Once they've outgrown one shell you'll need to buy their next, larger shell - a small cost. The animals themselves are inexpensive, and it's fun - for children and adults alike - to buy young ones and watch as they grow. Misleading name aside, hermit crabs actually enjoy company and will thank you if you provide them with a playmate. Hermit Crabs: Less Than $10 Photo credit: neosummer/istockphoto The ants (about $15, including shipping) and food (about $6 a year) are often sold separately. These pets require little time, are cheap even by small pet standards, and can be a popular choice for small children.Īnt farms can be found for about $15 to $25, depending on the design. Other ant farms are made from sand or dirt and require regular feeding and watering. Modern habitats such as the Antworks farm use a clear gel that doubles as food and allows you to watch the ants tunnel. An ant farm may seem a little dull at first and often aren't a popular choice - this probably isn't the pet for someone who loves dogs, for example - but expense-wise, it will save you a lot of money over the long-term. The cheapest pets to own are often small, demand little attention, and are the easiest to care for, and that's definitely true of ants. Geckos enjoy eating live crickets and worms, and weekly food expenses run from $3 to $7, depending on the size of your gecko. The going price for leopard geckos ranges from $20 to $70 a beginning terrarium setup generally costs between $100 and $200. These animals also require a moist hideout to aid their shedding, a water bowl, and a second hideout for when they're feeling self-conscious. Leopard geckos are nocturnal - meaning they're less active during the day - and unlike other reptiles, don't require UV light bulbs, but do need an incandescent bulb and possibly a heat pad, depending on temperatures in your home or apartment. The small, spotted creatures may be shy at first, but after some love and care they'll sweeten up to your touch, just like other pets. They are enchanting, cheap, and low maintenance. Leopard geckos make a great pet for reptile enthusiasts. Leopard Geckos: $20 to $70 Photo credit: Daniel Castillo/istockphoto Opt for a larger tank, ideally with a filtration system. The traditionally small goldfish fishbowl doesn't provide enough oxygen and has been banned in several countries. Daily food fees are minimal, but fish need a proper tank and setup costs about $100. Unless won at the county fair, these animals cost between $3 and $15 for the standard variety but up to several hundred dollars for rarer breeds. This is a characteristic that children will love. Their vision is surprisingly sharp and allows them to distinguish between people - it will eventually learn who you are, so don't be surprised if a day comes when your fish swims over to ask for food when you're nearby (remind you of another beloved pet? read: dogs). Goldfish can live for more than 20 years, have a memory span of at least three months, and can be taught to perform tricks. Goldfish: $3 to $15 Photo credit: SONGSAKPANDET/istockphotoĪ classic easy first pet, a goldfish is an animal that adds life and beauty to the room without requiring much attention, time or maintenance from its owners. Stephen Johnson contributed to this story. Consider adding one of these small creatures to your home as your family's new - and easiest - pet. They're all relatively easy to care for, as most cheap pets are, but will provide years of affection and camaraderie. Our list of 14 pets that both won't devour the household budget while also remaining low-maintenance, cheap, and lifestyle-friendly includes animals such as insects, reptiles, fish, and even a crustacean.
If you're looking for a new best friend and aren't in the market for a dog - or even if you already have a dog and are considering a second pet - you might consider something less expensive that can save you money - animals such as hamsters, guinea pigs, fish, hermit crabs, or others.
Dogs and cats are great - they provide companionship, entertainment, and love, but not only can the cost of care seem like a burden, but many people don't have a lot of space or the day to day living arrangements for a larger, more expensive pet.
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