Pick a pet

Cats are New Zealand’s most popular pets – 44 percent of homes have at least one, while just over a quarter of Kiwis (28 percent) have dogs. That’s around 1.1 million cats and 700,000 dogs all up. That said, there’s a wide variety of all types of pets that contribute to the happiness and emotional wellbeing of New Zealanders. Here are some:

Dogs

Gentle, loyal and loving, dogs make good companions both inside and outside the house. Some breeds are high-maintenance pets, and all dogs need proper care and exercise.

Birds

Birds are colourful, pretty to look at, and bring song. Most birds are non-threatening and can stay in their cages without any trouble, but those cages
do need to be cleaned.

Guinea Pigs

Many children have guinea pigs as pets. They can be handled easily, and are smart. Social animals, they usually need a companion, and large living areas.

Turtles

Gentle, and peaceful creatures, turtles are always calm, and often stay in one position for long durations. They require multiple environmental conditions to be set for survival.

Cats

Cute and cuddly, cats also make good companions, and require little maintenance. Cats are independent, and like to wander so may disappear from time to time. They can cause allergies, and can be moody.

Fish

Fish are good pets, needing only clean water and food at regular intervals. Brightly-coloured fish can be intriguing and entertaining. Remember their tanks need regular cleaning.

Rabbits

Adorable fluffy little bundles, rabbits take time getting used to human touch, but once they do, they make great pets. Rabbits are social, requiring constant attention and clean cages.

Reptiles

Growing in popularity, reptiles cover a range of species including lizards. Reptiles are sensitive animals, requiring specialised care to cater for special needs such as space, heat, humidity, lighting, and live prey.