Having a pet brings joy, companionship, and countless cherished moments into our lives. In the UK, pets are an integral part of many households, with a wide variety of animals filling homes with love and laughter. We’ve listed 19 of the most common pets you can find in the UK.
Cats
Medical News Today explains that “a feline friend is a singularly trustworthy confidant and a comforting presence,” and cats are beloved for their independent yet affectionate nature. They can be playful and cuddly, making them perfect companions for those who enjoy a balance of alone time and snuggle sessions.
Dogs
Often called “man’s best friend” for a reason, dogs—with their loyalty, affection, and playful energy—make for wonderful companions. Whether it’s a long walk in the park or a cosy evening on the couch, dogs are always eager to be by your side. With a wide range of breeds to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and needs, there’s a perfect dog out there for everyone.
Rabbits
Rabbits are adorable and gentle pets, perfect for families with children or those living in apartments; they enjoy hopping around and exploring their surroundings but also love being held and petted. Rabbits require a spacious cage, regular feeding, and plenty of social interaction.
Hamsters
Small, cute, and relatively easy to care for, hamsters are a popular choice for first-time pet owners and families with young children. These nocturnal creatures love running on their wheels and burrowing in their bedding, while they require a secure cage, fresh food, water, and occasional handling to stay tame and friendly.
Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are friendly and social animals that thrive on interaction, and they are known for their distinctive squeaks and gentle nature. Guinea pigs need a roomy cage, a diet rich in vegetables, and daily socialisation to keep them happy and healthy. Their expressive personalities and the bond they form with their owners make them delightful pets.
Fish
Having a fish tank in your home brings a serene and colourful addition, and fish are fascinating to watch, with their graceful swimming and vibrant patterns. While they require a properly maintained aquarium with clean water, the peaceful atmosphere they create is rewarding.
Birds
Birds, such as parakeets, canaries, and cockatiels, are charming pets known for their singing, playful antics, and social nature. Many birds enjoy learning tricks and mimicking sounds, which can be both entertaining and engaging for their owners, and birds are ideal for those who enjoy a lively and interactive pet.
Turtles
If you want a pet that can live for many years with the proper care, go for the turtle. They require a well-maintained tank with a water and land area, a heat source, and a balanced diet, and aside from that, turtles are relatively low-maintenance—but they do need regular cleaning and monitoring of their environment.
Rats
Rats are intelligent, social, and affectionate pets that often surprise people with their playful and curious nature, and they enjoy interacting with their owners. They can even learn tricks and respond to their names. They are perfect for those who want a pet with a bit more personality and are willing to invest time in socialising and caring for them.
Ferrets
Lively and mischievous pets known for their playful behaviour, ferrets have boundless energy (which is why they need a large, secure cage and plenty of time outside it to explore and play). Their curious and social nature makes them fun companions, but they do need an owner who can keep up with their antics.
Gerbils
Gerbils are small, active, and social pets that are easy to care for and fun to watch, and they enjoy being with their owners. Relatively low-maintenance, they are perfect for those who want a small pet that is entertaining and easy to look after.
Hedgehogs
Unique and adorable pets known for their spiky appearance and gentle nature, hedgehogs will need a spacious cage, a warm environment, and a diet of high-quality cat food or specially formulated hedgehog food if you want to keep them as a pet. They’re generally solitary animals and need regular handling to stay tame.
Chinchillas
If you want a soft, fluffy pet with a playful and curious nature, chinchillas are popular choices within the UK. They’re social animals that thrive on interaction with their owners, and their charming personalities and luxurious fur make them highly desirable pets for those who can provide the proper care and attention they need.
Snakes
Snakes are fascinating pets that require specific care and environments to thrive; you’ll need to make sure they have a secure tank with the right temperature, humidity, and hiding spots, as well as a diet of pre-killed rodents. Snakes are generally low-maintenance but require careful handling and regular monitoring of their habitat.
Lizards
Lizards, such as geckos and bearded dragons, are popular pets for reptile enthusiasts. They require a well-maintained tank with appropriate lighting, temperature, and humidity, as well as a diet of insects and vegetables. Lizards can be quite interactive and enjoy exploring their environment.
Frogs
Another common pet is the frog, which needs a well-maintained tank with both land and water areas, as well as a diet of live insects. They are great for those who enjoy observing amphibians and are prepared to meet their specific needs.
Tarantulas
Tarantulas are unique pets that appeal to those with a fascination for arachnids, though it might make some people squirm. They require a secure tank with appropriate substrate, humidity, and hiding spots, as well as a diet of live insects, and they are great for those who appreciate exotic pets.
Horses
A very rewarding pet for those who have the space, time, and resources to care for them are horses, which naturally need a stable or shelter, regular feeding, grooming, exercise, and veterinary care. Horses form strong bonds with their owners and can provide a sense of companionship and accomplishment—as well as the perfect opportunity to enjoy riding.
Pigs
Finally, a surprisingly common pet in the UK is actually the pig. Pigs are intelligent and social animals that can make wonderful pets for the right owner, as long as they have a spacious living area, a balanced diet, regular veterinary care, and plenty of social interaction. Pigs are known for their playful behaviour and can even be trained to perform tricks.
