If you're looking to get your first pet, or simply one that requires little maintenance, it can be difficult to know where to start. Not only are there sooo many options available, but a lot (and I do mean a LOT) of the information out there is wrong, as you'll almost always see recommendations for pets that are infamously difficult to take care of! Not helping are those who claim that there's no such thing as a beginner pet.

That's why I'm here, to help out! And the very first thing you need to know are the different types of pets so that you can decide which one is right for you. For example, birds and mammals make for great companions but require lots of attention and care, while arthropods and amphibians will barely acknowledge your presence, needing very little maintenance but essentially unable to love you back. It's also important to understand any unique care requirements they have, like UVB lighting for reptiles and tank cycling for fish.

Once you've decided on a type of pet, some species will be much easier to start out with than others! For example, goldfish and bearded dragons are very difficult to house and care for despite their immense popularity, while bettas and corn snakes can thrive with under what's considered the "bare minimum" for their kind (not that you should neglect or mistreat them of course!)

With that out of the way, let's see if we can find the right pet for you!