, and amphibians, let’s discuss a few small mammals that are great for home, the first being: guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are a very common household pet for those who want something they can hold and play with, but that also doesn’t require extensive care. Guinea pigs need a decent sized cage filled with a few toys, a hiding spot, and a bed, but are simple to feed and even simpler to keep happy.

Hamsters

Hamsters are similar to guinea pigs, but they tend to be a bit smaller. Therefore, if you are looking for one of the smallest mammals to keep at home, the hamster is a great bet. They need about the same care as hamsters such as a decent sized cage, fresh water, and ample food, but they are very apt to be held and played with. These little creatures are fun to watch and can be just as entertaining in the cage as they are out of it.

Fancy Mice

Even smaller than the hamster is the Fancy Mouse. The Fancy Mouse is a pet that is rather timid, but will allow owners to hold it as long as they are gentle, slow-moving, and are willing to put them down when they see their pet has had enough. The Fancy Mouse needs to be fed daily with fresh water always available, but other than this and the cleanliness of their cage, they require very little care.