There is no authoritative ranking of the ten worst animals to keep as pets. For an ordinary household, the poorest choices are generally wild or high-needs animals whose safety risks, welfare requirements, veterinary needs, or legal constraints are difficult to manage; the CDC advises, “Don’t keep wild animals as pets.”
Before choosing any animal, consider its lifespan, size, food, housing, exercise, veterinary-care costs, and the needs of everyone in your household. The examples below illustrate common mismatches; they are not a prediction that every individual animal is aggressive or ill.
How to judge whether an animal fits your household
A useful assessment looks at the animal’s normal needs and the household’s ability to meet them—not just its appearance or whether it is available for sale.
- Safety: Could a bite, scratch, sting, venom exposure, or escape put people or other animals at risk?
- Welfare: Can you provide appropriate housing, food, exercise, enrichment, and social contact?
- Health: Can you manage potential germ exposure and find a veterinarian experienced with the species?
- Household fit: Are there young children or others who may face greater health or safety risks?
- Practical and legal fit: Can you meet the animal’s needs for its lifetime, and do state, local, and property rules allow it?
Examples of animals that may be a poor fit
| Animal or group | Why it may not suit an ordinary home | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Wild animals | They are not domesticated and may injure people, carry germs, or struggle in a home setting. | CDC advises against keeping wildlife as pets. |
| Venomous animals | A bite or sting can cause a severe medical emergency, and treatment may be difficult to access. | CDC says not to keep venomous animals as pets or in household settings. |
| Big cats | Close contact carries risks of aggression, injury, and disease exposure. | CDC recommends keeping distance from wildlife. |
| Nonhuman primates | They are wild animals with complex care needs and potential disease risks. | CDC rules prohibit importing them as pets; that rule is not a complete statement of state ownership laws. |
| Reptiles and amphibians | They can carry germs even when they look healthy, and their care needs vary by species. | Children under five should avoid contact. |
| Backyard poultry and rodents | They can carry germs that make people ill, even when they appear healthy. | Consider household members and hand hygiene. |
| Wild small mammals, such as squirrels | They are wildlife, not household pets, and may need specialized care. | CDC advises against keeping wild small mammals as pets. |
These examples are not a scientific top ten. Risk depends on species, individual circumstances, the household, available care, and local rules. A legal pet is not automatically a suitable one.
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#1 Best Overall
- Hard sided pet carrier with 2 doors for front and top entry; suitable for cat or medium size dog weighing 12 - 20 pounds
- Durable plastic construction with steel wire doors; screws keep the top and bottom sections securely connected
- Spring load latches ensure easy one-handed door opening and closing; top door swings open to the left or right and includes a top carry handle
- Plenty of air ventilation on the sides, top, and back of the carrier
- Note: Be sure to measure the size of the pet when choosing carrier size
Wild animals and exotic pets
The CDC advises people not to keep wild animals as pets. Wildlife may be difficult to care for safely, and close contact can expose people to injury or disease. Bringing a wild animal home can also make it dependent on people and reduce its ability to survive in the wild.
Some exotic pets may be available legally in one place and restricted in another. Rules can depend on the species, location, and property. Check state and local requirements and lease or property rules before acquiring an animal, and ask a veterinarian experienced with that species about its care.
Rank #2
- Hard sided pet carrier with 2 doors for front and top entry; suitable for cat or extra-small dog breeds, such as chihuahuas and toy poodles (up to 11 pounds)
- Durable plastic construction with steel wire front door; screws keep the top and bottom sections securely connected
- Top door can swing open to the left or right for easy access and convenience
- Plenty of ventilation on sides, top, and back of the carrier
- Note: Be sure to measure the size of the pet when choosing carrier size
Health risks for household members
Reptiles and amphibians, backyard poultry, rodents, and exotic pets such as monkeys and other wild animals can carry germs that make people ill, even when they look healthy. Children under five should avoid contact with reptiles, amphibians, poultry, and rodents, according to CDC guidance.
CDC also reports that the U.S. ban on sales of turtles with shells under four inches, in place since 1975, is estimated to prevent 100,000 cases of Salmonella infection among children each year. This is an estimate about that specific restriction, not a measure of risk from every pet or animal group.
Rank #3
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Small mammals may require specialized veterinary care. Research the particular species, identify a veterinarian who treats it, and check applicable state, local, and property rules before bringing one home.
Questions to ask before getting a pet
- What will the animal’s needs be as an adult, and for its full lifespan?
- Can you provide the right food, housing, exercise, and daily care?
- Can you afford veterinary care and find a qualified veterinarian?
- Could the animal’s health or safety risks affect children or other household members?
- Is it legal to keep the animal where you live and under your lease or property rules?
- Who can care for the animal if you move, travel, or can no longer provide care?
If you can no longer care for an animal
Do not release a pet into the wild. Release can harm the animal and the ecosystem. CDC suggests looking for rehoming options through an experienced owner, local rescue, animal control, pet store, aquarium, or zoo, as appropriate for the species.
Rank #4
- SECURE AND SAFE: Protect your pet with this plastic dog crate featuring a an easy-open, sturdy wire door and tamper-proof holes for zip ties, so the kennel stays secure—a requirement for air travel
- AIRLINE-FRIENDLY: This pet carrier for dogs meets most airline cargo specifications, offering four-sided ventilation for your pet's comfort and visibility during air travel
- FOR MEDIUM DOGS: Designed for dogs weighing 20-30 lbs, this dog travel crate should have enough room for your pet to walk around and lie down with interior dimensions of 24.2" L x 18.2" W x 19.5" H
- EASY CLEANING: The portable dog crate's sturdy plastic shell is easy to wipe down quickly, while the stay-dry moat directs fluids away from your pet, making it great for housebreaking puppies or keeping pets dry during travel
- COMMITTED TO PET WELL-BEING: For over 60 years, Petmate has created high-quality products like pet crates for dogs that improve the lives of pets and their owners
- Contact a veterinarian: Ask for care advice and referrals to organizations familiar with the species.
- Contact appropriate local resources: Ask a rescue, animal control office, or suitable institution about lawful rehoming options.
- Share accurate information: Provide the animal’s species, health history, behavior, and care needs.
- For injured wildlife: Leave it alone and contact a wildlife rehabilitator or state wildlife office if it is badly injured or very sick.
FAQ
What are the worst animals to keep as pets?
There is no authoritative top-ten ranking. Wild animals, venomous animals, and species with needs or risks that a household cannot reliably manage are often poor fits. Consider the individual species and your household rather than relying on a single ranking.
Are all exotic pets dangerous?
No. Risk and care needs vary by species and situation. However, the CDC advises against keeping wildlife as pets, and it warns that some animal groups can carry germs even when they look healthy.
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- Spacious Soft-Sided Pet Carrier - 18x11x11 inch crate comfortably fits medium size pets, such as cats weighing 15-25 lbs or 10 pounds small dogs like Yorkies & Shih Tzus with room to stretch
- Escape-Resistant - Self-locking zipper sliders prevent clever kitties from opening this animal carrying bag from the inside while traveling. Reinforced 600D oxford fabric prevents anxious cats or little dogs from claw damage
- 360° Ventilation & Dual-Entry - Four-sided mesh ensure constant airflow during transport, while the wide top opening and side door facilitate stress-free transfers and quick check-ins for rabbits and puppies
- Stress-Free Travel Ready Bag - Adjustable, detachable shoulder strap allows for hands-free carrying for doggies during airports trips or vet visits. Collapsible case can be stored flat for convenient storage
- Car-Safe Cage & Convertible Storage - Unzip side panels to thread seatbelts or luggage handle sleeve, ensuring the safely of your Chihuahuas. Zip closed to convert into compact storage pockets for doggy toys or poodle treats
Can children be around reptiles or amphibians?
CDC guidance says children under five should avoid contact with reptiles and amphibians because they can carry germs that cause illness. Ask a healthcare professional or veterinarian about precautions for your household.
Can I keep a nonhuman primate as a pet in the United States?
CDC rules prohibit importing nonhuman primates as pets; they may be imported only for scientific, exhibition, or educational purposes. This import rule does not answer every question about ownership of animals already in the country. Check state and local laws.
What should I do with a pet I can no longer care for?
Do not release it. Contact a veterinarian and ask about an experienced owner, local rescue, animal control, or an appropriate institution that may help with rehoming.
The bottom line
Choose a pet based on its needs, not its novelty. Check lifespan, size, food, housing, exercise, veterinary care, household health risks, and local rules before acquiring an animal. If you cannot meet those needs for the animal’s lifetime, it is not the right pet for your household.
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