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Pet Environment

Pet finder

Small pets, and the space they really need

Hamsters, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets and the rest, each with the floor space it needs (usually more than the pet-store cage), cost, daily time and lifespan.

Rodents

  1. 01HamsterTolerates brief handling · 40×20×20 in cageHamsters are legal across most of the US, but Hawaii bans all pet hamster species to protect island ecosystems, and California restricts the Chinese hamster (Syrian and Phodopus dwarf hamsters are allowed).
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $311–$713
    Daily
    5–15 min
    Lives
    2–3 yr
  2. 02Pet mouseTolerates brief handling · 30×12×12 in cagePet mice are legal in every US state with no permit needed, though some leases and rental agreements limit pet rodents.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $226–$463
    Daily
    10–25 min
    Lives
    1–3 yr
  3. 03GerbilTolerates brief handling · 36×18×16 in cageGerbils are illegal to own as pets in California and Hawaii due to concerns about potential invasive feral populations.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $338–$700
    Daily
    10–25 min
    Lives
    2–4 yr
  4. 04Guinea pigTolerates brief handling · 42×28×14 in cageGuinea pigs are widely legal across the United States without special permits, though rental leases and local residential codes may limit pet quantities.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $579–$1,200
    Daily
    20–40 min
    Lives
    5–8 yr
  5. 05Pet ratEnjoys handling · 30×18×24 in cagePet rats are generally legal across the United States, though local municipal bans or landlord regulations may apply.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $401–$839
    Daily
    60–120 min
    Lives
    2–3 yr
  6. 06DeguTolerates brief handling · 36×24×36 in cageDegus are banned or need a permit in a number of states, including California, Connecticut, Colorado, Georgia, Alaska, Hawaii and New Mexico, and Utah restricts them. Rules change, so check with your state wildlife agency before buying.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $563–$1,014
    Daily
    15–30 min
    Lives
    5–9 yr
  7. 07ChinchillaTolerates brief handling · 36×24×48 in cageChinchillas are generally legal across the United States, though local municipal exotic pet ordinances or landlord lease agreements may impose restrictions.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $593–$1,230
    Daily
    15–30 min
    Lives
    10–20 yr

Rabbits, ferrets & others

  1. 08HedgehogTolerates brief handling · 36×24×18 in cageAfrican Pygmy Hedgehogs are illegal or heavily restricted to own in California, Georgia, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, New York City, and Omaha, Nebraska.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $418–$854
    Daily
    15–30 min
    Lives
    3–6 yr
  2. 09RabbitTolerates brief handling · 48×48×36 in cageRabbits are legal across the United States, but local municipal codes or housing agreements may limit pet numbers or require spay/neuter compliance.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $648–$1,438
    Daily
    30–60 min
    Lives
    8–12 yr
  3. 10FerretEnjoys handling · 36×24×48 in cageFerrets are illegal to own as pets in California, Hawaii, Washington D.C., and New York City, and require permits or face local restrictions in select other municipalities.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $715–$1,378
    Daily
    120–240 min
    Lives
    6–10 yr
  4. 11Sugar gliderEnjoys handling · 24×24×36 in cageSugar gliders are illegal to keep as pets in California, Alaska, and Hawaii, and require specific permits or are restricted in certain cities and states.
    Level
    Advanced
    First year
    $696–$1,430
    Daily
    120–180 min
    Lives
    12–15 yr

What is the easiest small pet for beginners?

Hamster: rated beginner, about 5–15 minutes of care a day, and $311–$713 for the first year.

What is the cheapest small pet to keep?

Pet mouse, at $226–$463 for the first year including the setup. The animal itself is usually the smallest part of the cost.

Which small pet lives the longest?

Chinchilla, at 10–20 years. Before you buy a small pet, plan for the whole of that.

How this list is built: Every small mammal we cover, beginner species first, then by daily care time. First year is the essential setup plus a year of food and supplies, at typical US prices; vet care is extra. Every number comes from the animal's own guide and its sources. How we make these guides.