Are you a dog person or a cat person? How about birds or fish? What is your favorite pet?

The following worksheets explore the characteristics of various popular household pets. This includes dogs, cats, and other small mammals, birds, fish, and even reptiles. Each reading passage is accompanied by two different question sheets. We examine each of the most popular household through a reading worksheet which is normally 2 pages long. These sheets are accompanied by a set of multiple choice and short answer questions that go right along with the reading sheets. These are perfect for those raining days when you would like to work on reading in the content area with your students. Fun Fact: In the United States, more than 63% of households report owning at least one pet. Dogs are the most popular choice.

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Print Pets Worksheets

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Birds Reading Worksheet Page 1

Birds Reading Worksheet Page 1

Children and parents alike often delight in birds. They are fascinating, beautiful, and make great pets.

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Birds Page 2 Worksheet

Birds Page 2

The type of food you will need to feed your pet bird will vary depending on the breed and age of your bird.

Birds Page 2 Worksheet

Birds Multiple Choice Questions

The life span of a bird varies, but a general rule is that the larger the bird, the longer its life will be.

Birds Short Answer Worksheet

Birds Short Answer Questions

Birds can be noisy, too! Be sure that if you are purchasing a bird as a pet, you are ready to have some chirping, singing, and maybe even talking!

Cats Reading Passage Worksheet

Cats Reading Passage Page 1

Cats are very popular pets and can be found in many households across the United States.

Cats Reading Worksheet Page 2

Cats Reading Passage Page 2

A cat should be fed cat food twice a day. There are various types of cat food available, which can be selected based on the age of the cat, and it's size.

Cats Multiple Choice Worksheet

Multiple Choice Questions

Cats are often associated with allergies. If you are considering becoming a cat-owner, make sure that you are not allergic, as you will find yourself sneezing all the time!

Dogs Reading Worksheet

Dogs Reading Passage Page 1

What makes this lovable animal such a wonderful pet that many American families count a dog as part of the family?

Dogs Reading Worksheet 2

Dogs - Reading Passage Page 2

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturing Association, there are 62,300,000 dogs in America. That is a lot of dogs!

Dogs Multiple Choice Worksheet

Dogs Multiple Choice Questions

The average lifespan of a dog is between 10-12 years, but this may vary depending on the breed.

Dogs Short Answer Worksheet

Dogs Short Answer Questions

When people are considering getting a pet dog, there are a number of important factors that need to be considered.

Rabbits Reading Worksheet 1

Rabbits Reading Passage Page 1

Rabbits are considered fairly high-maintenance pets. Rabbits have long life spans of 9 - 12 years.

Rabbits Reading Worksheet 2

Rabbits- Reading Passage Page 2

Rabbits do not need to be bathed, but they do need to be groomed. Their nails need to be trimmed, and they need to be brushed.

Rabbits Multiple Choice Worksheet

Rabbits Multiple Choice Questions

Where will you keep a pet rabbit? Typically, bunny-owners keep their rabbits in an enclosed, well-ventilated room with a clean living area or hutch.

Rabbits Short Answer Worksheet

Rabbits Short Answer Questions

Rabbits can be fed fresh grass hay and vegetables, with some special rabbit pellets.

Ferrets Reading Worksheet

Ferrets Reading Passage Page 1

Be careful around ferrets – they tend to bite, and even though they might not mean to hurt you, they certainly are capable of causing pain!

Ferrets Reading Worksheet 2

Ferrets Reading Passage Page 2

A ferret is not a rodent like some people believe. They are from the mustildae family with cousins consisting of the mink, weasel, otter, skunk, badger and European polecat.

Ferrets Multiple Choice Worksheet

Ferrets Multiple Choice Questions

Because a ferret has so much energy and hates to sit still, it requires at least 3-4 hours outside of the cage every day for "play time."

Ferrets Short Answer Worksheet

Ferrets Short Answer Questions

Ferrets can get caught under recliner chairs, so any chairs like this cannot be in the home as they are very hazardous.

Guinea Pigs Reading Worksheet

Guinea Pigs - Reading Passage Page 1

Females are called sows, males are called boars, and babies are called pups. The latin name for Guinea pigs is Cavia percellus, and they are sometimes called cavies.

Guinea Pigs Multiple Choice Worksheet

Guinea Pigs Multiple Choice Questions

Guinea pigs are quite social; so many families welcome more than one into their family.

Guinea Pigs Short Answer Worksheet

Guinea Pigs Short Answer Questions

Guinea pigs can be kept in a large cage, and may be timid at first but generally become quite tame.

Hamsters Reading Worksheet

Hamsters Reading Passage Page 1

A pet hamster is a fun addition to any family. Is a pet hamster right for you?

Hamsters Multiple Choice Worksheet

Hamsters Multiple Choice Questions

Chinese hamsters are about the same size as dwarf hamsters, and only sometimes get along with other hamsters. Different species should never be paired together.

Hamsters Short Answer Worksheet

Hamsters Short Answer Questions

Hamsters live in cages. The cage should be large enough that the hamster can run around and enjoy himself.

Fish Reading Worksheet

Fish Reading Passage Page 1

Fish are a fairly low maintenance pet that the whole family can enjoy. A fish is also a great pet for someone with allergies!

Fish Multiple Choice Worksheet

Fish Multiple Choice Questions

While a fish might seem like a very simple pet to own, it is important to realize that it is still a commitment, like any other pet.

Fish Short Answer Worksheet

Fish Short Answer Questions

Fish come in many different types. One of the most popular types for family pets is the Betta fish (also known as the Siamese Fighting Fish).

Iguana Reading Worksheet

Iguana - Reading Passage Page 1

Not everyone wants a cuddly, fluffy pet! Some people prefer something a little more…amphibian. An iguana is a fantastic pet for someone who is interested in reptiles.

Iguana Reading Worksheet 2

Iguana - Reading Passage Page 2

Iguanas generally need an entire room or at least a portion of a room. Iguanas can be kept in an aquarium - a 55-gallon aquarium in usually purchased, but the iguana will likely outgrow it.

Iguana Multiple Choice Worksheet

Iguana Multiple Choice Questions

Iguanas can be fed green vegetables as well as fruits and squash. Food should be chopped up finely, and most iguana owners will tell you that iguanas appreciate variety.

Iguana Short Answer Worksheet

Iguana Short Answer Questions

Iguanas need to be bathed - this can be done in the bathtub. Iguana owners must wash their hands with an antibacterial soap after handling their pet, because iguanas carry salmonella.

Mice Reading Worksheet

Mice Reading Worksheet

Mice are nocturnal creatures, which means they are most active during the nighttime.

Mice Multiple Choice Worksheet

Mice Multiple Choice Questions

Mice should be kept in a wire cage with a tight fitting lid. The cage should be escape-proof, and mice will enjoy climbing about inside.

Mice Short Answer Worksheet

Mice Short Answer Questions

Pet mice are fairly low maintenance pets and are quite inexpensive to purchase and keep.

What Are the Most Popular Pets?

Nowadays, it is common for households to own at least one pet. Aside from acquiring them from pet stores, many people, especially genuine animal lovers, adopt them from animal shelters or take in rescue animals from the streets. And for most of these pet owners, pets are not just pets - they are family.

Here are some of the most popular pets:

  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Hamsters
  • Fish
  • Birds

While mankind first domesticated animals to provide food (cows and pigs), transportation (horses and camels), or as beasts of burden (oxen and donkeys), we have since come to rely on the companionship and joy of keeping animals as pets. There are several very common household pets. The best to start with is a goldfish. They are pretty easy to care for and can give you an indication if you are able to care for more than yourself. You can advance to more complex fish to care for in a fresh or saltwater environment, if you have some success with old goldie. Birds are very intelligent and make great pets but require a bit more care than fish. They require daily attention and a good bit of cleaning. Hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs make for fun pets as they scurry about. Bites are possible with these creatures. Cats make great pets and they are very independent, just make sure no one is allergic to their fur. It is the most common pet allergy to humans. The classic cuddly puppy dog always makes a great pet, but dogs require the most care of all pets. Dogs also need to a good temperament to be around children.

1. Dogs

According to statistics, dogs are the most popular pets owned by about 69 million households across the United States. Given their title as "man's best friend," it is no surprise that they are on top of the list.

Dogs are known for being compassionate, loving, and not to mention unapologetically cute - making them excellent companions. They can show empathy and affection toward their owners, which is why they are highly regarded.

Aside from being house pets, dogs can also assist family members with disabilities and serve as their service dogs.

Here is a list of dog breeds commonly owned by households:

  • Golden Retriever
  • Labrador Retriever
  • Beagle
  • Collie
  • Bulldog

2. Cats

Cats are highly popular among animal lovers and are owned in about 3 million American households. Although some assume that cats are aggressive and untrainable, they are affectionate and brilliant.

They are often misunderstood, which is a factor as to why some prefer dogs over cats. However, if trained and cared for properly, they make some of the best pets in the world.

Here is a list of popular cat breeds:

  • Siamese
  • Bengal
  • Persian
  • Ragdoll
  • Maine Coon

3. Hamsters

Hamsters are also popular pets, especially for children, since they are small, fairly independent, and require minimal attention. As long as you place a hamster wheel inside their cage to keep them active, give them fresh food and water daily, and provide clean space, you can leave them be.

Although they are often acquired for children, it is essential to remember that these little creatures must be handled gently. Adult supervision is highly recommended if you want your children to interact with the hamster.

Here is a list of hamster breeds that you can take care of:

  • Syrian Hamster
  • Campbell’s Dwarf Russian
  • Roborovski
  • Chinese Hamster
  • Winter White Russian

4. Fish

Another pet that does not require too much attention is fish. However, before getting a fish as a pet, you must understand that you would need a couple of pieces of equipment for them to live long. It includes a fish filter, aquarium heater, air pump, water conditioner, lighting, and some decoration that can entertain the fish and add to the aesthetic of the aquarium.

Aside from being a great pet, owning a fish can make your home look much more attractive, especially if the aquarium is well decorated and properly maintained.

Here is a list of some fish species that are popularly kept as pets or if you want to start taking care of one:

  • Betta Fish
  • Goldfish
  • Zebra Danio
  • Angelfish
  • Molly Fish

5. Birds

Birds are great pets, whether for children or adults. They are low-maintenance, intelligent, and can entertain you too. Like other pets, the only thing you would need to care for them properly is to give them food and water daily.

Aside from that, their vibrant colors that match their personality can easily brighten up your home. However, if you plan to acquire a bird, keep in mind that you should wash your hands with water and soap before touching any part of your body after holding them, as they tend to carry germs that can make you ill.

Here are some birds that would make a fantastic pet:

  • Doves
  • Lovebirds
  • Parakeets
  • Cockatiel
  • African Gray Parrots