Will owning a cat or dog be tricky? Here are our top pet alternatives

Are the kids begging for a dog – but you have no space to house one?

Or perhaps your cat-caring instincts are kicking in – but all you can think about is the cost?

Yes, these fur babies are the most common Australian pets. But no, it doesn’t mean they’re your only options. There are plenty of other creatures in need of a loving pet parent.

So if you’re thinking, ‘What pet should I get?’, delve into the best pet alternatives to cats and dogs.

Fish

Affordable and low-maintenance, fish are a fin-omenal option – for you and the kids!

Although they may not be as cuddly as a curled-up cat or as playful as a puppy, fish are scientifically proven to reduce owner stress. After all – who better than Goldy the Goldfish to remind you to just keep swimming?

And if you’re fishing for compliments from your friends and family, a mini home aquarium is a stunning feature for your home.

Axolotls

Bet you’ve never heard of these exotic pets before. They’re adorable little aquatic animals!

Harmless and gentle, you and your family will fall in love with these exotic axolotls at first sight.

And if you need to relax-olotl, watching these cutie pies swim around the fish tank will calm your mind and fill your heart with joy!

Turtles

Each with their own unique character, you’ll be shell-shocked with the amusing antics these slow movers can get up to during the day!

Entertaining and gentle, turtles are the perfect addition to any family environment. But remember to check for licensing conditions in your state before welcoming them home.

Hermit crabs

Whoever said crustaceans can’t be cute has clearly never seen a hermit crab.

Affectionately nicknamed ‘crazy crabs’, hermit crabs are instinctively inquisitive and social – so they’ll be just as excited to meet you as you are to meet them!

They do very well when kept with familiar hermit friends. But take caution when introducing two new hermits – they might get a bit crabby.

Hermit crabs

Whoever said crustaceans can’t be cute has clearly never seen a hermit crab.

Affectionately nicknamed ‘crazy crabs’, hermit crabs are instinctively inquisitive and social – so they’ll be just as excited to meet you as you are to meet them!

They do very well when kept with familiar hermit friends. But take caution when introducing two new hermits – they might get a bit crabby.

Rabbits

With beauty and brains, rabbits can be trained just like a cat or a dog – they can even learn to walk on a lead! And with their super-soft fur, they are good pets for kids to cuddle up to!

But proceed with caution. These fluff balls are rabbits by name, and runners by nature. So to ensure the ‘forever’ in BFF, you’ll need to make sure you have a secure enclosure.