As workdays get longer and personal schedules fill up, many prospective pet owners are turning to low‑maintenance companions that provide affection without overwhelming care needs.
While getting a pet is rewarding, employees at the Pet Valu on Quinpool urge people to “not just get a pet for the aesthetic.”
“We have seen boys from the frat houses bring in Sphinx cats with serious sunburns,” said an employee from the store, who wished to stay unnamed. It is important to know the care that goes into taking care of the pet.
The flip side is when animals get surrendered because they were bought or adopted without knowledge of the species or breed.
In an interview, Sandra Flemming, the provincial director of animal care for the Nova Scotia SPCA said that a lot of people would love to have a pet. People think that they’d love to give their time, love and energy to an animal, “but maybe they’re senior themselves, maybe they don’t want a long-term commitment of a young animal.”
Flemming recommended either adopting a senior furry friend or opting to foster a pet. “We found that when we had senior animals with a lot of veterinary care needed, the best way we could get them into a loving home was through our palliative care program.”
Through this program, older pets with manageable health concerns live out the rest of their lives in foster care. The Nova Scotia SPCA pays for all the pets’ ongoing medical care through our own SPCA Animal Hospitals and Clinics.
The employees at Pet Valu listed some of the most common, and first-time pet-friendly pets that they have seen come in.
Pocket companions: Hamsters and guinea pigs
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Hamsters, including the beginner‑friendly Syrian breed, are solitary yet self‑sufficient, requiring a pen, bedding, food, and minimal interaction.
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Guinea pigs, while slightly more social, are still easy to care for: they thrive on hay, pellets, occasional fresh veggies, and cleaning twice a week keeps their hutch fresh.
Small mammals: Rabbits and more
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Rabbits, such as the laid‑back Rex breed, are quiet, affectionate, and require relatively low grooming, making them excellent indoor companions.
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Other small pets—including mice, rats, gerbils, and chinchillas. They are known for their compact size, easy care needs, and suitability for those worried about renting.
Aquatic and reptilian alternatives
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Fish, like betta or goldfish, are perfect for those who appreciate pets without daily interaction. A clean tank and minimal feeding are typically sufficient. Research on the size of the tank and water temperature is key.
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Reptiles such as leopard geckos, corn snakes, and bearded dragons are emerging as popular low‑maintenance options. These creatures require simple environments, basic diets, and moderate upkeep. All manageable for a first-time owner.
Busier lifestyles and smaller living spaces have boosted demand for pets that offer companionship with minimal fuss. These animals generally require simple housing, basic feeding schedules, and low grooming—perfect for professionals, students, or senior citizens.
What pet lovers should consider:
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Longevity and space needs: Even small animals need appropriate enclosures and some companionship—guinea pigs thrive in pairs, for instance.
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Health and routine: Regular cleaning, veterinary check-ups, and quality nutrition remain essential, despite the ‘low maintenance’ label.
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Legal and ethical considerations: Always verify local regulations, especially for exotic or less common pets, like chinchillas or certain reptiles.
The ultimate recommendation is to foster, adopt or shop from a vetted ethical source.
Shane Scott, a volunteer at the Spay Day HRM hates the term low-maintenance pets. “I get what people mean, but you’ve got to remember that these animals have lives.”
“As long as owners remain committed to their care needs, there aren’t any red flags,” said Scott.
“Marketing them as low maintenance is going to make people think they are no work to look after, and I want people to know that if they bring home a life, they are responsible for it.”
This article appears in Jun 1-30, 2025.