What pet to get?

[VenetoResident]

We have said that DS2 can have a pet when we move house (to soften the blow - he has wanted one for a long time).

He wants something he can stroke and play with.

I'm not sure if we'll have lots of garden space (but we'll definitely have some). I think DS2 would be open to a pet in his bedroom but it would have to be non-smelly.

Any thoughts on the easiest pet maintenance wise? I'd like to still be able to go away on holiday for a week or a weekend. He has asthma and some allergies.

We are a reptile household here due to allergies, even rodents would set off DH.
Beardies make a good starter reptile, or you can get their smaller cousin a rankin's dragon which doesn't grow quite as large as an adult (they are a bit more expensive though).
Please make sure you get proper advice beforehand though as they will require specialist heating/lighting and supplements to avoid the reptile version of brittle bone disease.

I agree with everyone who says Bearded Dragon, we have one and he's amazing. Easy to look after, loves his fruit, veg and insects and he's so friendly. You just need to fork out a fortune for their vivariums, lighting, heating etc first but then theres about £10 per week on live food and fruit.

Dragons are good if he wants to interact with it - they tend to be supremely chilled. Mine is awesome :)

Personally I think it’s rare to find a rabbit or tortoise you can actually play with. And cats are a bit hit and miss that way too

My skinks are even friendlier than the dragon but quicker. Also love climbing and appear to have zero concept of their own mortality. So need watching a bit more carefully....

@SnakesandKnives

Dragons are good if he wants to interact with it - they tend to be supremely chilled. Mine is awesome :)

Personally I think it’s rare to find a rabbit or tortoise you can actually play with. And cats are a bit hit and miss that way too

My skinks are even friendlier than the dragon but quicker. Also love climbing and appear to have zero concept of their own mortality. So need watching a bit more carefully....

What about a uromastyx? Also cute (little ET), handleable and vegetarian - which might be better for op as no need to house live feed.

Rats are amazing but my daughter developed an allergy to them , she has asthma.

Hamster or tortoise or kitten if you can persuade your DH

Guinea pigs are quite high maintenance as need lots of space.

@KnobChops What about a uromastyx? Also cute (little ET), handleable and vegetarian - which might be better for op as no need to house live feed.
That is an excellent suggestion - best so far I reckon. And they’re so sweet :)

Did you get anything OP? I have a large collection of reptiles (and other animals) so can advise if that's still a consideration?