If you are an animal lover, you may find books about pets to be fascinating reads. Plenty of books are available on the subject, ranging from publications about common pets like dogs and cats, to smaller animals like hamsters and rabbits. Even books about unusual exotic pets like reptiles and amphibians are available. Whether you have years of experience keeping pets, or you’re a young child wanting to learn more about them, there is a book that will provide you with knowledge and keep you intrigued.
Check Amazon- Written by Mark Cushing, the CEO of Animal Policy Group.
- Delves into the history of pet keeping and how pets have transformed our homes.
- Shows the evolution of pet ownership in the United States.
- A good read for all pet enthusiasts.
Check Amazon- Offers a look at the planning involved for new and aspiring pet parents.
- Available in an affordable paperback.
- Newly published as of August 2022.
Check Amazon- A comprehensive guide to caring for dogs.
- Includes illustrations and diagrams.
- Profiles for over 100 dog breeds included.
- A useful and convenient health resource for dog parents.
Check Amazon- A comprehensive manual for cat care.
- Detailed chapters on proper day-to-day care for cats and kittens.
- Authored by a noted veterinarian.
Check Amazon- Covers a vast array of small pets, such as hamsters, birds, reptiles, and fish.
- Includes details on all aspects of choosing the right small pet and caring for it.
- Has information on the best pets to keep for children.
Check Amazon- Good for anybody trying to think outside the box of standard pet ownership.
- Details on the cost, maintenance, and temperament for a number of exotic pets.
- Regional requirements and restrictions for each pet are included.
Check Amazon- A guide for anybody looking for natural remedies for their pets.
- Includes dietary information, as well as first aid strategies.
- Contains over 500 pages on natural pet care.
- Written by a well-published author of books on natural care.
Check Amazon- Teaches kids the responsibility of caring for a pet.
- A useful resource for parents and teachers.
- Written for children ages 3 through 10.
- Cartoon illustrations featured throughout.
A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for the Best Books About Pets Available Today
#1 Best Overall: Pet Nation by Mark Cushing
Pet Nation is a compelling and factual book that dives into the history of pet keeping and how pets have transformed our homes, culture, and economy through the decades. This book, written by Mark Cushing, is rated highly, and for a good reason.
The book, which is available in paperback, hardcover, Kindle, and audio formats, takes a well-rounded approach to show the evolution of pet ownership in America. It also shows the history of humans’ relationships with the animals with whom we share our homes. Insight into a number of topics is offered, such as pets’ rights legislation and pet healthcare. This is a great read for pet lovers who want a factual book about the more transforming side of pet ownership.
The sole negative review said that this book, “Does not address the problems pets cause because of irresponsible owners.”
Pros and Cons of Pet Nation by Mark Cushing
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This highly rated book explores how pets have transformed our homes, culture, and economy throughout history. | The sole negative review said that this book, “Does not address the problems pets cause because of irresponsible owners.” |
| It’s available in paperback, hardcover, Kindle, and audio format | |
| It provides insight into topics such as pets’ rights legislation and pet healthcare. |
- Written by Mark Cushing, the CEO of Animal Policy Group.
- Delves into the history of pet keeping and how pets have transformed our homes.
- Shows the evolution of pet ownership in the United States.
- A good read for all pet enthusiasts.
2. Best for Affordability: Promises to My Pet by Claire Chew
Promises to My Pet is a great book to read before taking in a pet. Written by Claire Chew, it contains all the information you need to consider when caring for a pet. It aims to help aspiring pet parents make better pet ownership decisions. This book, which is only available in paperback, is a reminder that pet parents have a responsibility when they care for an animal.
No reviews were available for this book.
Pros and Cons of Promises to My Pet by Claire Chew
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book, which is only available in paperback, provides all the information you need to consider when caring for a pet. | No reviews were available for this book. |
| It asks you to consider how you will care for your pet throughout its life, including when it gets sick. |
- Offers a look at the planning involved for new and aspiring pet parents.
- Available in an affordable paperback.
- Newly published as of August 2022.
3. Best for Dog Lovers: The Complete Healthy Dog Handbook by by Betsy Brevitz D.V.M.
The Complete Healthy Dog Handbook is a detailed and highly-rated bestselling dog book written by veterinarian Betsy Brevitz. A must-read for all dog lovers, it covers topics that beginner and novice dog owners should know in caring for their canine friends.
The book, which is available in paperback and Kindle formats, features information on dogs’ health, nutrition, puppy care, vaccines, behavior, senior care, and first aid. Also covered are the latest advances in veterinary medicine, as well as homemade diets for dogs. All dog owners can benefit from this book.
One reviewer didn’t like the books question and answer format. Some others disagreed with the author’s approach to veterinary medicine.
Pros and Cons of The Complete Healthy Dog Handbook by Betsy Brevitz
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book was written by veterinarian Betsy Brevitz. | One reviewer didn’t like the books question and answer format. |
| It covers topics that beginner and novice dog owners need to know about caring for their canine friends. | Some others disagreed with the author’s approach to veterinary medicine. |
| It’s available in paperback and Kindle formats. | |
| It includes information on health, nutrition, puppy care, vaccines, behavior, senior car, and first aid. It even includes information on homemade diets for dogs. |
- A comprehensive guide to caring for dogs.
- Includes illustrations and diagrams.
- Profiles for over 100 dog breeds included.
- A useful and convenient health resource for dog parents.
4. Best for Cat Lovers: Complete Cat Care Manual by Andrew Edney and Bruce Fogle
Complete Cat Care Manual covers all aspects of cat care. Written by specialists Bruce Fogle and Andrew Edney, it’s a comprehensive guide to cat ownership and proper care practices, based on extensive research.
The book, which is available in hardcover and paperback, is highly rated for its detailed chapters, which outline various topics about our feline friends. Subjects included are behaviors, diseases, feeding, training, handling, and exercise. Endorsed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (A.S.P.C.A.), this book is a must-read for cat owners.
Some reviewers said that this book was “outdated and old.”
Pros and Cons of the Complete Cat Care Manual by Andrew Edney and Bruce Fogle
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book, which is available in hardcover and paperback, is a comprehensive guide to cat ownership and care. | Some reviewers said that this book was “outdated and old.” |
| It includes detailed chapters on behavior, disease, feeding, training, handling, and exercise. | |
| It’s endorsed by the A.S.P.C.A. |
- A comprehensive manual for cat care.
- Detailed chapters on proper day-to-day care for cats and kittens.
- Authored by a noted veterinarian.
5. Best for Small Pets: The Complete and Practical Guide to Small Pets and Pet Care by David Alderton
The Complete and Practical Guide to Small Pets and Pet Care contains a range of information on the ownership of various small pets, including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, and reptiles. It covers each pet’s housing, feeding, and general care requirements.
Each chapter focuses on a specific pet, with details and insights on proper maintenance. This expertly written book, by David Alderton, is perfect for anyone looking to care for small pets and learn the proper husbandry to keep each animal healthy and thriving.
It’s only available in hardcover.
The only negative review said, ” Horrible, outdated pet care book, look elsewhere.”
Pros and Cons of The Complete and Practical Guide to Small Pets and Pet Care by David Alderton
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book covers the housing, feeding, and general care requirements of small pets, including, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, and reptiles. | The only negative review said, ” Horrible, outdated pet care book, look elsewhere.” |
| Each chapter focuses on a specific type of pet, such as rabbits, with insights on proper maintenance. | It’s only available in hardcover. |
- Covers a vast array of small pets, such as hamsters, birds, reptiles, and fish.
- Includes details on all aspects of choosing the right small pet and caring for it.
- Has information on the best pets to keep for children.
6. Best for Exotic Pets: 21 Exotic Animals You Didn’t Know You Could Adopt as a Pet by John Newborne
If you are fascinated by exotic pets and looking for a companion in one, then you may enjoy Exotic Pets: 21 Pets You Didn’t Know You Could Adopt. The book, written by John Newborne, features information on various exotic pets that can make great domesticated companions in the United States. Animals covered range from mammals and marsupials, to reptiles and mollusks.
The book, which is available in Kindle and paperback formats, includes necessary information hopeful exotic pet parents may need to know about the maintenance, temperaments, and personalities of each animal, as well as regional requirements and restrictions for each pet.
There are no negative reviews for this book.
Pros and Cons of 21 Exotic Animals You Didn’t Know You Could Adopt As A Pet by John Newborne
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book is ideal for people who are considering obtaining an exotic pet. | There are no negative reviews for this book. |
| The book covers 21 exotic animals, including mammals, marsupials, reptiles, and mollusks. | |
| It’s available in Kindle and paperback formats. | |
| It includes the information potential exotic pet parents need to know about maintenance, temperaments, and personalities of each animal. | |
| It also includes regional requirements and restrictions for each pet. |
- Good for anybody trying to think outside the box of standard pet ownership.
- Details on the cost, maintenance, and temperament for a number of exotic pets.
- Regional requirements and restrictions for each pet are included.
7. Best for Pet Care: The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care by C.J. Puotinen
The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care, by natural health writer C.J. Puotinen, features information on alternative health practices for pets. This version is a revised, second edition. It has detailed information on caring for a multitude of pets — such as dogs, birds, and rabbits — in a natural way. If you want to take a natural approach to pet care, the book, at 544 pages in length, hosts valuable knowledge to help guide you.
It’s available in paperback and mass market paperback formats.
Several reviewers said that some of the facts were outdated or inaccurate.
Pros and Cons of The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care by C.J. Puotinen
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This second-edition book was written by natural health writer C.J. Puotinen and features alternative health practices for pets. | Several reviewers said that some of the facts were outdated or inaccurate. |
| It includes detailed information on caring for a variety of pets, including dogs, birds, and rabbits, in a natural way. | |
| It’s available in paperback and mass market paperback formats. |
- A guide for anybody looking for natural remedies for their pets.
- Includes dietary information, as well as first aid strategies.
- Contains over 500 pages on natural pet care.
- Written by a well-published author of books on natural care.
8. Best for Kids: The Little Book of Pets by Zack Bush and Laurie Friedman
The Little Book of Pets by Zack Bush and Laurie Friedman is an informative book for kids ages three to 10 that makes learning about pet care interesting. It introduces kids to the wide range of emotions, values, ideas, and activities that can come from caring for a pet at a young age. In teaching these topics, the book aims to teach young kids the responsibility of pet ownership. While a good resource for children, this highly-rated book would also be helpful to parents and teachers.
There were no critical reviews for this book.
Pros and Cons of The Little Book of Pets by Zack Bush and Laurie Friedman
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book is geared towards children ages three to 10. | There were no critical reviews for this book. |
| It introduces kids to the wide range of emotions, values, ideas, and activities that can come from caring for a pet as a child. | |
| It also focuses on the responsibility of pet ownership. |
- Teaches kids the responsibility of caring for a pet.
- A useful resource for parents and teachers.
- Written for children ages 3 through 10.
- Cartoon illustrations featured throughout.
How to Choose the Right Pet Book
When it comes to choosing the right pet book for you, it is important to consider the type of pet about which you are interested in learning. Many books focus on a specific animal, while others teach about a broad type of pet, such as small animals like fish and hamsters. While books falling under the latter category may split their focus, they’re often not any less detailed in an animal’s correct husbandry.
Beyond books on caring for pets, there are also publications on the history of pets, as well as the commitment and values that we as pet owners should follow when an animal’s life is in our hands.
The other criterion to consider is the reading level of the reader. Our review includes a book targeted towards children ages three to 10, while the remainder are more appropriate for adults.
The 8 Best Books About Pets Available Today FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How many different types of pets are there?
There are many different animals that can be kept as pets. Many are common, like dogs, cats, and hamsters. Others are not as common, like reptiles and spiders. Uncommon pets are usually grouped as small animals, whereas unusual or rare animals that can be kept as pets are grouped as exotics. There is no exact number of how many pets there are in the world, but the legality of certain animals is dependent on area. Because of this, there may be more or fewer options based on your location.
What are the most common pets to own?
Dogs are estimated to be the most common pet in the United States, with approximately 48 million found in households in the country. Cats area also common, found in just over 31 million U.S. households. Significantly fewer households have the third most common, fish, with just over a million. Reptiles are in the number four slot with under 400,000 U.S. households. Finally, rabbits and other mammals together total just over 300,000.
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