Incredibly Low-Maintenance Pets for People Who Are Busy or a Little Bit Lazy
Some people love animals but can’t commit to constant attention. If you don’t have time for a high-maintenance pet, you can still keep one. You just need to know where to get started and which animals thrive with limited interaction. These creatures also require minimal care and still offer companionship.
They won’t add stress to your calendar or guilt to your conscience.
Corn Snakes
Credit: Getty Images
They don’t need a cuddle or even a daily glance. Just a meal once a week, a clean tank every so often, and warm temps. That’s all it takes. If you can remember to check the thermostat and toss in food occasionally, they’ll be just fine.
Leopard Geckos
Credit: Getty Images
Leopard geckos are lizard minimalists in every way. They live comfortably in a small tank with some heat and hiding spots. They’re calm, solitary, and more active when you’re winding down.
Betta Fish
Credit: Getty Images
Betta fish are among the most popular low-maintenance pets for a reason. They thrive as long as you’re able to provide them with one or two feedings a day and occasional water changes. Males should be housed alone, but that actually makes them easier to care for in small apartments.
Sea Monkeys
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
These tiny brine shrimp live in self-contained tanks and eat powdered food via a small scoop or automatic feeder. They tolerate inconsistent care and don’t need interaction. If you want a living thing that won’t mind being ignored, sea monkeys are your match.
Tree Frogs
Credit: Getty Images
Tree frogs, like green or gray tree frogs, eat a few times a week and live in a compact, humid terrarium. A bioactive tank cuts down on cleaning, and they don’t need to be handled. Set them up right, and they’ll just hang out without any emotional demands.
Hawaiian Volcano Shrimp
Credit: Facebook
This might be the laziest pet setup on Earth. These translucent shrimp live for years in closed glass ecosystems that don’t even need feeding. Algae feeds them, and you don’t have to lift a finger. They’re alive, just not in any way that interrupts your schedule.
Russian Tortoises
Credit: Getty Images
They eat leafy greens, bask under a UVB lamp, and wander their enclosure with all the urgency of a parked car. They’re independent and don’t require playtime or company. Just give them space, light, and a salad bar.
Hermit Crabs
Credit: Getty Images
They’ll switch shells when they feel like it, shuffle through sand at night, and snack on fruits or pellets. As long as they’ve got humidity, water (both salt and fresh), and some privacy, they’re perfectly self-reliant.
Hamsters
Credit: Getty Images
As nocturnal animals, hamsters sleep while you’re at work and come alive when you’re home. They need daily dry food, water, and occasional cage cleaning. Add a wheel and some tunnels, and they’ll keep themselves entertained without asking much from you.
Chinchillas
Credit: Canva
Chinchillas are content with a spacious cage, fresh water, pellets, and occasional dust baths to keep their coats healthy. They’re clean, nocturnal, and don’t care if you’re not home until late.