Having a big, chaotic family is a wonderful way to grow up, and there’s no better cherry on top than throwing a pet (or two) into the mix.
But with more people in your family, there are more people and preferences to please, so picking the right type of pet for your family dynamic, lifestyle, and home, can be tricky. There are luckily a few pets that are typically well-loved by most people (if not everyone) and will fit right into your large, loud household. Here are the ten best pets for big, loving families.
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Aquarium Fish
Starting off with a simple and easy option, aquarium fish are a perfect addition to a big family, or families of any size really. Starting your own aquarium is an excellent option, especially if you’re just introducing the idea of taking care of a pet to your young kinds for the first time. Fish are pretty to look at, easy to care for, and nearly impossible for small children to accidentally hurt (or be hurt by).
Fish are also affordable to own and care for, and you’ll be able to learn everything there is to know on Aquanswers.com.
Golden Hamsters
Another great option to start out with is a hamster or two! These fluffy little friends are adorable and soft, and lovely to hold, but they require far less work and money than a puppy or kitten, but your kids will all love them.
In a big family, turns can be taken to feed the hamsters and clean the cages, and watching the little rodents run around in their wheels and tubes can be an entertaining pastime for the whole family.
Labrador Retrievers
If you and your family are ready for a more serious responsibility and want to get a dog, a Labrador retriever is one of the best options out there. These big dogs are high-energy and love to have fun – there’s bound to be someone in your large family that will be in the mood to run around with them in the garden, or take them for a walk.
Labradors are a lot of work. They need to be walked, bathed, fed, and mentally stimulated on a regular basis. However, in a larger family, being able to divvy up these tasks will make the work a lot lighter and the love a lot stronger.
Siamese Cats
If cats are more your vibe, then a Siamese variety might be the perfect option for your family. Many parents with kids love this breed because of how talkative and affectionate Siamese cats are.
These intelligent felines are even relatively trainable, and the whole family will love playing and snuggling up with her on the sofa.
Guinea Pigs
We stand by the fact that caged pets are a wonderful option for families with children – so long as their habitats are secured and cleaned out regularly! Guinea pigs make fabulous pets for people young and old.
These fluffy rodents are a little like big hamsters, but these gentle creatures are calm and affectionate. Having caged pets like these will teach kids the art of kindness and patience, and allow them to learn how to truly care for a more vulnerable creature.
Parakeets
If you’re part of a loud, crazy, fun-loving family, then don’t look any further than a parakeet for your optimal pet.
These birds are great fun to have around your home, and you’ll bond with them more than you might think. Many breeds of parakeet are known (and well-loved) for their mimicry, which means they’ll learn to repeat the things you say to them. With a big family chatting to your bird all day long, there’s no doubt they will pick up some interesting phrases!
Border Collies
Another amazing family dog is the loyal and active border collie. Collies have a lot of energy and will require training, but they make a great addition to homes with children and a big backyard where they can run around.
Collies will not only help to keep your children active and entertained, but they will teach the art of responsibility and care for another creature to your whole family. They’re highly intelligent and require a lot of mental stimulation as well, which make them the perfect fit for big families where there will always be someone around to engage with them.
Rabbits
If you like caged animals but also enjoy to let your pets run free around your home sometimes, then a rabbit (or three) might be a wonderful addition to your family. Rabbits can live in a cage or free-range in your home, depending on your preference and how you decide to train them.
Either way you choose, these fluffy companions are a great way to tech responsibility and affection to your kids at the same time. Rabbits are a lot of work, but good teamwork makes it all the easier to care for them.
Beagles
The last (but not least) dog breed on this list is the humble and loving beagle. This is a smaller breed that will be better suited to big families living in smaller homes, since this pup is more of a pipsqueak than the lab or the collie.
Despite their smaller size, beagles still have loads of energy and plenty of love to give out to the whole family. These curious canines absolutely love the fresh air, so they’re a perfect fit for families who love to go out on hikes and other adventures together in the great outdoors.
Rats
Finally, you might not have expected it, but rats are great family pets, and children love them too. Rats live very happily in their cages, making them a good fit for a big family sharing a smaller space.
However, they also love to come out and run around your home to play and explore. Rats are a great way to teach responsibility, and chores can be shared equally among all the family members – as long as the love and affection is shared too.
