6 animals that make the best family pets

The family pet has become somewhat of an institution over the years. Having a pet around gives a family a feeling of completion, while some animals also provide endless hours of entertainment and companionship. For many kids, the family pet is often their first taste of responsibility. They feed and clean up after the family pet, and they learn about what it takes to care for another being.

For families considering adding a pet to the mix, we offer a few tips to help you decide on the best one for your home …

A cute little puppy is usually the go-to target of our pet-loving affections, but you have to keep in mind that the cute little pup doesn’t stay that way forever — they do grow up and become adult dogs at some point. Key: Consider the right dog based on what they’ll grow up to be — not their cute and cuddly puppy state.

A fuzzy kitten is another easy choice for a pet. Cats work well for most households, but be aware that they do not stay as cute and friendly as they are as kittens. At some point they can become quite obnoxious little loners. Key: Think about getting a cat if only if you’re OK with a pet that will snub the heck out of you and then demand that you feed him.

Bunny rabbits are not the perfect pet for most homes. When I think bunny — I think rabbit pellets all over the house. That is, unless you keep them in a cage or pen, which is not really the kindest way to treat a pet of this size. Key: Don’t buy into the temptation to get a bunny just because everybody else thinks they’re cute for Easter.

The guinea pig has become a popular pet in many households. They are generally kept in a cage, but are fun to play with too. Guinea pigs don’t require a tremendous amount of maintenance, just a little love. Key: Don’t buy a guinea pig if you have a problem with rodents.

The humble goldfish has been a staple in American homes for as long as we can remember. Goldfish are often the first experience with a pet that a kid has. They require very little work to keep up, but they’re not really big on the warm and cuddly side. Goldfish are more for just enjoying from afar. Key: As pets, they don’t really have a lengthy lifespan, but they can be replaced easily without your kid ever catching on.

Ferrets have been a bit of a specialty type pet historically, but more and more people are finding out how fun it can be to have this species as a pet. Key: Be prepared for a bit of a challenge, but they can also be quite hilarious to watch.