Some people think animals are just animals—either you like them or you don’t. But if you ask me, choosing a pet is never just about whether it’s cute or easy to take care of. It’s about fit. Lifestyle, personality, allergies, fears—everything comes into play. And the funny thing is, what one person thinks is the perfect pet, another person might consider a living nightmare. That’s exactly how I feel about snakes. I don’t trust them. I never will. And cats, well—let’s just say, they’re literally dangerous to the love of my life. So I’m probably not your go-to for exotic reptile advice or kitten-care tips. But I do have a few thoughts, from experience and instinct, about which animals truly make good companions—and which ones are better admired from a distance.
Let’s talk about snakes first, since that’s where my gut goes when I think of “worst pet.” I know, I know—some people swear by them. They say they’re quiet, clean, and low maintenance. That may all be true on paper. But the thing is, snakes are unpredictable. You don’t know when one might suddenly decide to explore its surroundings and use your body as a jungle gym. It might slither around your neck in a way that feels playful to it—but to me, it’s a full-body panic attack waiting to happen. I can’t stand the way they move, the coldness of their scales, the way their eyes don’t blink or soften or show emotion. There’s no connection. They don’t love you back. You can’t cuddle a snake. Well, you can, technically—but if something can strangle you and not care, is that really a cuddle?
It’s more than just the physical. There’s something about the way snakes operate that feels too sneaky, too calculating. They strike when you’re not expecting it. Even if they’re non-venomous, even if they’ve been bred in captivity and never bitten a soul—there’s an inherent mistrust. I’m not saying they’re evil creatures. Nature made them the way they are. But as a pet? That’s a hard no for me. Figuratively, I don’t like snakes either. In life, I avoid the sneaky types. The ones who coil around with charm and later squeeze the life out of your peace. Maybe that’s why the literal snake triggers something so deep in me—it reminds me of those types of people. Shiny on the outside, slippery beneath, dangerous when too close.
Cats, on the other hand, I used to be on the fence about. They’re beautiful, elegant, sometimes affectionate—but always on their own terms. You don’t “own” a cat. You live with one. It’s a roommate with claws and nine lives. But even if I could find a cat that fits my vibe, I can’t risk it. My husband is asthmatic, and cat dander isn’t just an irritant for him—it’s life-threatening. We’re not talking about a little sneeze or watery eyes. We’re talking ER visits, inhalers at 2 a.m., and a constant fear hanging in the air like dust. So for us, cats are out of the question. It’s not about not liking them. It’s about choosing life over aesthetics. I’ve seen how quickly things can escalate. One minute everything’s fine. The next, he’s gasping, and I’m scared in ways I can’t describe. No pet is worth that.
Now that I’ve aired my feelings about what doesn’t work, let’s look at the brighter side. What does make a good pet? What animals bring joy, comfort, even laughter—without all the drama or danger? For me, it’s all about simplicity, connection, and compatibility. Dogs top the list, of course. Not every dog, mind you. Some breeds are too hyper, too large, or too much work. But in general, dogs give you what you give them. They reflect your energy. If you’re calm, they’re calm. If you want to play, they’re down for it. If you’re sad, they’ll curl up beside you like a warm, beating heart that reminds you you’re not alone. Dogs are loyal in a way that feels almost human. You don’t question where you stand with a dog. They’re all in.
And unlike snakes or cats, dogs care about your approval. They watch your face for cues. They listen for your tone. They know when they’ve messed up, and they try to fix it in their own goofy way. That kind of awareness matters to me. It’s a relationship. A give-and-take. There’s effort and affection and, honestly, a lot of mutual silliness. I’ve never met a dog that didn’t make me smile at least once. Even the wild ones. Even the ones that bark too much or jump on guests. There’s still something pure there. It’s hard to explain, but if you’ve ever loved a dog, you know what I mean.
Another surprisingly good pet? Rabbits. They’re quiet, adorable, and weirdly wise. You can train them to use a litter box. You can hold them like a plush toy with a heartbeat. They don’t demand too much, but they do enjoy company. If you spend time with a rabbit, really spend time, you’ll notice little quirks—how they do a funny jump-spin when they’re happy, or how they nudge you gently when they want your attention. They’re soft and peaceful, and if you live in a calm home, they fit right in. Plus, they don’t trigger asthma the way cats do, and they’re not likely to wrap around your neck while you sleep. Win-win.
Fish are another favorite—for certain types of people. I’ll admit, I’m not a huge aquarium person, but I’ve seen the joy they bring to my daughter and the others. There’s a meditative quality to watching fish swim. The way they glide through the water, silent and steady—it calms the mind. But they do require a bit more work than people think. Water quality, filters, temperature, feeding schedules—it’s a science. Not everyone has the patience. But if you’re detail-oriented and enjoy routine, fish can be wonderful.
Birds, on the other hand, are a toss-up. Some people love the idea of a bird singing in the background, greeting the morning with a little melody. Others, like me, find the sound grating after a while. And parrots? Oh boy. If you think a toddler is needy, try a parrot. They’re intelligent, emotional, and demand attention. They can live for decades—literally decades—and if you’re not prepared for that kind of lifelong commitment, it can become a burden. Also, some birds can mimic sounds in eerie ways. I once knew someone whose parrot started repeating arguments it had overheard. Yikes. That’s not the kind of echo I need in my life.
Small mammals like hamsters, guinea pigs, and gerbils can be fun for kids. They’re like entry-level pets. Cute, easy to feed, and relatively clean. But they don’t offer much in terms of emotional connection. They’re not cuddly in the same way dogs or even rabbits are. They’re more of a “watch and admire” kind of pet. And they don’t live very long, which can be heartbreaking for younger kids. You get attached, and then suddenly it’s over.
Then there are the truly exotic pets—lizards, tarantulas, ferrets, sugar gliders. I get the appeal on a novelty level. It’s cool to have something no one else has. But cool doesn’t mean practical. Ferrets smell. Lizards need heat lamps and special diets. Tarantulas? I can’t even. I won’t pretend to be objective there. I don’t care how harmless they are—I’m not sharing space with anything that has eight legs and a face like a horror movie villain.
At the end of the day, the best pet is the one that fits your world. Not someone else’s Instagram life, not some fantasy from a cartoon, but your actual day-to-day routine. Do you travel a lot? Maybe don’t get a dog. Are you sensitive to noise? Skip the parrot. Is your partner allergic? Avoid cats, no matter how cute they look sleeping in the sun. You have to be honest with yourself. Owning a pet is not just about having something to love—it’s about taking responsibility. It’s about thinking beyond aesthetics and choosing a creature you can care for fully, without resentment or regret.
As for me, I’ll stick to dogs and maybe one day a rabbit or two. No snakes. No cats. No complicated reptiles or bugs masquerading as pets. I need warmth. I need presence. I need something that sees me, hears me, and wants to be around me—not just because it has to, but because it chooses to. That’s what makes a great pet. And the worst pets? Well, they might work for someone else, but if they make your heart race for the wrong reasons—or threaten the health of someone you love—they’re simply not worth it.
