There's no bond like the one between someone and their furry (or scaly) best friend. Caring for a pet is like crafting a sacred bond of unconditional love. For little ones, having a pet encourages childhood responsibility, helps them be more active, and improves their social skills. Having a pet to love (and love them back!) can also help reduce someone's anxiety and loneliness.
That being said, some people just don't have the space for, say, a golden retriever, to frolic around or for a cat to climb around. No worries, it's still possible to own and love a pet! Even cottages, apartments, and condos can accommodate little creatures — here are 15 suited for small spaces.
Guinea Pig
Guinea pigs are amusing little creatures. These little-yet-still-kind-of-big pets require daily social interaction and also express their emotions through cute little facial expressions and actions. For example, when they're happy, they're known to jump in the air, also known as "popcorn."
Rabbit
Rabbits are undeniably adorable! With their floppy ears and fluffy tails, anyone will swoon with just one look at these little furry pets. Whether or not bunnies are allowed to have free reign in the home or live in a pen or cage, it's important to provide plenty of exercise and socializing for these active and curious creatures.
Chinchilla
Round and furry, chinchillas are absolutely adorable little pets that are perfect for cuddling! Although they become quite attached to their owners, they can also be skittish and are fairly fragile, so kids need to be careful when handling them.
Hamster
Ah, the classic small space pet. Hamsters are super low-maintenance pets, requiring just a small cage and making little noise. Not to mention they're pretty dang cute.
Corn Snake
For a pets that are a little cooler (literally, because they're cold-blooded), how about corn snakes? These docile, fiery colored snakes are perfect for beginner snake owners because they low-key and don't grow too large. All you need is a safe place to keep them in.
Hedgehog
Is that Sonic? Hedgehogs are perfect pets for people who live in small spaces because they don't need a yard to run around in, just a decently sized cage. As nocturnal and pretty solitary animals, they don't mind if their owner is out and about during the day.
Pacman Frog
With round, spherical bodies, Pacman frogs resemble the classic arcade game character. These low-maintenance, relatively inactive amphibians can live up to 10 years. They're perfect for someone looking for a pet that doesn't require a lot of handling.
Hermit Crab
Hermit crabs are arguably the perfect starter pet for kids. These little guys are incredibly low-maintenance and make virtually no noise. At the same time, they're fun to let saunter across one's hand and watch move into a bigger shell.
Gerbil
Gerbils are fun little pets for kids because of how active and social they are. Just beware: they are nocturnal and will be most active during the night. They also love companionship — of other gerbils of the same sex, that is.
Leopard Gecko
Fascinating to look at and swift, leopard geckos make for interesting little pets! These desert dwellers don't have sticky hands like other geckos so they can't climb walls and ceilings, making them easy to keep contained. Just know, they are also a bit of a commitment — they can grow up to 10 inches long and live as long as 20 years.
Betta Fish
Betta fish are perfect for all sorts of small spaces — office cubicles, children's bedrooms, and more. These stunning fish are solitary dwellers (otherwise they become aggressive), and are perfect for a little one who wants an easy pet.
Canary Bird
Getting a pet bird can seem like a noisy commitment, but canaries are small feathered friends that are on the relatively quiet side. As shy and timid birds though, kids should be careful and cautious around them. They're also not the most social birds, and one can live happily on its own.
Ferret
Ferrets are cuddly and intelligent furry friends, not to mention they're quiet and don't need a huge yard to run around in. This makes them an ideal pet for people with small spaces. But they can sometimes be a bit of trouble — they can misbehave and get destructive and like to escape. They're also banned in Hawaii and California.
Bearded Dragon
Prefer scales over fur? No problem. Check out bearded dragons. These friends can live up to 10 years and are social and friendly creatures. They also require a solitary life, some branches to hide in and a warm, dry setting. Easy!
Box Turtle
Box turtles are quiet and interesting pets to take care of. Their care can sometimes be complicated as their surroundings need to be just right. At the same time, this can teach a child responsibility. The turtle will grow alongside them since they can live for decades. Note that box turtles are banned in some states.
