Best Small pets for First-Time Owners
Forgiving, straightforward breeds for anyone taking on this kind of pet for the first time.
← All small pet species (10)5 entries
Guinea Pig
Gentle, vocal and sociable — the small pet that genuinely needs your company.
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 2–3 lb (0.7–1.2 kg)
- Lifespan
- 4–8 years
Fancy Rat
The most underrated pet in the world — clever, affectionate and heartbreakingly short-lived.
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 1 lb (0.3–0.6 kg)
- Lifespan
- 2–3 years
Mongolian Gerbil
A desert burrower that is awake when you are — social, tidy and endlessly busy.
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 2.1–4.6 oz (60–130 g)
- Lifespan
- 3–5 years
Winter White Dwarf Hamster
A small dwarf hamster whose coat can turn white in winter.
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 0.7–1.6 oz (20–45 g)
- Lifespan
- 1–2 years
Fancy Mouse
A small, curious and social rodent that's fascinating to watch.
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 0.7–1.4 oz (20–40 g)
- Lifespan
- 1–2 years