Having a pet provides a ton of important benefits for mental health and well-being, but it can be hard to find the perfect pet for busy people who don’t have as much time as they would like to care for an animal. To make life a little easier, here is a comprehensive guide to the best low-maintenance pets that are perfect for the busiest of pet owners.
Dogs
Contrary to popular belief, there are plenty of low-maintenance dog breeds that are perfect for busy people.
Standing at only 10 to 12 inches tall, Miniature Schnauzers make an excellent companion for someone who leads a busy lifestyle. Not only do they have a friendly temperament and make great companions, but they also require less grooming than bigger dogs and will happily play indoors with little outdoor exercise time required.
Get a Poodle, and you can’t go far wrong. Smart, elegant, and yet low maintenance, poodles make great companions for busy owners. They do shed so need occasional grooming, but require very little exercise, meaning busier people can keep them with little trouble.
Pugs are another excellent breed for busy people as they require minimal grooming, allowing for easy upkeep. With an active but not overly energetic disposition, they make great companions and are very adaptive to indoor living, which will help people without a great deal of outdoor space.
Cats
Cats make perfect pets for people with busy lifestyles and often require much less work than dogs.
The Bengal is a beautiful breed that requires minimal care and attention and makes an excellent companion for busy people. Grooming is generally only necessary a few times a year, and Bengal cats are known for their intelligence and adaptability to varied living environments.
Siamese cats are another excellent variety, as they rarely require grooming and tend to be very easy-going in nature. A Siamese cat will provide love and companionship but with very little effort needed from the owner.
The Russian Blue is a unique breed of cat known for its low maintenance needs and distinctive fur. These cats make an excellent companion for busy people, as they require minimal grooming which makes them very easy to look after.
Rodents
Though not for everyone, rodents make excellent low maintenance pets for people who don’t have a great deal of time to spend caring for a traditional pet.
Hamsters are a popular rodent and, once tamed, will provide companionship to their owners and require very minimal upkeep. This makes them a great choice for busy pet owners, but all hamsters will benefit from regular interaction, even if it is brief.
Gerbils are another excellent choice, as they are extremely friendly when handled, and the minimal effort required to care for them makes them an ideal pet for the busiest of owners.
The White-Handed Dwarf Lemur is a unique type of rodent that is often overlooked. These near-magical animals can bring a great deal of joy to a home and require minimal care. Lemur ownership requires significant research, but they will fit nicely into a busy lifestyle with ease.
Birds
Birds are a marvelous choice when it comes to pet ownership, but they do require some effort to care for them effectively.
Budgies and parakeets are perfect for those who don’t have a great deal of time and are perfect for both novice and experienced bird owners. They are very low maintenance, requiring only some food, a clean cage, and occasional bath to stay healthy and happy.
Cockatiels require little effort to care for, making them an ideal pet. Whenever they are allowed out of their cage they should be supervised, however, and they will also require regular preening which isn’t always possible for those with busy lifestyles.
Canaries make wonderful pets and, since they don’t require a great deal of cuddling, can be a perfect option for busy people. They require very little maintenance, but need a regularly cleaned cage and plenty of exercise from being able to fly.
Reptiles
Reptiles make interesting pets but, due to the potential risks involved, are better suited to more knowledgeable pet owners.
Turtles generally require minimal care and attention and make an interesting pet for the busy person. However, their lifespan is generally quite long and they require a certain diet and protection from the elements, which will take some effort.
Snakes are a great low-maintenance pet and can adapt to a variety of environments, making them an ideal choice for busy people. Again, there are some risks associated with this type of pet, so they are better suited to those with more experience in reptile ownership.
Lizards are an excellent choice of pet and most can be cared for relatively easily. Bearded Dragons are a particularly low-maintenance breed and make an excellent companion for busy people. They require minimal space and have an easy-going temperament when handled regularly.
Having a pet can help bring joy and companionship to busy people’s lives, but can require a great deal of effort to care for properly. Thankfully, there are plenty of low-maintenance pets that can fit into a busy lifestyle, meaning that pet owners don’t need to miss out. Dogs, cats, rodents, birds, and reptiles all make excellent choices for busy people, and with a little research and care, these animals can make a wonderful addition to any home.
