Low Maintenance Pet Suggestions

[Anonymous]

My kids (9 and 11) have been begging for a pet for years so two years ago, we got them two fish. Well, both fish have now died and I know the next rounds of "can we get a pet?" is coming. I am not opposed to getting more fish but am open to considering other pets as well. Here are the major issues with pets for us:

--DH is allergic to cats and dogs (the saliva, not the hair)
--We go away on the weekends a lot to see my parents so don't want a pet that we can't leave with self-feeders for a few days at a time
--DH and I are not pet-lovers so not looking for a pet that we will be taking care of after the kids are gone

DH doesn't want anything too smelly (hamster, gerbil, bunny) and I don't like the idea of reptiles. I would consider a frog but not thrilled with having to get crickets to feed them.

DS wants an axolotl but I have heard they are a lot to take care of. I would consider this though as long as we could leave them for a few days.

Any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

Too bad about the allergies, a cat would probably be ideal for you otherwise. I think fish are probably still your best bet.

[Anonymous]

Stick with fish. Get a half a dozen tetras and they'll intermarry and last until the apocalypse.

[Anonymous]

Fish. They're not zero maintenance but much, much lower than anything with 4 legs. Some good learning for the kids, too. How to cycle a tank, how to test water levels weekly, track temperature, clean the filters, etc. If they get sick, you can even just toss some antibiotics (purchased from pet store) in the water. vs going to the vet.

We had a 7 gallon tank with 5 tetras and they were fun. Until the power went out and they all froze to death. Poor little guys.

[Anonymous]

We have an axolotl. It’s really easy to take care of, highly recommend

[Anonymous]

As long as you keep on top of the temperature and water quality axolotls aren't a lot of trouble. They like cold water, so if your house is warm, you may want to use a small chiller.

[Anonymous]

Would you and DH be open to a rabbit in an outdoor hutch? They can easily be left for a couple of days, but can be a little more interactive for the kids than fish.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would you and DH be open to a rabbit in an outdoor hutch? They can easily be left for a couple of days, but can be a little more interactive for the kids than fish.

Do NOT keep rabbits outside. House rabbits are not made for this (they can’t even breed with wild rabbits, that’s how different they are). Indoor only, and there is no way you can leave them for a few days without someone checking on them (they need to be fed!).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids (9 and 11) have been begging for a pet for years so two years ago, we got them two fish. Well, both fish have now died and I know the next rounds of "can we get a pet?" is coming. I am not opposed to getting more fish but am open to considering other pets as well. Here are the major issues with pets for us:

--DH is allergic to cats and dogs (the saliva, not the hair)
--We go away on the weekends a lot to see my parents so don't want a pet that we can't leave with self-feeders for a few days at a time
--DH and I are not pet-lovers so not looking for a pet that we will be taking care of after the kids are gone

DH doesn't want anything too smelly (hamster, gerbil, bunny) and I don't like the idea of reptiles. I would consider a frog but not thrilled with having to get crickets to feed them.

DS wants an axolotl but I have heard they are a lot to take care of. I would consider this though as long as we could leave them for a few days.

Any suggestions?

Is this a serious post? You’re suitable only for stuffed animals (the toy version).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have an axolotl. It’s really easy to take care of, highly recommend

Just remember that they can live up to 20 years. That’s a huge commitment for a family that’s not terribly keen on pets.

[Anonymous]

We had a frog - it’s pretty easy. You can feed them mealworms (live). they come in a little tub from the pet store and you keep them in your fridge. One tub lasts ages (month? 2??) so you’re not constantly dealing with crickets or keeping crickets fed

BUT you can’t handle your frog or you’ll kill it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would you and DH be open to a rabbit in an outdoor hutch? They can easily be left for a couple of days, but can be a little more interactive for the kids than fish.

Do NOT keep rabbits outside. House rabbits are not made for this (they can’t even breed with wild rabbits, that’s how different they are). Indoor only, and there is no way you can leave them for a few days without someone checking on them (they need to be fed!).

This. Keeping rabbits outside is cruel and shortens their lives. They’re wonderful, and IMO easier than a dog, but definitely not zero maintenance - probably more trouble than a cat, and you have to find a good exotic vet which is difficult.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would you and DH be open to a rabbit in an outdoor hutch? They can easily be left for a couple of days, but can be a little more interactive for the kids than fish.

Do NOT keep rabbits outside. House rabbits are not made for this (they can’t even breed with wild rabbits, that’s how different they are). Indoor only, and there is no way you can leave them for a few days without someone checking on them (they need to be fed!).

This. Keeping rabbits outside is cruel and shortens their lives. They’re wonderful, and IMO easier than a dog, but definitely not zero maintenance - probably more trouble than a cat, and you have to find a good exotic vet which is difficult.

They smell awful and poop a considerable amount. My friend has one, and it's hard/expensive to find a vet and they seem like they have a lot of health issues.
We have fish and I think they are a huge pain.
Honestly, the only pets that I think are worth the time investment are cats and dogs. I just take lots of allergy medicine. It's easier than trying to deal with an exotic pet!

[Anonymous]

Hamsters/gerbils aren’t really smelly? Rats actually make great pets and can be left for a few days but are more interactive and smarter than a hamster or gerbil.

[Anonymous]

I have long experience with fish, rabbits, and dogs. I don't think any are right for you. I think a cat could be okay if you could get past the allergies - maybe adopt an older one who will pass in the next 10 years.

I am not saying this in a snotty way but your lifestyle does not seem set up well for pets. I think you should just say "no" to your kids. Take them to a petting zoo periodically, or let your older one walk the neighbors' dogs.