These Are the 17 Most Affectionate Pets Money Can Buy

Some of us have pets because we need production, or we work on farms and need their help. But others of us just need the companionship and love that animals have to give us as humans. Now, yes, some animals are just cute. But others actually love us back. 

So, whether you’re after cuddles, companionship, or something that always seems to know when you’ve had a rough day, this list is for you. These 17 affectionate pets won’t just live with you, they’ll create a strong bond with you.

There’s a reason they’re called “man’s best friend,” because they quite literally are. Dogs are some of the most loyal and goofy pets out there. Whether it’s tail wags, sloppy kisses, or simply lying at your feet, dogs are top-tier snugglers. Bonus points: they’re emotional support experts, whether trained for it or not, they know how to be there for you in your time of need. 

Some cats are serious bosses that’s for sure. But the affectionate ones? Game over. They’ll curl up on your chest, follow you from room to room, and rub up against your leg just to say hi. Once you earn their trust, cats can be just as loving as any dog.

Cockatoos are gorgeous birds who are famously affectionate and bond hard with their favorite person. They’ll do more than just sing, they also cuddle and even get jealous if you ignore them for too long. Beware though, these emotional birds need daily interaction and lots of love. So, if you can’t dedicate the time to them, this one may not be for you. 

Guinea pigs are gentle, cuddly little fluff balls that love to have a routine. They also love and seek for attention from you. They’ll squeak with joy when they hear your voice and melt into your hand. With patience and daily love, they become surprisingly loyal companions for either kids or adults.

Bunnies aren’t just cute, they are really affectionate once they trust you. They love to follow their people and follow you around like little shadows. They bond deeply and like to show affection in very subtle ways. So, make sure you pick up on the cues they are giving you. 

Ferrets are affectionate goofballs with a soft side to them. After their rambunctious play sessions, they’ll happily snuggle in your arms. These little mammals thrive on companionship and will definitely form strong emotional bonds with you. 

Parrots like African greys and macaws don’t just talk. These birds really learn to connect with their owners. These birds crave being able to bond with one person for life. They’ll snuggle under your chin and learn to mimic even your life.

Horses may be intimidating animals because of their size, but they’re gentle and emotionally in tune with themselves. They recognize their people by responding to the tone of their voice. They show affection through nuzzling and following you around like a lost puppy. 

Mini pigs are social and surprisingly very affectionate. They’ll grunt happily when you pet them or flop them over for belly rubs like they are a puppy. Pigs thrive on attention just like any other affectionate pet. They become attached to their families quickly. You might even feel them climbing into bed with you at night.

These delicate fluffballs are picky with their affection. So, you won’t see them just bond with anyone. But, once they do bond, they’re loyal for life. Chinchillas will sit on your shoulder and nibble your fingers gently. They don’t like cuddling for long, so enjoy the snuggles in short bursts. 

You may not think of these birds as being very affectionate, but they do live up to their names! Lovebirds are small parrots with big hearts. They form deep emotional connections, often by pairing with another bird (hence the term, “Lovebirds”). However,  if they are raised solo, they’ll bond tightly with their person. They love to chirp sweetly to show their love. 

Now, who doesn’t love pets that follow you around everywhere. It means they love you and want to be around you all the time. Pet ducks are surprisingly affectionate when raised with love. They’ll imprint on you and follow you like a shadow. Many ducks enjoy petting and even snuggling up on your lap. 

Try not to skip this slide. We want you to forget what you’ve heard about rats. These animals are intelligent, social, and incredibly affectionate. They’ll climb into your hoodie, snuggle under blankets, and even give tiny kisses if you’ll just give them the chance. Rats thrive on interaction and get emotionally attached to their owners.

No, geckos don’t wag tails or pant at you in adorable little struts, but they do show affection in their own way. With gentle handling and consistency, many geckos grow comfortable by climbing onto hands and calmly hanging out with their person. It’s subtle affection for sure, but it’s very rewarding to the right kind of owner.

Turtles may not seem affectionate with their hard exterior shells. But they recognize their owners and will respond to voices and routines more than you might think. Some turtles even enjoy gentle petting on their shells and will swim up excitedly just to say hi. 

Now, these guys are the opposite of turtles who may not love snuggles. Goats aren’t just farm animals, they’re social and love human interaction. Many goats just love to be petted, scratched, and even snuggle in laps if they are small enough. They’ll call out with a bleat for attention and follow you around like oversized puppies.

Axolotls won’t fetch or snuggle, but they become familiar with your presence. Over time, they swim up to the glass to “greet” you and will watch curiously during their feeding. This type of bond is honestly very peaceful. This low-key connection still feels meaningful.