Is a small pet right for me?

One of the biggest problems for small pets is that pet owners aren't prepared for the special challenges involved. Small pets require special care and attention, and many pet owners fail to consider the big picture before buying. It's very important that potential owners fully understand the level of maintenance and expense required in caring for any small pet they are considering owning.

It's also important to fully research the characteristics of various types of small animals. This is particularly true of behavior and socialization characteristics. Knowing how a particular animal can be expected to behave with adults, children, and other animals can be extremely important. Pet owners should always choose a pet with a "personality" that fits their expectations. For example, is the animal normally friendly and affectionate with children or reclusive and nervous?

Common Small Pets

Most owners want their small pets to be as friendly and affectionate as possible, which is why guinea pigs, mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, and rabbits are at the top of the popularity list for small pets. More exotic, but still social, options include hedgehogs, sugar gliders, prairie dogs, Patagonian cavies, and chinchillas. Somewhat less social species include brushtail phalangers (brushtail possums) and short-tailed opossums.