There comes a time in many parents' lives when they hear, 'Can we get a pet?'. And kids
often ask for every pet they can imagine – dogs, cats, rabbits, horses and even pigs!
But it's not always just kids who want pets. Many single people, couples and older people
look for pets to keep them company.
If you've never owned a pet, you may wonder what the best pet is for first-time pet owners.
With so many options, you have a few things to weigh up.
Let's explore how to choose the best pet for a first-time pet owner.
What is your situation as a first-time pet owner?
Choosing a pet as a first-time pet owner will come down to a few things. Here's what you
need to consider upfront:
Your age – is the pet for a child, a family, or an older person?
The lifespan of the pet – are you committed to looking after a pet for its entire lifespan?
Your space – what room do you have for a pet (e.g., a big/small backyard or house)?
Your time – how much time will you be able to give to your new pet?
Any allergies – does someone in your household react to pet hair which will make owning a furry pet hard?
Cleaning – are you willing to clean up poop or tanks or cages?
Cost – do you know the ongoing costs associated with your pet regarding feeding, medication, toys, bedding, vet bills and so on?
Once you've considered these factors, it's time to decide on a pet!
Here are the top 7 recommended pets for first-time pet owners
Guinea pigs
Guinea pigs are among the best first pets as they're small, cuddly and tend not to
bite. They are super friendly and enjoy daily attention and cuddles from their owners.
Cage: Escape-proof with paper or hardwood shaving for their bedding that requires
weekly cleaning.
Food: Specialty guinea pig food, fruits and veggies.
Lifespan: Up to 8 years.
Cost: Average $50 per month.
Blue tongue lizards
Blue tongue lizards are relatively low-maintenance pets that are cuddlier than you
may think. They are easy to handle and love getting out to be held by their owner.
Tank: A larger tank that requires a heat lamp (for temperature control between 24 to
35 degrees), a UV light, and a substrate as a base. They'll also need hiding rocks or
logs for climbing and food bowls. You'll need to clean their tank substrate every 2-4
weeks.
Food: Specialty lizard food, live food (snails, insects, crickets), fruits and veggies.
Lifespan: Up to 20 years.
Cost: Initial set up may be around $700, but average $75 per month for food and tank
substrate changing.
Rats
Rats are sociable, very smart (they'll learn their name) and love to play with their
humans. Male rats are often lazier than females so perfect if you're looking for a lap
pet! Choose a rat over a mouse if you're looking for a rodent.
Cage: A large cage with a wood or paper substrate, lots of toys, cosy hammocks and
things to climb and hide in.
Food: Specialty rat food, fruit and veggies.
Lifespan: Up to 3 years.
Cost: Average $30 per month for food and cage substrate, but as rats are prone to
respiratory infections and tumours, you may have vet visits.
Budgies or Parakeets
If you're looking for a feathered friend, budgies or parakeets are the best for first-time
pet owners. They are low-maintenance, affectionate and trainable to do tricks (like
talking or mimicking sounds).
Cage: Big enough for them to live comfortably in and stretch their wings without
hitting the bars.
Food: Specialty bird food, fruit and veggies, rice and sprouted seeds.
Lifespan: Around 5 to 10 years.
Cost: Average $40 per month.
Siamese Fighting Fish or Goldfish
Siamese fighting fish are the most popular pet fish! They don't require much space,
so you can get away with a smaller tank. They are best kept by themselves, so
they're not fish you should mix with others.
Goldfish are low-maintenance and can live with other fish in the same temperature
water.
Tank: Large enough for your chosen fish with a filter, heater (for Siamese fighting
fish), gravel, plants and hiding places. Regular cleaning is required (2 to 3 times per
month).
Food: Siamese fighting fish eat live fish food like shrimp and speciality pellets.
Goldfish eat goldfish flakes, live or frozen shrimp and veggie mixes.
Lifespan: A Siamese fighting fish will live up to 5 years, with a Goldfish living 5-10
years.
Cost: You'll have an initial tank set-up cost. On average, a Siamese fighting fish will
cost $25 to $50 per month, with a Goldfish costing $6 to $25 per month.
Cats
The one thing you'll find with cats is that they're independent. All they want is food, a
cosy bed, a litter box and attention from you (when they request it!). Check your local
laws, as most councils require your cat to be kept inside 24/7, so you may need to
build a cat run if you'd like them to venture outdoors.
Home: They will live with you in your home and take to their own cosy bed if trained.
All cats need a litter box, and it's recommended that you have 1 litter box per cat.
Food: A high-quality dry or wet cat food is recommended.
Lifespan: Most indoor cats will live 13 to 17 years.
Cost: Cats cost around $60+ per month depending on your food choice, litter,
medication (flea/worming) and possible vet visits.
Dogs
There are so many dogs to choose from, so it's best to find reputable breeders and
research the dog breed before you make any decisions. Dogs require grooming,
feeding, walking, training and lots of attention. Puppies are best for older children
who can help with the training and care needed.
Home: Most dogs will happily share your home or yard and appreciate a cosy bed or
kennel to call their own. They also love toys and need stimulating things, especially if
you're not home.
Food: High-quality dry or wet dog food is recommended.
Lifespan: Dependant on the dog's breed, size and lifestyle (generally anywhere from
8 years and above).
Cost: This will depend on their breed and size (for what they eat), monthly
medications (worming & flea treatments) and possible vet visits.
What to do with your pets when you go away
Pets won't hold you back from going away on holidays or having a night off. Some pets can
care for themselves for a couple of days, and others need daily attention.
As a pet minder, I can visit your home, feed your pets, walk them and give them some
attention while you're not home.
Here's a list of all my services.
Using my new online booking form, you can book a pet minding service online, including dog
walking and pet sitting.
If we're meeting for the first time, please book a meet-and-greet session so I can meet your
pet.
Until next time, pat your fur babies for me!