Best Small Pets for Kids and Beginners

On a breezy Sunday morning in suburban Ohio, Megan sipped her coffee on the porch while her 8-year-old son played in the grass with a neighbor’s guinea pig. It was one of those quiet moments — sunlight pouring through maple trees, birds chirping, and a child completely focused on something small, soft, and alive.

That’s when it hit her: maybe they didn’t need a barking dog or a giant tank to bring joy into their home. Maybe one of these small pets is the best one that teaches kids kindness, gives busy families a reason to slow down, and still leaves space in a two-bedroom home.

She started researching that afternoon, and what she found surprised her — small pets can be interactive, clean, fun to watch, and in many cases, easier to bond with than bigger animals.

Best Small Pets for Apartments, Families, and First-Time Owners

Hamsters

Hamsters are among the best small pets. There are around 24 breeds globally, but five are kept as pets — Syrian, Winter White, Campbell’s Dwarf, Roborovski, and Chinese. Syrian hamsters prefer living alone, while dwarf types may share space with same-sex siblings. They’re not overly social but can bond with owners if handled gently. Grooming is easy — they clean themselves, and long-haired varieties may need light brushing. Health-wise, hamsters face wet tail (a deadly bacterial infection), respiratory issues, and dental overgrowth. Their biggest drawback? They’re nocturnal and might keep light sleepers awake with wheel-spinning marathons.

Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are among the friendliest and most social picks in the best small pets list. There are 13 recognized breeds, from the short-haired American to the showy Peruvian. They thrive in pairs or groups and chirp, purr, and squeak to communicate. These rodents need daily grooming, especially long-haired breeds. Health concerns include vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), dental problems, and respiratory infections. Guinea pigs are prone to gaining weight if overfed. Also, they poop a lot, and their large cage requires frequent cleaning.

Gerbils

With more than 90 species, only two — the Mongolian and fat-tailed gerbils — are commonly kept as pets. Gerbils rank high on the best small pets list for clean freaks. They have almost no odor and rarely soil their cages. Social and curious, gerbils prefer to live in same-sex pairs. They groom each other, so human help is rarely needed. Health issues include tail injuries (if mishandled), overgrown teeth, and seizures in young ones. The only real drawback is their love for digging — expect scattered bedding and daily rearranged enclosures.

Rabbits

There are over 50 rabbit breeds, but the dwarf, Netherland Dwarf, and Holland Lop are favorites among small pet seekers. Rabbits are social animals. They bond deeply with humans and other rabbits but need space and time to warm up. Grooming needs depend on the breed — short-haired types groom themselves; long-haired ones require daily brushing. Common health concerns include dental disease, GI stasis, and flystrike. Rabbits can be litter-trained, but aren’t fans of being held. They also chew furniture and cables if unsupervised.

Mice

There are dozens of wild species, but domesticated fancy mice come in various colors and fur types. Mice belong on every best small pets list due to their intelligence and energy. They’re social in groups but can live alone if interacted with daily. Self-grooming keeps them clean, and they rarely need human help. Mice can suffer from tumors, mites, or respiratory issues. Drawbacks include short lifespans (1.5–2 years), a musky smell in males, and the need for secure enclosures — they escape easily.

Turtles

Over 300 turtle species exist, but red-eared sliders, musk turtles, and box turtles are popular choices. While not cuddly, they still count among the best small pets for calm personalities. They’re solitary and rarely bond like mammals or birds. Grooming involves water changes and occasional shell checks. Shell rot, respiratory infections, and vitamin A deficiency are major health risks. A downside? They need more care than people assume — filtration systems, UV lighting, and tank cleaning are non-negotiable.

Hedgehogs

African pygmy hedgehogs are the main species kept as pets. They’re solitary and often shy but may bond over time. They need a clean enclosure, running wheel, and hideouts. Grooming is minimal — just nail trims and foot baths. Health issues include mites, obesity, and a fatal neurological disorder called Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome. They’re nocturnal and prefer to be left alone during the day. They don’t smell, but they poop while running. That wheel? It’ll need cleaning daily.

Budgies

Budgies, also called parakeets, are tiny parrots and arguably one of the best small pets for bird lovers. There are two main types: the common budgerigar and the English budgie (larger and more docile). They’re highly social, love to interact, and can mimic sounds and words. Budgies preen themselves but benefit from weekly baths or misting. Poor diet, feather mites, and egg binding in females are notable health risks. A drawback? They hate loneliness — leaving a single budgie without company can lead to stress and feather plucking.

A Quick Note Before You Decide on the Best Small Pets

Choosing the best small pets means more than walking into a pet store and picking the cutest one. Each pet — from the clean, curious mouse to the social, squeaky guinea pig — comes with needs, quirks, and a bit of homework. The right match can make your life brighter, calmer, and more connected. But the wrong one could leave you frustrated, or worse, abandon an animal that just needed understanding.

Pick wisely. Learn before you bring one home. Because small pets, when chosen well, can offer something big — real companionship.