You might wonder whether a furry (or scaley) friend is in your future if you live a nomadic lifestyle. Or maybe you travel because of your family or work. What do you do if you’re gone for days, weeks, or months at a time? The good news is that you can own pets, even if you travel a lot. But what are the best pets to own for frequent travelers? This list will tell you.
1. Fish

Goldfish are inexpensive to buy and known for being low-maintenance to own, which makes them great pets for people with a busier lifestyle.
©LUIS PADILLA-Fotografia/Shutterstock.com
Fish are the ultimate pets if you travel a lot! You can buy them for around $2.50 at your local pet store and they require minimal space — a 1-gallon bowl per fish will do. They are one of the least expensive (and easiest) pets to own because they only need to be fed a tiny bit of food once a day or so.
A friendly neighbor will be able to take care of them for you if you’re gone, which is the hallmark of a good pet for frequent travelers.
2. Cats

Cats lounge around during the day and are generally more low maintenance than dogs. This makes them great pets for people who travel a lot.
©Jérémy Stenuit/iStock via Getty Images
Cats are fairly easy keepers. They do require fresh food and water daily (and a scooped box every other day), but automated feeders, fountains, and litter boxes have solved that problem!
One thing to note is that while cats don’t need as much social interaction as a dog, they do need some. Plan to have family, friends, or a pet sitter come every 1-2 days to refresh their food and water, clean their litter box, and give your cat some attention.
3. Tarantulas

The red knee tarantula is a common type of pet tarantula.
©Vladimira Pufflerova/Shutterstock.com
If you like to take week-long vacations or travel often, a red knee tarantula might be the best pet for you. They can go 1-2 weeks without food and be just fine, as they don’t eat much. Tarantulas also prefer alone time and don’t bond with humans the same way other pets (like dogs) do. They are fine to be left for days on end without experiencing separation anxiety.
4. Hamsters

Hamsters are happy to munch away on food in their cage while you’re traveling.
©iStock.com/krblokhin
Traveling a lot can get stressful! It is nice to come home to a pet that can make you laugh like a hamster can.
Hamsters also don’t add a lot of stress to your plate. As an animal smaller than your hand, they don’t require a lot of space or really make a big dent in your food budget. Hamsters are also allowed in no-pet buildings, which may come in handy if you live a nomadic lifestyle — what a bonus!
5. Snakes

Why do frequent travelers consider these reptiles to be the best animals to own? Snakes may get up there in size, but no matter how large or small they are, they don’t require exercise.
Snakes are quiet, easy to care for, and inexpensive to own. They might be a good option if you want to own a reptile, as not all of them are as easy of keepers as snakes are.
6. Hermit Crabs

Pet hermit crabs don’t need to be fed often, which makes them great pets for frequent travelers.
©iStock.com/dmf87
Hermit crabs are interesting pets to own because they do best when you create a thriving habitat for them and then are hands-off. This makes them a great pet for people who travel a lot!
They also eat very slowly, which means if you put out enough food for them, then they can go for days without needing anyone to check on them.
7. Sea Monkeys

A close-up shot of sea monkeys shows they are not monkeys at all — they are a breed of brine shrimp!
©iStock.com/Credit:S.Rohrlach
Did you know that the sea monkeys in the mini aquarium tanks you put on your nightstand or kitchen windowsill are actually a breed of brine shrimp?
These unique pets are fun to watch grow and swim around. You might be surprised to know that sea monkeys require less frequent care than fish. Feed them every 5-7 days, ensure their tank is clean, and you can get on your way again.
Summary of the 7 Best Pets for Frequent Travelers to Own
Rank | Pet | Why Frequent Travelers Love Them |
---|---|---|
#1 | Fish | Easy to convince your friends or family to feed |
#2 | Cats | More low maintenance than a dog |
#3 | Tarantulas | Don’t get separation anxiety |
#4 | Hamsters | Allowed in no-pet buildings |
#5 | Snakes | Don’t require exercise |
#6 | Hermit crabs | Do best when you’re hands-off |
#7 | Sea monkeys | Can go 5-7 days between feedings |
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