Top 10 Pets to Get If You're Allergic to Cats and Dogs

Some pets require a lot of maintenance and attention. But that’s not the case with fish. While you’ll need to make sure yours has a clean tank and is fed regularly, that’s a lot easier than going out for walks in the freezing cold or potty training. A well-decorated fish tank can also have a therapeutic effect. Ever wonder why so many waiting rooms have them? You should make sure you have a properly sized tank to house all of your fish. Before adding a new one to your aquatic family, research their needs to make sure they’ll be able to swim happily.

We know your creepy-crawler radar might go off at the mere mention of the word “tarantula.” And we all remember that scene from “Home Alone.” But if you open up your mind a little, you might be able to see why tarantulas make excellent pets. It doesn't take much money nor much space for these spiders to be comfortable. A modest-sized habitat and some insects caught around the house is enough to satisfy them. And they have remarkable lifespans, with some living past 20. They’re not particularly prone to attack humans without reason, and if they do bite you, it’s not much worse than a bee sting. However, if you have an allergic reaction, it’s important to get medical assistance right away.

Rodents provide the furry companionship of a dog or cat without nearly as much maintenance, and guinea pigs are one of the most popular options. They’re adorable just on looks alone, and they have good behavior to match. Among their cutest traits is purring in contentment and jumping repeatedly in the air - known as “popcorning.” While it can take time for a guinea pig to come out of their shell, once they’re used to you, you can create a wonderful bond together. They can also make great first pets for kids who are ready to learn about responsibility.

Fire-breathing dragons might be pure fantasy, but bearded dragons are totally real and make for great pets. As far as reptiles go, a pogona can be quite social and enjoy human companionship, including snuggling up with its owners. Bearded dragons are also remarkably intelligent and can be trained to recognize their names. They require an omnivorous diet, so make sure your kitchen has crickets as well as fruits and veggies. While they can bite, it’s not unless they feel threatened, and the damage is minimal. And in case you're wondering, no, you don't need to shave your bearded dragon.

Taking care of a guinea pig isn’t too demanding. But taking care of a regular pig is a much bigger challenge. However, if you have the right environment and are responsible enough, you’ll find they make wonderful and loving companions. Pigs are incredibly smart and, despite their reputation as mud-lovers, very clean. They’re also very affectionate and can make squeals that resemble laughter. You need to make sure your pig has plenty of space, preferably outdoors where they can satisfy their digging instinct. If you live in an apartment or don’t have a big enough backyard, you probably shouldn’t get a pig. But if you have all the necessary accommodations, you can find yourself in hog heaven with your beloved new pet.

Turtles make beautiful pets and are fascinating to observe. If you’ve successfully cared for fish and want to tackle a bigger challenge, you should consider adopting a turtle. However, this is a decision that shouldn’t be made lightly. Turtles are a lot more demanding than you might think. They grow continuously and can live for more than 20 years. The tank for a baby turtle won’t suit them as an adult. They also don’t like being held or touched, which may be disappointing if you want a pet to bond with. But if you can handle the responsibility and do all the necessary research, you can love your turtle. And if they try to run away, they likely won’t be able to get very far.

With their big ears and other adorable features, it’s hard to not have your heart melted by rabbits. And if you’re looking for a great pet for your family, a rabbit might be the right choice. Rabbits come in different colors and sizes, so your best bet before adopting one is to get to know them and see if they'd adapt well to your household. Rabbits can live happily inside, away from predators. If you have a backyard you want them to explore, make sure it’s safe and that they can stay comfortable, temperature-wise. You can also teach them tricks, such as fetch. And despite what Bugs Bunny led us to believe, carrots should not be a regular part of their diet.

When you think of having pet birds, you probably don’t think of chickens or turkeys. But these domesticated birds, typically thought of as food sources, can also be outstanding companions. Whether caring for chickens, turkeys, geese, or ducks, you should make sure they have a great outdoor environment, as keeping them inside can cause trouble. Research proper living arrangements for each one, and enjoy hearing their clucks, gobbles, and quacks. You might be surprised to find your chicken or turkey acting like a feathered dog. And just think of how great it’ll be to not have to go to the store for eggs.

A more traditional but no less rewarding bird to have as a pet is a parakeet. These tiny parrots have beautiful colors and are very sweet. There are more than 100 types of parakeets, with the most common being budgerigars (aka budgies). They don't need a whole lot of room, just a spacious cage. While they do tend to chirp, they’re overall not too noisy. They’re also very playful creatures who love games and toys. You can even teach your parakeet to speak and sing. Since parakeets need regular exercise, you should have a room where yours can spread their wings and fly.

You may have had a pet hamster growing up, or likely knew someone who had one. Hamsters are a wonderful combination: low-maintenance, affectionate, and lots of fun. As long as you keep their cage clean and provide them with plenty of food, water, and a way to exercise, they’ll be happy. And it’s so much fun to see them run on their exercise wheels. However, hamster balls are not recommended, as they can cause stress and lead to injury. It can take time to earn their trust, but once you do, they’ll open their hearts to you. Whether you want a furry companion or believe your child is ready for their own pet, hamsters can make an excellent addition to your home.