The best low-maintenance pets for busy people on the go
News Desk | May 06, 2025, 16:00 IST
Low-maintenance pets are ideal for busy people who want companionship without the time-consuming care. From hardy fish to independent cats and small reptiles, these pets require minimal grooming and attention while still offering affection and joy. Choosing low-maintenance pets allows those with hectic lifestyles to enjoy the benefits of pet ownership without the added stress or constant upkeep.
When it comes to welcoming your pets into your family, every animal needs to be cared for and feel loved. Just like humans, pets also require intensive care and proper nutrition. However, if you are a busy person, it is not possible to spend much time caring for your pet. Whether you have adopted a dog or cuddly cat, it does not necessarily mean that you have no right to adopt a pet for yourself; you just need to find the right one.
For you, these are some low-maintenance pets that you can bring home today and shower all the love they need.
Betta fish
Betta fishes are stunning, really wonderfully colored, and have an awesome low-maintenance set-up. They come in a wide range of hues from royal blue to fierce red. The metallic scales on their bodies and pastel gradient are a sight to sore eyes.
Their setup is less demanding than other fishes, however, they do not live in small tanks. They will need a 2.5 to 5 gallon tank minimum, filtered water, decorative plants and lots of gravel. With time, Betta fishes learn to associate with you, learning simple tricks such as swimming through hoops and flaring on cues. If you are someone who wants aesthetic and effortless fishes, Betta fish might just be the right one for you.
Guinea pig
Guinea pigs offer a perfect balance between personality, affection and simplicity. They make for an ideal pet choice for individuals, families or anyone with a hectic schedule. They are incredibly gentle, highly social and they won’t keep you up at night. These fluffy beings are tiny and easy to care for. Their minimum requirements are a cage up to 7.5 square feet, bedding with proper fleece-liners for winters, food bowls and water bottles and a little hay rack. They like to eat fresh vegetables, pellets and always want to stay in fresh water. Guinea pigs are kid-friendly and make no major mess, they might be interactive a little too much but are not demanding.
Pug
If you like low-energy dogs that are also charming and won’t skimp on love, then pugs might be the right fit for you.
Pugs are small, affectionate dogs that were originally bred to be lap champions for Chinese royalty. Today, they are the most fun-loving, gentle animals that fit well and are easily adjusted to your fast-paced environment. Pugs are couch potatoes at heart; they are clever and expressive, ideal for small homes and city living, and they are big on people pleasing.
Pugs are perfect for apartment-dwellers, first-time dog owners and older adults. Pugs need to brush 2-3 times a week to manage all the shedding, bathing at least once a month. They are generally healthy, but like many small breeds they come with some health considerations.
Pugs come in wrinkled packages, small in size, big in personality and endlessly cuddlable.
Turtle
Turtles are ideal for people who want a long-living animal that does not require constant attention or care. While they are quite slow-moving and are fascinating, they offer a unique kind of companionship. They are peaceful and quiet, do not walk or make loud noises, and can live for decades. With a very basic setup at home, you can bring your favorite turtle in. Approximately 30-50 gallons, depending on the turtle. UVB light helps with vitamin D production and shell health. Turtles mostly eat a mix of vegetables, protein and specialised turtle pellets.
They require spot cleaning daily, trimming nails and beaks occasionally, and deep tank cleaning once a month. Turtles have excellent eyesight, they can feel when you touch their shell and even enjoy exploring outside of their tanks sometimes. If you are one to welcome a creature of patience, grace and low maintenance, its time to meet you new shell-mate.
Rabbit
Soft-spoken companions for calm and busy lives. These affectionate, intelligent and surprisingly trainable pets are wonderful for people who have a busy schedule. Rabbits don’t need daily walks; they groom themselves, and they are content in smaller spaces as well. They are very gentle, smart and trainable, they are independent yet affectionate. Great for apartments or small homes. They only require a litter box, chewable and a 4ft into 2ft rabbit cage. They mostly consume fresh greens such as kale, cilantro and parsley. They do require occasional cleaning, such as brushing weekly, monthly nail trims and cleaning litter box 2- times a week.
Hamster
Say hello to a hamster– a pocket-sized companion that is low - maintenance, affordable and adorable at the same time. Hamsters need very little space, they are easy to clean and care for. They are entertaining to watch and require minimal time commitment. A hamster's basic setup includes bedding (paper-based bed), a cage with proper ventilation, food bowls and water bottles. They usually consume fresh veggies, occasional protein, and small fruit treats as well, such as apples and bananas. Hamsters bond very well with their owners. To get them to trust you, be patient and quiet, use treats to build trust and avoid any sudden movements. Hamsters might be small, but they bring in a huge dose of charm and companionship.
Discover expert advice and the latest tips on pet care, training, health, and more. Stay updated with all things pets at Times Pets!
For you, these are some low-maintenance pets that you can bring home today and shower all the love they need.
Betta fish
Low-maintenance pets
Betta fishes are stunning, really wonderfully colored, and have an awesome low-maintenance set-up. They come in a wide range of hues from royal blue to fierce red. The metallic scales on their bodies and pastel gradient are a sight to sore eyes.
Their setup is less demanding than other fishes, however, they do not live in small tanks. They will need a 2.5 to 5 gallon tank minimum, filtered water, decorative plants and lots of gravel. With time, Betta fishes learn to associate with you, learning simple tricks such as swimming through hoops and flaring on cues. If you are someone who wants aesthetic and effortless fishes, Betta fish might just be the right one for you.
Guinea pig
Guinea pigs offer a perfect balance between personality, affection and simplicity. They make for an ideal pet choice for individuals, families or anyone with a hectic schedule. They are incredibly gentle, highly social and they won’t keep you up at night. These fluffy beings are tiny and easy to care for. Their minimum requirements are a cage up to 7.5 square feet, bedding with proper fleece-liners for winters, food bowls and water bottles and a little hay rack. They like to eat fresh vegetables, pellets and always want to stay in fresh water. Guinea pigs are kid-friendly and make no major mess, they might be interactive a little too much but are not demanding.
Pug
Low-maintenance pets
If you like low-energy dogs that are also charming and won’t skimp on love, then pugs might be the right fit for you.
Pugs are small, affectionate dogs that were originally bred to be lap champions for Chinese royalty. Today, they are the most fun-loving, gentle animals that fit well and are easily adjusted to your fast-paced environment. Pugs are couch potatoes at heart; they are clever and expressive, ideal for small homes and city living, and they are big on people pleasing.
Pugs are perfect for apartment-dwellers, first-time dog owners and older adults. Pugs need to brush 2-3 times a week to manage all the shedding, bathing at least once a month. They are generally healthy, but like many small breeds they come with some health considerations.
Pugs come in wrinkled packages, small in size, big in personality and endlessly cuddlable.
Turtle
Low-maintenance pets
Turtles are ideal for people who want a long-living animal that does not require constant attention or care. While they are quite slow-moving and are fascinating, they offer a unique kind of companionship. They are peaceful and quiet, do not walk or make loud noises, and can live for decades. With a very basic setup at home, you can bring your favorite turtle in. Approximately 30-50 gallons, depending on the turtle. UVB light helps with vitamin D production and shell health. Turtles mostly eat a mix of vegetables, protein and specialised turtle pellets.
They require spot cleaning daily, trimming nails and beaks occasionally, and deep tank cleaning once a month. Turtles have excellent eyesight, they can feel when you touch their shell and even enjoy exploring outside of their tanks sometimes. If you are one to welcome a creature of patience, grace and low maintenance, its time to meet you new shell-mate.
Rabbit
Soft-spoken companions for calm and busy lives. These affectionate, intelligent and surprisingly trainable pets are wonderful for people who have a busy schedule. Rabbits don’t need daily walks; they groom themselves, and they are content in smaller spaces as well. They are very gentle, smart and trainable, they are independent yet affectionate. Great for apartments or small homes. They only require a litter box, chewable and a 4ft into 2ft rabbit cage. They mostly consume fresh greens such as kale, cilantro and parsley. They do require occasional cleaning, such as brushing weekly, monthly nail trims and cleaning litter box 2- times a week.
Hamster
Say hello to a hamster– a pocket-sized companion that is low - maintenance, affordable and adorable at the same time. Hamsters need very little space, they are easy to clean and care for. They are entertaining to watch and require minimal time commitment. A hamster's basic setup includes bedding (paper-based bed), a cage with proper ventilation, food bowls and water bottles. They usually consume fresh veggies, occasional protein, and small fruit treats as well, such as apples and bananas. Hamsters bond very well with their owners. To get them to trust you, be patient and quiet, use treats to build trust and avoid any sudden movements. Hamsters might be small, but they bring in a huge dose of charm and companionship.
- What is the best pet for a busy person?
Betta fish, turtles, pugs, rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs are the best pet options for people having busy schedules. - What are the easiest low-maintenance pets?
One of the best pet options is are betta fish. They are beautiful, require minimal care and do not need a lot of space or daily attention. - What is the best pet if you have to work all day?
Turtles, rabbits, betta fishes and hamsters are the best pets, even if you have to work the full day.