Can't Have a Dog or Cat? 6 Pets to Consider

Bunnies are generally cuddly, friendly and adorable. Unlike a barking dog, rabbits make little to no noise, which can be a big benefit, especially if you live in an apartment building. Bunnies often bond closely with their owners, recognize their owners’ voices and will come on command, writes Dr. Laurie Hess, who specializes in treating exotic animals. If you’re not familiar with bunnies, you may not know that they have distinct personalities — so before you bring one home, spend some time with her to make sure you have a good fit. They are usually quite clean and trainable and should live indoors but spend a couple hours outside each day so they can be exposed to sunlight. You can even adopt a rescue bunny at many shelters. Rabbits may live a long time — 8 to 12 years or more — so be ready to make a long-term commitment to your new pet.

If you’re looking for a pet who can be affectionate and is good with kids, the guinea pig may be for you. Caring for a guinea pig properly and feeding him well helps him stay hardy and healthy, writes Dr. Hess. Guinea pigs are best kept indoors and need clean water, hay, fresh vegetables and food pellets to ensure they get the vitamin C they need daily. Plan to spot clean the cage daily and give it a thorough cleaning once a week. These typically friendly pets require attention, enrichment and exercise each day. They can live 5 to 7 years and, like bunnies, they can have a lot of personality. Some are shy while others are bold, so take some time to find the guinea pig you’re looking for. Here’s a secret that guinea pig owners know: These cute creatures make an adorable little vibrating or purring sound when they’re content.

Considering a hedgehog? Dr. Hess warns that hedgehogs aren’t for everyone, but if you’re willing to spend quality time interacting with and socializing one, he will hopefully reward you by bonding with you and responding to your voice and presence. African pygmy hedgehogs won’t shoot their quills out in defense like a porcupine does, but hedgehogs are prickly so you have to be careful about how and when you pick them up. These guys curl up into a tight little ball when they’re scared. Owners need to handle them gently and often to help them to relax and uncurl, showing off their tiny faces, Dr. Hess writes. Hedgehogs are night owls, making them less than ideal for light sleepers. Many hedgehogs love to eat, so you’ll need to be careful about controlling their weight. They vocalize with grunts, squeals, snorts and snuffling sounds. Hedgehogs can carry some diseases, including Salmonella bacteria in their stool. They are illegal to own in some places, so check the laws in your area before you decide to get one.

These mischievous animals aren’t right for everyone — but ferret owners have a tendency to adore their pets, writes Dr. Hess. Many ferrets are snuggly, playful and entertaining members of the family and can be wonderful for people who have the time to get them out of their cages each day and interact with them. Be warned, though: Ferrets like to dig and chew on everything, and they have a habit of hiding items in secret locations. They need daily exercise and require supervision when they’re out of their cage. Many ferret owners end up getting more than one of these social little animals to ensure their pet has a buddy. Keep in mind that ferrets, like hedgehogs, are illegal in some municipalities. Also, as with any pet, you’ll need to be financially and emotionally committed to their veterinary care needs.

Are you willing to consider a pet who’s feathery instead of furry? Birds like parrots, canaries and finches tend to be beautiful and very intelligent. Owning one of these birds requires a lot of time and care, Dr. Hess explains. They can be messy, shedding feathers and continuously passing stool and dropping a lot of their food. They can also be very loud, especially when they’re eating. Many birds like to chew on whatever they can find, and medium-to-large sized birds need to spend at least a couple of hours outside of their cages each day while being supervised and interacting with their owners. Sadly, many birds are surrendered to shelters by owners who weren’t expecting them to be so much work. If you're prepared for the high level of commitment, birds can make wonderful pets — some of whom can live for dozens of years.

For many people, fish are the go-to choice for a first pet. But to make sure they stay healthy, even goldfish need attention and care — and there are some important things to know before you bring one home. First, you don’t want that tiny fishbowl. Dr. Greg Lewbart, who specializes in aquatic medicine, says you’ll need at least a 20-gallon tank, but 29 gallons is best. He recommends starting with four or five goldfish in a tank with a power filter, a thermometer and high-quality fish food, as well as other items for your setup. The most important thing you can do to keep your fish healthy, Lewbart says, is to quarantine any new fish in a separate tank for at least 30 days before introducing them to the rest of your fish.