So, you want to get a pet for your kids, but if you're a single mum juggling work, school runs, and the occasional “I left my homework at home” meltdown, you're probably thinking if it's the right decision. Yep, I feel you! As someone who caved in to the “Can we pleeeease get a pet?” chorus, I’ve been on the hunt for the best low-maintenance pets that won’t turn my already chaotic life upside down. Spoiler alert: they exist, and some are surprisingly adorable.
This post is for every frazzled but loving pet parent out there who wants their little ones to enjoy the companionship of a pet without turning into a full-time zookeeper. Whether you’re in a small unit or just don’t want to groom anything more than your own eyebrows, I’ve got you covered. Here’s my round-up of pets that are easy to take care of.
Top 10 Low-Maintenance Pets for Kids
1. Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are social animals and make a great pet for kids who want something to cuddle. They’re chatty, affectionate, and have minimal grooming needs if you choose short-haired breeds like the American or Abyssinian. They do need a well-ventilated cage and a mate (they hate being lonely), but otherwise, their basic needs mainly include fresh food, food and water top-ups, and the occasional dust bath to keep their fur looking fab.
Average lifespan: Up to 8 years with proper care
Average monthly cost: $40 to $60
Where they live: Escape-proof cage or enclosure with room for exercise and bedding made of paper/hardwood shavings
What they eat: Guinea pig food, timothy hay, some fruits and veggies
2. Hamster
If your kids stay up late, a hamster might just be their soulmate. These tiny creatures are the definition of a low-maintenance pet. They don’t need much space, and you’ll only need to clean the tank once a week and spot clean daily. Just be sure to invest in a good cage with tunnels or a wheel to keep them happy. They're great beginner pets and are generally easy to handle with a bit of patience.
Average lifespan: 2–3 years in captivity
Average monthly cost: $15–$30 (food & bedding)
Where they live: Spacious cage or tank (≈100×50 cm base) with deep bedding for burrowing
What they eat: mainly commercial hamster pellets plus small servings of fresh veg/fruits and occasional protein (e.g. mealworms or egg)
3. Betta Fish
The male betta fish is colourful, sassy, and ideal for apartment living. Unlike other saltwater fish, betta fish should be kept alone (they're a bit territorial), making them one of the best low-maintenance pets for solo tanks. They eat pellet food, require stable water quality, and don’t need much in terms of gear. As long as the water’s clean and they get fed, they’re easy to keep happy and healthy.
Average lifespan: 3 to 5 years
Average monthly cost: $25 to $50
Where they live: Fish bowl (at least one quart) or aquarium tank (bigger is better) with filter, heater, lamp, toys, gravel and plants
What they eat: Live fish food, dry food pellets
Best Low-Maintenance Pets (cont.)
4. Turtles
Turtles are the stoic grandpas of the pet world—quiet, low-energy, and relatively low-maintenance. They can live for decades, though, so this is a pet for the long haul. They’ll need a tank with UV lighting, a basking area, and proper filtration to maintain water quality, but once that’s sorted, they’re very easy to care for and fascinating to watch.
Average lifespan: Up to 50 years
Average monthly cost: $40 to $120, depending on the breed
Where they live: Indoor tank with water, filter, a sunning area and a special reptile lamp, or an outdoor enclosure near a pond
What they eat: Special turtle food, meat, plants, raw fish, worms, shrimp, mosquito larvae and other water insects
5. Leopard Gecko
Geckos like the crested or leopard gecko are small, don’t need much fuss, and come in pretty colours. They don’t require a ton of human interaction, making them a top pick for busy pet parents or kids who like to observe rather than snuggle. Their tanks don’t take up much space, and as long as you maintain the temperature and toss in some crickets, your kids have themselves a low-maintenance companion.
Average lifespan: 10–20 years (with proper care in captivity)
Average monthly cost: $25–$60
Where they live: Indoor tank with water, filter, a sunning area and a special reptile lamp, or an outdoor enclosure near a pond
What they eat: Insectivorous; fed every other day on live insects (crickets, mealworms, roaches), with occasional fatty worms as treats
Best Low-Maintenance Pets (cont.)
6. Sea Monkeys (Or Brine Shrimps)
Yes, sea monkeys are still a thing! They’re quirky, fun, and genuinely low maintenance. These weird little creatures hatch from a packet, live in a small tank, and only need weekly feeding. They're also great for young kids curious about how life forms work, they’re a good way to introduce pets without any major commitment.
Average lifespan: 1–2 years on average (some live up to 5 years)
Average monthly cost: Negligible (virtually maintenance-free; minimal food cost)
Where they live: Tiny aquarium (≈12 oz/0.35 L saltwater tank) kept at room temperature
What they eat: Filter-feeding brine shrimp; fed microalgae/yeast-based powdered food about once a week
7. Hermit Crab
The hermit crab is the quirky cousin of the pet world. They’re fun to watch as they outgrow shells and switch things up (like a tiny wardrobe change). They do best in groups, and while they don’t require much, they still need a humid habitat and sand to dig into. A bit more upkeep than you'd expect—but still counts as a low-maintenance pet, especially for older kids ready to take some responsibility.
Average lifespan: 10–15 years (with good care; can sometimes exceed 20)
Average monthly cost: $20 (food, substrate, water conditioner, etc.)
Where they live: Humid “crabitat” – a glass tank (≥10 gal per crab recommended) with sand/coconut substrate, kept warm (24–30 °C) and 70–80% humidity. Fresh dechlorinated water and saltwater pools must be provided.
What they eat: Commercial pellets or powder, plus fruits/vegetables (e.g. apple, coconut)
Best Low-Maintenance Pets (cont.)
8. Corn Snake
Corn snakes are a gentle snake breed and a great intro reptile. They’re non-venomous, don’t need a ton of space, and only eat once a week. Perfect for older kids who are cool with reptiles and want something unique. Their care requirements include a warm tank and a hidey spot, but otherwise, they’re a no-fuss pet with a calm personality.
Average lifespan: 10–15 years (many reach 15+; some up to ~20+ years)
Average monthly cost: $10–$30 (primarily for frozen feeder mice and supplies)
Where they live: Secure vivarium (tank) long enough for the snake to stretch out (about 2/3 of its body length; often 20–40 gal). Must have a warm gradient, secure lid, and hiding spots
What they eat: Pre-killed mice (or appropriate-size rodents) every 1–2 weeks
9. Goldfish
An oldie but a goodie, the humble goldfish is still a solid option. Choose freshwater fish and a decently sized tank, and you’re golden. They’ll need clean water, regular feeding, and the occasional vet check if they’re not looking their best. They are ideal pets for children just learning the ropes of pet care, and they’re pretty to boot!
Average lifespan: 5 to 10 years with proper care
Average monthly cost: $6 to $25
Where they live: Fish tank or aquarium with filter and enough room to support growth
What they eat: Special goldfish flakes supplemented with live/frozen shrimp, daphnia and vegetable mix
10. Greyhound (One of the Most Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds)
You’re looking for a dog that’s chill and doesn’t need constant grooming? Look no further than the greyhound. Despite their racing background, these dogs are giant marshmallows who love a stroll around the block and long naps.
As one of the most popular low-maintenance dog breeds, greyhounds are calm, affectionate, and need less exercise than many smaller, more hyper dog breeds. Just one daily walk and they’re done!
Average lifespan: 12–15 years
Average monthly cost: $50–$90 (insects, veggies, plus lighting & substrate upkeep)
Where they live: Large vivarium (~120×60×60 cm for an adult) with basking heat lamp and UVB light; semi-arid setup with decor for climbing and hiding
What they eat: Live insects (crickets, worms, roaches) daily (especially for juveniles) and a variety of fresh greens/vegetables regularly
Best Low-Maintenance Pets for Busy Mums Bonus Pick: Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons are laid-back little legends—perfect for kids who want a cool pet without too much fuss. These Aussie natives love to chill on warm rocks, munch on veggies and bugs, and even enjoy the occasional cuddle. They're super easy to care for, don’t make a mess, and can live happily in a simple tank setup. Plus, with their dinosaur-like looks, they’re bound to be a hit with the whole family. Low effort, high charm!
Average lifespan: 10–15 years is common in captivity
Average monthly cost: $6 to $25
Where they live: Fish tank or aquarium with filter and enough room to support growth
What they eat: Special goldfish flakes supplemented with live/frozen shrimp, daphnia and vegetable mix
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Low-Maintenance Pets for Kids
When it comes to choosing among the best pets, consider what works for your family’s energy, space, and routine. Whether it’s a snoozing greyhound, a curious hermit crab, or a splashy betta fish, there's a pet on this list to suit every household.
As a single mum, I know what it’s like to want to give your kids the world, without losing your mind in the process. So choosing a low-maintenance pet that doesn't upend your routine can be the win you all need. Many of these pets require minimal upkeep, yet still offer the companionship and joy we all crave.
Just remember: it’s best to do a little research, teach the kids what to expect, and pick a pet that’s not just cute, but one you can all realistically care for, because even the easiest pets to take care of need love and attention!
