When Your Child Wants a Pet? Best Pets for Kids: Unusual & Exotic Pet Options

Introducing a pet into your home can be one of the most exciting experiences for a child. Whether your child wants a pet for companionship, curiosity, or to learn responsibility, the decision comes with important considerations. While traditional pets like cats and dogs are common, exotic pet options are growing in popularity among families seeking something a little more unique.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best pets for kids—including exotic and unusual animals—and offer tips to help you choose the right type of pet for your animal-loving child.

Understanding the Responsibility of Pet Ownership

Before selecting a pet, it's crucial to understand the long-term commitment involved. Pets for kids aren’t just playmates—they’re living beings that require care, attention, and often specialized environments. The responsibility of a pet can help teach children empathy, discipline, and routine.

• Pet care includes feeding, grooming, cleaning enclosures, and ensuring proper veterinary care.
• It's important that your children are old enough to handle daily chores like feeding and cage cleaning.
• A pet is a long-term commitment, and some pets, such as tortoises or parrots, can live a very long time.

Choosing the Right Type of Pet for Your Child

When a child wants a pet, it’s tempting to rush into the decision. But every pet—whether common or exotic—has unique needs and suitability depending on the child’s age, home space, and temperament.

Consider These Factors:

• Age of the child: A young child under the age of 6 might not yet be ready to take full responsibility for a pet.
• Space: Some pets, like a ferret or rabbit, need a lot of space to roam.
• Time and cost: Exotic pets often need special veterinary care and enclosures.

Unusual Starter Pets: Low-Maintenance and Easy to Care For

If you're not ready for a pet dog or cat, consider one of these low-maintenance pets that are easier for younger kids to help manage.

Guinea Pigs

The guinea pig is one of the best pets for children. These small, social animals enjoy human interaction, make gentle sounds, and are less likely to bite than some other rodents.

• They need a large cage, daily feeding of hay, pellets, and fresh vegetables.
• Guinea pigs live 5–7 years and enjoy living in pairs or groups.

Hamsters

A small pet like a hamster is popular with families due to its size and independent nature. However, they are nocturnal and might not be awake when your child wants to play.

• Best suited for older children who can learn to handle them gently.
• They require daily cage cleaning and fresh food and water.

Rabbits

Rabbits are affectionate and interactive. While often perceived as cuddly, they require just as much care as a cat or dog.

• They need room to hop, a proper diet, and regular handling.
• A rabbit can be a great pet for kids who are a bit older and ready to take on more responsibility.

Exotic Pet Options That Make Great Companions

Exotic pets can be fun to watch, educational, and ideal for the right family. Below are some of the most popular and unusual pets for kids.

Reptiles: Geckos, Lizards, and Snakes

Reptiles are fascinating creatures that teach children about the animal kingdom beyond the usual furry pets.

Leopard Geckos

Leopard geckos are small, easy to care for, and don’t require complicated heating or lighting setups compared to other reptiles.

• They're a good pet for older kids who are ready to learn about handling and feeding.

Bearded Dragons

These reptiles are calm and friendly, making them great pets for beginner reptile enthusiasts.

• They do need UV lighting and regular meals of live insects and vegetables.

Corn Snakes

If your child is curious about snakes, a corn snake can be a good introduction.

• Corn snakes are non-venomous, typically gentle, and low-maintenance.

Turtles

A turtle can live a long time and is best suited for families ready to commit for decades.

• They need both water and land in their enclosure and regular cleaning.

Reptiles and Amphibians: Cold-Blooded Companions

Lizards and Geckos

If your child is fascinated by reptiles, a leopard gecko might be one of the best pets to consider. These small reptiles are known for their docile nature and simple care requirements. Lizards like geckos don’t require daily interaction, which makes them ideal for children who enjoy observing more than cuddling.

• Easy to care for: A basic tank setup, proper heating, and a consistent feeding schedule make them low-effort pets.
• Fun to watch: Their unique behaviors and ability to regenerate tails can be exciting for kids.

Turtles and Tortoises

Though often considered a classic exotic pet, turtles and tortoises require a longer-term commitment. Some species can live a long time, even up to 40 years.

• Clean the tank regularly to prevent health issues.
• Tortoises, unlike aquatic turtles, don’t need water tanks but require a spacious enclosure and plenty of UV lighting.

Because of their care complexity and long lifespan, turtles are best suited for older children with a strong sense of responsibility.

Snakes: Surprisingly Gentle Pets

Though some people shy away from snakes, species like the corn snake are docile, fun to watch, and surprisingly easy to manage.

• They require a secure enclosure, regular feeding (usually once per week), and occasional cleaning.
• Many children are fascinated by their movement and behavior, especially when they shed their skin.

If your child wants a pet that's both unusual and low maintenance, a snake could be a good option—as long as they’re ready to take on the responsibility and understand safety.

Small Mammals and Lesser-Known Pets

Ferrets and Sugar Gliders

Ferrets are curious, social, and very fun to watch, but they need ample space and daily interaction. They're known to bond closely with their owners and can even be litter-trained.

Sugar gliders, small marsupials, can glide from high spaces and form strong bonds with their caregivers. However, these exotic pets require specialized veterinary care, a strict diet, and should be kept in pairs to prevent loneliness.

• Low-maintenance pets? Not quite—these require committed pet care routines and are best suited for older children.
• Due to their nocturnal nature, they're most active at night, which may not suit all families.

African Pygmy Hedgehogs

An african pygmy hedgehog can become a delightful companion for an animal-loving child. These low-maintenancepets are quiet, neat, and easy to house in small spaces.

• Keep in mind they are also nocturnal, and may be shy at first.
• Make sure they’re enough to handle for small hands.

Pygmy hedgehogs are growing in popularity, but parents should ensure their children understand proper handling and respect for their pet’s needs.

Feathered and Unusual Friends

Canaries and Other Birds

For families not ready for a dog or cat, canaries make great pets. They don’t require physical handling, and their singing can bring joy to the household.

• A proper cage and diet are essential.
• Daily cage cleaning is necessary to maintain hygiene.

Birds like canaries offer children a way to learn responsibility without direct handling, which is great for more sensitive or younger kids.

Choosing the Right Pet for Your Family

Before you decide to get a pet, there are several factors to need to consider:

• Age and maturity: A child under the age of six may not yet be ready for handling or feeding duties.
• Pet care routine: Taking care of a pet involves daily chores like feeding, cleaning, and grooming.
• Veterinary care: Even small or low-maintenance pets need checkups.
• Long-term commitment: Many exotic animals live for years, so show your child how big of a responsibility this is.
• Space requirements: Some pets need large cages or tanks, while others like the tortoise need a backyard enclosure.

It’s also important that your children understand that animals, especially cats or dogs, are not toys. They require patience, understanding, and gentle care.

Good Pets for Kids Who Aren’t Ready for Dogs and Cats

While dogs and cats are traditional choices, not every family or child is ready for their needs. Fortunately, there are plenty of good pets for kids that are easier to manage and still offer a meaningful connection.

• Guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits are great for children learning how to care for a pet.
• Turtles and lizards are a good option for those interested in reptiles but not quite ready for something like a snake.
• Pet rats are incredibly social, clean, and intelligent—kids love their playful behavior and ability to bond.

Choosing the right pet can help teach good care habits, responsibility, and empathy at an early age.

When Your Child Wants a Pet: How to Choose the Best Pet

If your child wants a pet, it’s important to take a step back and consider the family’s lifestyle. Did they say they’ve always wanted a dog? Or are they fascinated by exotic pets like a snake or gecko?

The best pet depends on several factors:

• Time commitment: Some pets require daily attention, while others are more independent.
• Allergies: If your child reacts to fur or dander, reptiles or birds may be a good option.
• Space: Consider whether you have room for a new pet like a rabbit or ferret.

Ultimately, helping your child choose the best pet teaches them how to care for a pet thoughtfully, not impulsively.

Final Thoughts: Encouraging Responsible Pet Ownership

When your child gets excited about having a pet, it’s the perfect opportunity to teach responsibility, compassion, and empathy. Whether they fall in love with a guinea pig, a corn snake, or even jumping spiders, the lessons learned through pet ownership are lifelong.

• Help your child understand the responsibility of a pet.
• Guide them in choosing suitable pets based on your lifestyle and living space.
• Visit a pet store together and ask questions about care requirements.
• Encourage research and reading about animals like bearded dragons, leopard geckos, and pet rats.

For a helpful guide on pet suitability and care, check out the American Veterinary Medical Association's guide to choosing pets.

By making an informed decision and caring for their pet, children will not only gain a best friend, but they’ll also build confidence, patience, and emotional growth along the way.