Results: This survey is about pets. Argentina is said to have the highest percentage of homes with pets with two-thirds owning dogs and one-third owning cats. This is about other animals people have as pets.
Published on 05/29/2025
When I was growing up in Scotland we always had at least one pet. I remember my dog from when he arrived at 7 weeks old (I was 6 years old), to when I left for Canada at age 23 and he was 18 years old. That's a long relationship but not an unusual one. As well as cats and dogs, other animals can make excellent and much loved pets. Here are some of them.
QUESTIONS
GO to COMMENTS
Comments
1.
1.
Birds of many types have become an important presence as household pets. We had a pet budgerigar who used to enjoy diverting our attention away from our dog with his antics and vocalizations. This made our dog very jealous and he was very good at telling us about it. Have you ever had a bird as a pet?
I had/have a parrot. Comment if it entertained in some way.
9%
191 votes
I had/have a bird that is known for its singing. Comment below please as to breed etc.
12%
253 votes
I had/have a bird known for some other attribute. Comment below please as to breed etc.
13%
279 votes
Not Applicable
69%
1445 votes
2.
2.
Cats, dogs and birds are probably the most common household pets but there are many other animals that people have as pets even though they may not always be as friendly towards humans as "the big three" usually are. Here are three from this group. Did you ever have one of these as a pet or know someone who did?
At one time squirrels were the most popular pet in America. They were viewed as ideal pets for children because they required relatively little work and could be purchased easily.
8%
167 votes
Rabbits are still reasonably common but not as much as they used to be.
24%
497 votes
Hamsters were common in elementary school classrooms and in some homes. My wife taught at a school for the blind and these kids had no problems looking after their hamster.
21%
448 votes
Not Applicable
60%
1266 votes
3.
3.
In different parts of the world children may have pets that seem unusual to us but are more common where they live. Would you ever have any of these specimens as a pet?
There are many exotic breeds of goldfish or koi in China. They were once popular among the aristocracy but have since become common household pets. They can become quite large if overfed and in Canada some were released into our lakes where they now compete for habitat.
16%
326 votes
Japanese pet owners have an interest in something we don't: beetles. Giant Horned Beetles and Stag Beetles are popular, low-maintenance household pets that don't take up too much space. They don't live long so breeding colonies are popular to maintain supply.
6%
119 votes
Alpacas have been domesticated for hundreds of years, and in Peru, where 90% of the alpaca reside, they are both profitable and. much-loved domesticated pets.They are just as cuddly and pet-friendly as dogs (but they spit).
9%
197 votes
Not Applicable
75%
1572 votes
4.
4.
There is an element of risk in keeping some pets and sometimes this risk is quite obvious to everyone but the pet owner. Here are three pets that fall into this category. Which of these lovely animals would you invite into your home?
A skunk can make an excellent pet, if you have its scent glands removed. A pet skunk is easy to look after and requires little maintenance. Skunks are playful and they can entertain themselves with different toys.
14%
286 votes
Hedgehogs are mistaken for small porcupines, but the two species are not related. Despite their spines, hedgehogs are incredibly friendly and tender with their owners. Hedgehogs make perfect pets since they're calm and low maintenance. Don't step on one in the dark.
17%
347 votes
If the teeth of a hamster make you edgy, you better stay clear of the Capybara. Related to the guinea pig, this native South America is the biggest rodent in the Earth. Surprisingly, they loves water. In fact, their name literally translates to "water pig". Be careful if you hand feed one.
6%
125 votes
Not Applicable
72%
1519 votes
5.
5.
I would never have one of these last three as a pet but obviously someone did or they wouldn't be in my survey. Here are some dangerous animals that someone saw (on Disney?) and thought "I'd love to have one of these". Which of them did you or someone you know ever consider as a pet?
Pot bellied pigs were a trendy pet for awhile. These cute little piglets can grow into a 200 pound menace and become aggressive over resources like food or when establishing dominance especially if not spayed or neutered. Then they are not so cute.
14%
296 votes
Having snakes like cobras and vipers is a dumb decision. Their bites can be fatal, with venom capable of causing paralysis or death within hours. Antivenom may not always be readily available, making these snakes a life-threatening risk. Pythons can become a problem (and have done so in Florida) if they escape and breed. They can make a small pet or child disappear without a trace.
10%
203 votes
Monkeys may seem like playful pets, but they are unsuitable in this role. They require complex social structures and environments that cannot be replicated at home. They can transmit diseases such as herpes B to humans. They can also rip your face off.
7%
138 votes
Not Applicable
76%
1591 votes
COMMENTS