The ideal pet would not require much attention from parents, with little time or energy to spare.
Though it might sound like a tall order, several animals fit this bill perfectly, and kids will love them too!
Here are eight low-maintenance pets for kids that are just as wonderful as they are low-maintenance.
1. Turtles
Believe it or not, turtles are one of the best low-maintenance pets for kids. Their needs are simple, and their size is perfect for children to handle.
Plus, they don’t make noise, making them a good choice if you have a noisy house full of small kids. A turtle might not be an animal that many people consider a pet, but it’s worth considering.
2. Tortoises
Tortoises are among the few low-maintenance pets for kids that do not require grooming and cleaning their litter box. They are also great creatures for kids to help care for, as they eat leafy greens and hay.
They would happily stay outside or in a room without much human interaction. It’s essential to keep them warm, so if your kid wants a tortoise, make sure there is plenty of insulation in their home.
3. Hamster
Finding low-maintenance pets for kids can be tricky. You don’t want to give them too much responsibility or scare them away from pets. You also don’t want our children to feel like their pets are disposable and all the work is on your shoulders.
Thankfully, plenty of low-maintenance pets out there make excellent starter pets for kids: small animals requiring only minimal space, supervision, and upkeep. A hamster, a furry friend, is a great choice! These friendly creatures enjoy attention but are generally content alone in their cage when given wheel and climbing toys.
4. Betta Fish
The betta fish is one of the world’s most commonly kept pet fish. They are low-maintenance pets for kids, easy to care for, and inexpensive (most people don’t even buy a tank!). Plus, they don’t require feeding or a lot of space.
Betta Fish have been used as pets for over 2,000 years. They originated in Asia but can be found worldwide. Bettas need room to swim, so make sure you have at least a 10-gallon tank. It’s also best to put more than one male betta in the same tank; they’re less aggressive with other males.
5. Guppies
Guppies are great starters and low-maintenance pets for kids fascinated with all things aquatic. Guppies come in many colors and patterns, which makes it exciting for kids to watch the Fish change color.
When considering pet ownership, remember that every living creature needs care. Consider this before purchasing any pet if your children are younger and cannot clean the fish tank independently.
As long as they can be trusted with pets, they will enjoy watching the variety of guppy breeds over time!
6. Parakeets
Parakeets are among the most popular and low-maintenance pets for kids in the United States. They are also some of the most accessible pets to look after. There is no need to cut their nails or trim their wings; they have curved claws that prevent flying away.
They need around 12 hours of sleep daily and can do well with limited space; a cage will work. However, be sure to provide a playpen, mirror, and toys when you buy your parakeet to keep it happy.
7. Green Anole
Green anoles are truly low-maintenance pets for kids. They live in the wild and need a little help to be kept as pets. However, they can adjust to life in captivity if they put some effort into their environment. The anoles enjoy basking in the light, so they need plenty of sunlight or a UVB bulb to keep them happy.
They also want live plants, both natural and fake. Be sure to provide your green anole with a small, humid hideaway with moss. You must clean the cage out weekly because it produces urine, sheds skin, and eats bugs, which cause ammonia buildup!
8. Sea Monkey
Sea Monkeys, or brine shrimp, are low-maintenance pets for kids. Once you purchase a kit and add the water to the tank, you finish the initial setup!
Plus, they require very little maintenance once they’re established. Sea Monkeys can be fed twice daily with sea monkey food pellets and need new water added every 7-10 days.
9. Goldfish
The goldfish is probably the most famous and low-maintenance pet for kids. These Fish are easy to care for and can live up to 20 years in an aquarium. Indeed, they’re usually red, but they can also be other colors like orange, purple, blue, black, or even multicolored.
They are also inexpensive (around $1-$5). It’s important not to add them to anything with a plant in it since they will eat the plant’s leaves. However, you don’t need a filter for this Fish!
10. Butterflies
Butterflies make excellent pets, plus they’re also low-maintenance for kids! If you don’t like the idea of tending to bugs, some butterfly farms do all the work for you! There are butterflies with short life spans of a few weeks, and those with long life spans of a year or more.
It’s always good to be mindful of your decision when selecting a pet and have your timeline expectations in mind. For example, a long-life butterfly will require more time and money than a shorter one.
11. Tarantulas
While it’s understandable to fear tarantulas, these creatures are not nearly as scary as they seem. They’re considered some of the most docile arachnids in the world! Tarantulas are an excellent option if you’re looking for low-maintenance pets for kids.
Tarantulas come from the Theraphosidae family and have varying types, colors, and leg variations. They make great pets because they don’t require frequent feeding or human contact.
They can also live up to ten years with minimal upkeep. All that’s needed is a space for them to roam around with some food dishes on the floor.
12. Leopard Gecko
Leopard geckos are native to Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. They are called leopard geckos because their color resembles a leopard’s coat.
These little guys typically grow to be about 5 inches long and weigh around 3-4 ounces. They’re the perfect low-maintenance pets for kids,
They live up to 15 years on average if taken care of properly. Leopard geckos occasionally eat crickets and other small insects, mealworms, and some fruit or vegetables, like carrots.
13. African Dwarf Frogs
African Dwarf Frogs are a no-brainer addition to the low-maintenance pet list. They can survive with very little water, a bowl of fresh water, and a moist area to sit in.
These frogs come in all colors and breeds, so you’ll have your pick on the type you want. They’re a great starter and low-maintenance pets for kids that grow from six inches to two feet long. With African Dwarf Frogs, you’ll never be bored again!
14. Rats
Rats are one of the best options if you’re in the market for low-maintenance pets for kids. With an average lifespan of two to three years, rats are a long-term commitment that won’t require much care.
They also tend to be pretty clean and don’t smell, but they need high-quality bedding and food, which can get pricey. If you’re not interested in spending that kind of money on a rat, this might not be your pet.
15. Mice
While they are more time-consuming than some other pets, mice are also a lot of fun. Mice are inexpensive to start with since you need a good-sized cage and water bottle that fits comfortably. You’ll also need things like bedding and something for them to chew on (such as a piece of fruit or apple).
At the same time, mice don’t do very well in cold climates (since they can’t stay warm enough). This might be a good pet choice if you live somewhere warmer, like Florida or Louisiana. They are particularly low-maintenance pets for kids.
16. Snakes
Snakes are low-maintenance pets for kids. They don’t require daily walks or a large amount of space, and they will rarely bother you when you’re home. Remember never to handle a snake by its tail because it can come back and bite your hand!
Instead, put your hand around the snake’s body and lift it off the ground. Snakes have incredibly soft skin that won’t need any special attention most of the time. And, since they’re so low maintenance, snakes can make great pets for kids.
17. Hermit Crab
Hermit crabs are a type of crustacean that lives in a case. These widespread pets need little attention, as they spend most of their time in their shells. They will come out to play, but not if they think you’re trying to catch them!
The first step is to find the right type of hermit crab and see if it’s legal in your area. Hermit crabs can’t be imported into Canada. You’ll also need a shell big enough for the crab to ensure it’s sturdy.
Hermit crabs have sensitive feelers, and handling them too much can damage them, so please don’t poke or squeeze your pet. Hermit crabs are very low-maintenance pets.
18. Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons are low-maintenance pets for kids that require very little responsibility. You can give it a light feeding once or twice a day and mist the tank with water the other time. They like to spend a lot of time in the sun; they have at least eight hours of light daily.
Plus, bearded dragons are pretty good about keeping themselves clean, so there’s not too much scrubbing that needs to happen. Finally, bearded dragons are more active when eating in the morning and evening; their feeding routine is easily adaptable.
19. Praying Mantis
Praying mantises are good starter pets because they require little care. Mantises have a lifespan of one to two years but live pretty long, so you don’t need to replace them.
Plus, praying mantises are tiny and can fit in the palm of your hand. This is perfect if you’re looking for calm, quiet, low-maintenance pets for kids.
20. Cats
Cats are the most popular pets in America and some of the most accessible and low-maintenance pets for kids. Unlike dogs, cats will get their litter box. This means you don’t have to worry about lugging bags of dirty litter or letting your cat out every time.
Cats also take care of themselves. You might need to occasionally provide a bowl of food and a clean water source. Still, they don’t require any exercise as dogs do, so you can forget about taking them on walks.
