Top 10 Best Pets

A loyal companion that needs exercise and attention. Dogs come in many breeds and sizes. Research shows that a dog gets its owners moving more and can reduce loneliness.

A more independent pet that often plans its own time. The Netherlands is estimated to have more cats than dogs. Cats can happily sleep in the sun for hours, but are also surprisingly affectionate once they trust you.

A social animal that prefers to live with a companion and needs space to run. Rabbits are often underestimated: they can live up to ten years and have their own personality.

A calm, social rodent that needs the company of its own kind. Guinea pigs communicate with squeaks and make a happy 'wheeking' sound when they expect food.

A calming pet that takes up little space but does require good water care. According to research, watching an aquarium lowers heart rate and stress levels.

A small rodent that is active in the evening and at night and likes to live alone. Hamsters stuff food into their cheek pouches and can run kilometers on their wheel at night.

A colorful, social bird that often bonds with other budgies or with people and can learn to talk. Budgies are smart and playful, and with patience they learn tricks and even whole sentences.

For lovers of the outdoors: a large and demanding pet that needs a lot of time and space. The bond between rider and horse is unique, and horses can sense human emotions surprisingly well.

A long-lived pet that is calm, but needs specific care and a suitable environment. Some species live more than fifty years, so a tortoise can stay with you your whole life.

A playful, curious pet that needs lots of attention and space. Ferrets sleep up to eighteen hours a day, but afterwards they are a little whirlwind of energy.