What are the most popular pets in the world? The world of pet ownership is remarkably diverse. While dogs and cats top every listing as the most popular pets globally, there are plenty of other mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish vying for our attention.
There are timeless favorites, trending creatures, and those with enduring appeal and cultural significance. There are pets to suit different living situations and personalities, whether you love fur, feathers, or fins.
Let’s take a look at those pets that have particularly captured human hearts.
Most popular pets in the world
1. Dogs
By most metrics, dogs are considered the most popular pet of all, and it’s not hard to see why. “Man’s best friend” is loyal, companionable, and shows unconditional love to their human family – and within the species, it’s French Bulldogs that take the top spot for the most popular dog breed in the US.
Research has proven that dogs improve our mental health, lower stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness.
2. Cats
You’re either a dog person or a cat person, so the saying goes, and the popularity of our feline friends would bear this out. We’d argue you can certainly be both – but if you’re not one, you are the other. While dogs consistently rank as the most popular pet, cats come a close second – and in some countries they take top billing.
They’re beloved for their low-maintenance needs, independent nature, and therapeutic benefits. Who doesn’t love a purr?
3. Fish
Fish typically rank third in lists of most popular pets, with the Covid pandemic having spurred a boon in fish ownership as people devoted more time to hobbies at home.
Fish are relatively low maintenance to take care of (although water parameters in aquariums can feel like they require a biology degree), they are mesmerising to look at and create a calm atmosphere in the home.
Plus, there are so many varieties and price points – whether you’re going for freshwater fish, saltwater fish, or pretty tropical fish, there’s something for everyone.
4. Parrots
Parrots are social creatures that have been kept as pets for centuries – and not just by pirates in fairytales. They provide companionship and interaction; they’re intelligent, with their ability to mimic human speech, and can even learn tricks. Another draw is their aesthetic appeal with their vibrantly colored feathers.
Bear in mind, they live for decades, so parrot owners are in it for the long haul. Plus, they demand a lot of time, effort, and attention.
5. Chickens
Chickens are the only pet that pays you back, so they say – thanks to a daily egg delivery, if you’re lucky. They are an increasingly popular pet, especially as people try to become more self-sufficient.
They provide a great learning experience for kids, teaching them about how to look after a living creature, building a bond, while being relatively low-maintenance and rewarding!
6. Hamsters
Hamsters are popular pets with families, and are particularly suitable for those who would love to have an animal in the home, but are limited by space.
They are super fun creatures who bond well with humans given proper attention, while being less demanding in time, money, and effort than many other animals, such as dogs.
Sadly, their little lives are short – around two years – but this will suit those testing the waters of pet ownership.
7. Guinea pigs
Guinea pigs are much loved in the western world as a family pet, being gentle and interactive. Their small size means they suit homes without abundant outdoor space, and compared to some other pets, they are fairly low-maintenance and inexpensive to keep. They do prefer to live alongside other guineas, which is a great excuse to have several!
8. Rabbits
Rabbits are sometimes viewed as “starter pets,” but the reality is that they are not low-maintenance and have specific needs, depending on the breed of rabbit, and a relatively long lifespan.
They remain a popular choice among families, probably because they are – quite simply – adorable! Whether a companionable house bunny or fluffy lionhead or one of the giant breeds, all types of rabbits have wonderfully endearing qualities – but they do require appropriate space, exercise, stimulation, and interaction.
9. Gerbils
Gerbils are great fun as pets and deservedly popular. They are entertaining and sociable, with curious and outgoing personalities. They do like to be kept alongside other gerbils, as well as forming strong bonds with humans, too, which makes them a companionable pet to have in the home.
10. Chinchillas
With their velvety fur and playful characters, chinchillas are a rewarding pet that lives for a long time, unlike many of the other rodent pets. It's worth reading up on how to care for chincillas because their needs can be a little particular.
Don’t expect them to be super cuddly, but they are engaging and entertaining. They positively need playtime, they can be messy, and they love to gnaw through anything. But if you’re up for all of the above, you’ll enjoy the companionship of a charming and interactive creature!
11. Rats
Rats aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but those who love them really love them. They are intelligent creatures, affectionate and fun, as well as being relatively easy and inexpensive to look after.
One of the most fun things about rats is their ability to learn tricks such as jumping through hoops, spinning, mazes, recall, and fetch. Now that’s better than most dogs...
12. Mice
While slightly less popular as pets than rats, mice require less space and are arguably cuter to look at, being so tiny. They’re also less smelly. Mice tend to be more wary of humans, however, and their lifespan is woefully short.
13. Pigs
Interest in pet pigs – typically miniature breeds – has grown over recent years, probably thanks to celebrities adopting pigs and posting on social media.
They are remarkably intelligent creatures who can be trained to walk on a leash, go to the bathroom appropriately, and even do a few tricks.
They are highly sociable animals who require plenty of attention and enrichment, as well as appropriate outdoor space for piggy activities such as snuffling and exercise.
14. Budgies
Like parrots, budgies are remarkably intelligent birds who can mimic speech, which makes them great fun and engaging companions.
They tend to be cheaper both to purchase and to keep than larger parrot species, while retaining all of the appeal of the vibrant plumage and talking ability. They are fairly easy to tame, with a bit of patience, and form strong bonds with their owners.
15. Turtles
Turtles – including aquatic turtles and land-lubbing tortoises – make fascinating pets, offering a very different type of experience to owning a cat or dog.
With their hard carapace – or watery environment – this is not a pet for those who love a cuddle, but they are captivating to watch trundling around.
They are a good option for those with allergies, due to their lack of fur and dander, however, they wouldn’t be ideal for everyone, with their very specific habitat requirements and long lifespan. A pet requiring serious, enduring commitment.
16. Axolotls
The Minecraft computer game gave rise to a fascination with axolotls when they appeared in the video game – albeit in very blocky form. Their perma-smile, other-worldly appearance, and ability to regenerate have made them shoot up in popularity, however, they do have complex living requirements due to being an exotic pet.
Critics warn that they are vulnerable to impulse purchases, yet they have a relatively long lifespan of 15 years. In some US states and Canadian provinces, it is illegal to keep them.
17. Lizards
Lizards are a popular reptile species to keep as pets, and are often suitable for beginners. There are many varieties, from dragons and geckos to chameleons, all with their own unique appeal.
Besides being fascinating to look at, they tend to be easy to handle and don’t require daily walks or training!
18. Snakes
A low-maintenance pet with polarized popularity, snakes are among the most common exotic pets. The typical pet varieties, corn snakes and ball pythons, are calm and docile. They suit those who don’t have masses of time to devote to a pet’s training and stimulation, but they are a long-term commitment and have specific accommodation requirements.
19. Ferrets
Playful, curious, and affectionate, ferrets are relatively trainable and make for a companionable small pet. They are high-energy, with a mischievous air, which makes for a fun and entertaining little friend. Downsides? They love to chew and can be stinky.
20. Equines
While ridden horses aren’t typically classed as pets, miniature horses make great companion animals for horse lovers who may not have the acreage for the full-size version. They are bred to be friendly and sociable, and many are trained as therapy animals to go into hospices, education settings, and so on.
You’d still need a decent outdoor space – at least a quarter of an acre per horse – this is not a pet to keep in your home or back yard.
Read next: Most expensive pets in the world
Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis De Leaver.
Last updated in August 2025.
