Life as a parent is filled with beauty and whirlwind activity. From the school runs to the work schedules and the after school activities, the days pass quickly. Yet, somewhere in the midst of it all, your children will be tugging at your sleeve asking for a pet. They’re onto something.
Children who grow up with pets tend to have greater empathy, emotional regulation skills, and responsibility. The challenge for busy parents and families is finding the right pet for the home. From dogs that need long hikes to rabbits that need to be held for comfort, there are pets that can quickly become a stressor in a busy household.
Luckily, there are a variety of wonderful pets that would be perfect companions for busy families with plenty of time to spare. In the following article, we’ll discuss the best low maintenance pets for busy families.
What Makes a Pet “Low-Maintenance”?
Before we dive in, it’s worth clarifying what low-maintenance actually means in a family context. A truly family-friendly, manageable pet tends to tick most of these boxes:
- Moderate exercise needs — it doesn’t need hours of outdoor activity each day
- Adaptable to home life — comfortable in apartments or suburban homes
- Gentle temperament — patient and tolerant around children of all ages
- Easy grooming — doesn’t require professional grooming every few weeks
- Predictable health — generally robust, without constant vet visits
- Relatively affordable upkeep — food and care costs that won’t break the family budget
With that in mind, let’s look at the pets that tick the most boxes for real, busy families.
Fish
Best for: Very young children, apartment dwellers, families just starting out with pets
If your children are young and you’re not ready for a furry friend yet, fish may be the ideal pet for them to own as soon as possible. With a freshwater aquarium featuring goldfish or a betta fish, the little ones will only need to be fed once or twice a day and the aquarium only needs to be cleaned every couple of weeks.
Fish are a great first pet for children. Not only will they introduce them to the care of a pet, but they will also be calmer around fish. According to several studies, looking at fish reduces a human’s stress and blood pressure levels. This is why many recommend adding a fish tank to the living room of a house.
Though there is an initial investment to start the fish tank, the care required afterwards is minimal.
Guinea Pigs
Best for: Primary school-aged children, families with moderate outdoor space or a large living area
Guinea pigs are one of the most underrated family pets. Guinea pigs are gentle by nature and will never scratch or bite at you. They also tend to be social creatures who enjoy interacting with people. Unlike hamsters, guinea pigs are active during the day so your children will enjoy playing with them after school.
A pair of guinea pigs will need a cage to keep them in that needs to be cleaned, hay to eat daily, vegetables, and cuddles from your children. They’ll never need walks, visits to the vet (as often as other pets), and are robust enough to take the cuddles from your children. The only task you’ll have to give your children is to keep the cage clean a couple of times per week.
Cats
Best for: Families where parents work full-time, older children, any living situation
Cats are the ultimate independent companions as they can be very affectionate while looking after their own grooming, using a litter box and entertaining themselves while their human companions are at school or at work. A domesticated cat can be looked after by providing food, water and a litter box that it is routinely cleaned for its own comfort.
For families with children that are at least six years of age, the addition of a cat can be the perfect companion to sit with a child who is in need of comfort. Breeds such as Ragdolls and British Shorthairs tend to be calm and tolerant of the presence of children.
Rabbits
Best for: Families with a backyard, children aged 8+, parents who want a social but manageable pet
House rabbits have become enormously popular in recent years — for good reasons. Rabbits are playful, affectionate, and can be trained to use the litter tray and live in various parts of the home. Rabbits are also quiet and do not need to leave the home for walks.
House rabbits need to be fed daily, have a clean enclosure, and have time outside of their hutch to roam. Rabbits live for 8-12 years, so there is a long-term commitment to owning a pet rabbit. However, the daily commitment to rabbits is manageable. Children quickly learn how to move around the rabbits slowly and gently — a lesson in itself.
The Maltese Dog — A Surprising Low-Maintenance Choice
Best for: Families in apartments or smaller homes, children of primary school age and older, parents who want genuine companionship without extreme exercise demands
When people hear the phrase “low-maintenance dog,” they typically think of a tiny, boring lap dog breed. The Maltese shatters that notion of a low-maintenance dog. Not only is the Maltese one of the most affectionate and joyful dog breeds out there, but they are also very manageable for a busy family.
Here’s why the Maltese stands out:
Exercise needs are modest. Unlike the more active needs of dogs of larger breeds, Maltese dogs are content with taking a short walk in the mornings and evenings. The dogs can be found playing in the yard or the living room, or on an outing according to your schedule.
They don’t shed. The Maltese breed has a coat that has only one layer and sheds very little. This is why they are ideal for families that want a dog that sheds very little hair (or who have mild allergies). While the breed’s coat does require regular brushing, the shedding of the dog’s coat is what makes this breed different from others in the dog world.
They’re compact. Fully grown Maltese dogs typically weigh between 3–4 kg, making them perfectly suited to apartment living, smaller homes, and suburban backyards. They don’t need a huge yard to burn off energy.
They live for their people. Another of the dog breeds that may be of interest to children who would like to own a dog that is always with them is the Maltese breed of dog. These dogs are known to be very devoted companions to their owners, to love to be held, and for their gentleness – traits that have made them popular therapy dogs. Thus, the Maltese dog breed is one of the breeds that children can own that will always be with them.
They’re intelligent and trainable. With patient, positive reinforcement-based training, Maltese dogs pick up commands and routines well. They respond to praise and treats, and once they know what’s expected of them, they slot into family rhythms beautifully.
If the Maltese sounds like it could be the right fit for your family, you can browse available Maltese puppies across Australia at PetsForHomes, where responsible breeders list their litters. It’s a great place to do your research, compare pups, and find a breeder you feel confident about.
A Few Things to Consider Before You Commit
No pet is truly zero-maintenance, and it’s worth being honest with yourself — and your children — before bringing any animal home:
Who will be the primary carer? Children are enthusiastic at the start, but it’s almost always mum or dad who ends up doing the feeding when the novelty wears off. Build pet care into the family routine from day one rather than relying on childhood enthusiasm alone.
What’s your living situation? Renters should check their lease. Apartment dwellers should think carefully about noise (some small dogs can bark) and space.
What’s your budget? Even “low-maintenance” pets have ongoing costs — food, vet check-ups, grooming, bedding, and toys. Factor this in honestly before deciding.
How old are your children? Toddlers and very young children need close supervision around any pet, even gentle ones. Some animals — like rabbits and guinea pigs — can be injured by rough handling, so matching the pet to your children’s ages really matters.
The Bottom Line
The best pet for a busy family is not the pet that you wish for your family, but instead, the pet that genuinely fits with the lifestyle that you and your family lead. Pets like fish, guinea pigs, cats, rabbits, and even small dog breeds like the Maltese will provide your family with companionship and joy without being too much of a burden upon your busy schedule and lifestyle. For more information, click here.