Animal shelters emptied during the quarantine. The phenomenon proves that the only thing stopping people from adopting furry best friends was the 40-hour workweek. But plenty of people have allergies or don’t have space for a dog or cat. But bringing a pet (any pet) into your life has a ton of benefits. You get a best friend, unconditional love, companionship, and a roommate who will listen to you complain about your day and won’t hoard all the coffee mugs in their room.
10 Cool Pets That Aren’t Dogs
Tortoise
If you want a best friend for life, consider getting a tortoise–their lives can reach well over 80 years. They require plenty of space to explore and do better in hot climates where they can live outdoors.
Betta Fish
Beloved by college students everywhere, betta fish are some of the most beautiful domesticated freshwater fish. However, they need more than just a bowl. Vets recommend a five-gallon tank with a heater and plenty of places for them to hide.
Chinchilla
These super-soft rodents require lots of space to play and explore. They need regular dust-baths to keep their fur soft and luscious. Since they’re nocturnal, they require a quiet place in the house during the day to rest.
Sugar Glider
Sugar gliders are new-ish to the pet world, recently domesticated and often misunderstood. They live for up to 15 years and are around six-inches big when full-grown. They’re social creatures that live in colonies in the wild, so vets recommend owning two or more at a time.
Tarantula
While a giant spider might be sound like a nightmare for arachnophobes, they’re low-maintenance pets with long lifespans. The females in some species can live over 30 years, and most live at least 10.
Hedgehog
Looking for a shortcut to Internet fame? A hedgehog just might be your ticket. They’re nocturnal busy-bodies best suited for night owls and insomniacs looking for a companion.
Bearded Dragon
If you watched Khaleesi on Game of Thrones and thought to yourself, that could be me–the bearded dragon is for you. These almost-dragons grow to two feet long and can live for up to 10 years. That’s a lot of GoT marathons with a proper dragon by your side.
Hamster
Those small furry animals packed into pet store tanks are just waiting for a home. They require daily attention and maintenance but only live a few years–not a long-term commitment. Also, ask your local pet store about adoptable animals, they’re not on display, but most have returned pets that come with a habitat if you want a best friend on a budget.
Ant Farm
If you’re looking to add a little whimsy to your home office decor, try an ant farm. They’re self-contained pet habitats and watching ants works is a perfect way to procrastinate.
Butterflies
If you love low-maintenance, you’ll love having butterflies as a pet. Butterfly houses range from birdhouse-size to whole gardens. Thanks to the Internet’s magic, you can buy larva or live caterpillars online and release them once they go through metamorphosis.