Lisa O
Getting a pet seems like a great idea at first—something cute, cuddly, or cool to keep you company. But the truth is, not every pet fits every lifestyle. Some are much harder to care for than people expect, and others bring unexpected stress, costs, or mess into the home. Here are 15 pets that many people end up regretting and the surprising reasons why.
Parrots That Never Stop Screaming
Parrots look beautiful and can live for decades, but most people don’t realize how loud and demanding they are until it’s too late. They scream for attention, chew everything they can find, and need constant mental stimulation to stay happy. What sounds like fun at first quickly becomes overwhelming, especially if you live in an apartment or need peace and quiet during the day or night.
Huskies With Endless Energy
They’re gorgeous and loyal, but huskies need way more exercise than most people can give. If they don’t get enough stimulation, they’ll destroy furniture, dig holes, or try to escape the backyard. Some owners love the idea of owning a wolf-like dog but aren’t ready for the intense daily workouts or the stubborn behavior huskies often bring into the mix.
Hamsters That Only Come Out at Night
A lot of people buy hamsters thinking they’re low-maintenance and cute to watch, but they forget that hamsters are nocturnal. They sleep all day and get active just when you’re trying to sleep, often running endlessly on noisy wheels. And despite looking cuddly, most hamsters don’t enjoy being held and can even bite, which quickly makes them less appealing to kids or first-time pet owners.
Iguanas That Grow Too Big to Handle
Iguanas start off small and manageable, but they can grow up to 6 feet long and become very strong and aggressive. Some need custom enclosures, special lighting, and strict diets, which catch new owners off guard. Many people buy them on impulse, only to realize later that they’re expensive, unpredictable, and not very affectionate, making them one of the most returned reptiles.
Rabbits That Don’t Like Being Picked Up
Rabbits look very soft and sweet, but many don’t like being held or cuddled. They’re also prone to health issues and need more care than most people assume, including daily cleaning and proper diets. Kids often lose interest when the rabbit scratches or kicks, and adults aren’t always ready for the ongoing responsibility. It’s not long before regret starts creeping in.
Ferrets That Steal and Stink
Ferrets are playful and funny, but they’re also mischievous and known for hiding things around the house. They have a strong natural odor, even after being neutered, and need a lot of time outside their cages every day. What seems like a fun, quirky pet ends up being more work than expected, especially once you start finding missing socks under the couch.
Large Exotic Fish That Outgrow Their Tanks
Many people buy exotic fish because they look beautiful in pet stores, but they don’t always stay small. Fish like pacus or iridescent sharks can grow too big for standard tanks and end up needing expensive, massive aquariums. It becomes a costly, stressful experience trying to keep them healthy, and a lot of owners eventually feel trapped by their own fish tanks.
Goats That Destroy Everything
Goats are often seen as cute farm animals you can keep in the backyard, but they’re a handful. They chew furniture, fences, and even car parts if given the chance. They also escape constantly, scream loudly, and can get aggressive if bored. Unless you live on a proper farm and are ready to goat-proof your property, most people end up regretting bringing one home.
Border Collies That Never Slow Down
Border collies are incredibly smart and trainable, but they need mental challenges every single day. If they’re not herding sheep or working in some way, they get bored and anxious—and that’s when they start chewing, barking, or acting out. A lot of families see a smart dog and expect an easy one, only to learn the hard way that intelligence doesn’t equal simplicity.
Chinchillas That Don’t Like Warm Weather
Chinchillas have the softest fur, which is what draws most people in. But they’re extremely sensitive to heat and can die if the room gets too warm. They also don’t like getting wet, need dust baths, and can live 15 years or more. That’s a big commitment for a pet you can’t cuddle much, and a lot of owners regret the decision once reality sets in.
Turtles That Outlive Their Owners
Turtles seem simple, but many species live for 40 years or more, and some even longer. What starts as a cute, tiny shell pet becomes a decades-long responsibility. They also need specific lighting, water filters, and large tanks to stay healthy. Some people buy turtles for their kids and end up taking care of them long after the kids grow up and move on.
Cats That Aren’t as Chill as Expected
Not all cats are low-maintenance. Some have a serious attitude, knock things over constantly, or demand attention at the worst times. While people assume cats will be independent, certain breeds or personalities can be clingy, territorial, or even destructive. First-time owners often feel misled when they expect a quiet, easy-going pet but end up with a needy, demanding feline roommate.
Sugar Gliders That Stay Up All Night
These tiny, flying marsupials look adorable, but they’re nocturnal, loud, and extremely social. They hate being alone and can become depressed if kept without another glider. They also need special diets and big cages with lots of climbing space. Many owners regret getting one because they expected a quiet pocket pet and instead got a hyper, night-loving creature that cries out while you’re trying to sleep.
Potbellied Pigs That Grow and Grow
People often get baby pigs thinking they’ll stay small forever, but most potbellied pigs grow much larger than expected and need plenty of space. They’re also strong-willed, can damage flooring, and require outdoor time. Once the “tiny pig” phase is over, many owners realize they weren’t prepared for a full-sized animal with a stubborn streak and a habit of rooting through everything.
Frogs That Just Aren’t Very Fun
Frogs might look cool at first, especially the colorful or exotic ones, but they’re not interactive pets. Most don’t like being handled and need precise humidity, temperature, and food conditions to stay healthy. Once the novelty wears off, many people feel disconnected from a pet that doesn’t play, cuddle, or do much beyond sit in a tank, leaving them wishing they’d chosen something else.