Domestic Animals

The word "pet" evokes images of cats curled up on laps, loyal dogs fetching sticks and furry rodents running on wheels. Even with the occasional bird, reptile or arachnid mixed in, pets are pretty predictable for the most part. But as the popularity of exotic pets grows, more animal lovers are legally welcoming formerly wild creatures into their homes. 

A pet (or companion animal) is an animal kept primarily for a person's company or protection, as opposed to working animals, sport animals, livestock, and laboratory animals, which are kept primarily for performance, agricultural value, or research. The most popular pets are noted for their attractive appearances and their loyal or playful personalities.

Pets commonly provide their owners (or guardians) physical and emotional benefits. Walking a dog can supply both the human and pet with exercise, fresh air, and social interaction. Pets can give companionship to elderly adults who do not have adequate social interaction with other people. There is a medically approved class of therapy animals, mostly dogs, that are brought to visit confined humans. Pet therapy utilizes trained animals and handlers to achieve specific physical, social, cognitive, and emotional goals with patients.

The most popular pets are likely dogs and cats, but people also keep house rabbits, ferrets;  rodents such as gerbils,  hamsters,  chinchillas, fancy rats, and guinea pigs; avian pets, such as canaries,  parakeets, and parrots; reptile pets, such as turtles, lizards and snakes; aquatic pets, such as tropical fish and frogs; and arthropod pets, such as tarantulas and hermit crabs.