If you’ve been considering getting a pet and this is your first time, we have a list of pieces of advice you might have to take into account before making your final choice. The species is the most important thing to keep in mind, and that’s because some animals are far easier to care for compared to others.
Even if your kids are enthusiastic about getting a new dog or cat, the fact is that these two types of pets require a little more in the way of cleaning and maintenance compared to the rest. Let’s look at some of the options you have available.
Is a dog or a cat the right choice?
While these two are extremely different from one another, they do have their similarities. Dogs are high-maintenance compared to cats, and that’s because they are, by their nature, active. You will have to make sure that your furry friend has a lot of space to run in and have fun. Otherwise, he or she might end up being obese on account of not getting enough exercise.
Safe and healthy dog treat is one of the things you should never be caught without at home, especially if you have a new puppy. Pups love to chew on everything, and your precious belongings are not an exception. Dog treats help ensure that your puppy has a healthy outlet for all its chewing needs, and it can also help training go smoothly.
Cats, on the other hand, are a bit more comfortable to handle, but they still require a lot of attention on the part of their pet parents. Cleaning the litter box is a chore that not everyone might enjoy, and the cost of high-quality food for domesticated felines might be too high for some people. 
On top of everything, you should consider the amount of space you have available. A cat can be cozy in a 2-bedroom apartment, but this environment might be unsuitable for a dog. Unless you have the time to go on long walks with your canine buddy every day, that is.
Reptiles
Is owning a pet snake a good idea for you? If you live alone and you’ve always felt like you wanted a pet snake, sure. But if you have kids and you’re looking to care for a constrictor, it might not be such a good option.
Some snakes can be dangerous, depending on their physical abilities. Most of those you can get at a petshop aren’t venomous, but constrictors like anacondas can pose a real threat to people who do not know how to handle them, and even experienced keepers can be in danger if they don’t pay attention to every little detail.
Reptiles aren’t easy to care for, except maybe turtles. You’ll have to invest in a quality enclosure and make sure that the UVB lights you’ve purchased can ensure basking spots where the reptile gets to bask or just make sure that the temperature inside the tank is correct. Other pet reptiles range from chameleons to bearded dragons.
Rodents
Gerbils, hamsters, and guinea pigs are pretty easy to care for, but in all of these cases, you’ll need to make sure that you get a big cage so as to ensure that they have a lot of room to roam in. Moreover, both cavies and gerbils are social, so it’s best to get a pair instead of just one. The main advantage of keeping a rodent as a pet is that it doesn’t consume a lot of food, and gerbils don’t even drink that much water, so you’ll have to change the bedding only occasionally.
Pet rats are a bit of a problem if they aren’t trained because they might bite every finger they get. If you have kids, it’s better to steer clear of this alternative.
Cats are all known for being (relatively) tender, confident, and territoriality oriented. A feline that shows no signs of anxiety or fear walks with head and tail high and acts as if they own everything. On the other hand, you will easily spot scared cats, as they behave in an unusual way for their species.