A hamster sits in a cage after being adopted by volunteers who stopped an owner from surrendering it to the government outside the New Territories South Animal Management Centre in Hong Kong, China, in January. Tribune News Service

Louise Delmotte

After my German shepherd mix passed away, I wasn’t ready to adopt another dog. But my single-girl condo felt empty. So when I got an e-mail about two guinea pigs who needed a home, I thought, “Perfect! How hard could it be?” Looking back, I realize that Alicia Silverstone had nothing on how clueless I was.

Don’t get me wrong, Duke and Bogart are cute, charismatic and perpetually doing things that make me laugh. But I would never recommend guinea pigs to my friends with kids — for a lot of reasons.

First of all, guinea pigs put you through an approval process. Guinea pigs require you to convince them that they should like you. And even then, some will never like to be picked up or held. And after you’ve been bitten, you learn your lesson.

Second, they are messy. Like, really messy. And that means washing fleece beds, ramp covers, cloth toys and towels about twice a week. And since their teeth grow constantly, they chew constantly as well. Food pellets, hay, chewing blocks and vegetables add up.

Third, if you’re thinking that smaller animals equal smaller expenses, think again. I spend more money to meet the needs of these 2-pound animals than I did to feed a 75-pound dog. I’ve also found that vet bills tend to go way up when you tack on the word “exotic.”

I’ve learned that even small animals have specialized needs. They are complex individuals. Gerbils go into hibernation if they get too cold. Rabbits don’t like to be picked up and may struggle so hard that they can break their back. Betta fish are carnivorous and need to eat insects and larvae. A major study just found that the main cause of death for captive hamsters is stress caused by dissatisfaction with their living conditions.

If you and any other adults in your household are ready to provide the distinct habitat, nutrition, grooming, exercise and veterinary care that a small animal needs, you’re in luck because there are many small animals eager to find a permanent home with someone who cares. And if the kids want a companion who will play with them, there are many dogs and cats waiting for homes, too.

Michelle Reynolds is a senior writer for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, 501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510; www.PETA.org.