Which Pets Live the Longest?
Not every animal friend is created equal, at least when it comes to mortality. From birds to ferrets, The Daily Beast reveals how long you can expect 15 different pets to stay by your side.
#1, Tortoise
Average lifespan: 75 years
Number of American households (all turtles): 1.1 million
Annual odds of requiring vet care: 7.7%
#2, Parrot
Average lifespan: 22.7 years
Number of American households (all birds): 4.5 million
Annual odds of requiring vet care: 13.9%
#3, Horse
Average lifespan: 18 years
Number of American households: 2.1 million
Annual odds of requiring vet care: 61.1%
#4, Cat
Average lifespan: 14 years
Number of American households: 37.5 million
Annual odds of requiring vet care: 63.7%
Makarov Alexander
#5, Dogs
Average lifespan: 12.8 years
Number of American households: 43 million
Annual odds of requiring vet care: 82.7%
#6 (tie), Bearded dragon
Average lifespan: 12.5 years
Number of American households (all lizards): 719,000
Annual odds of requiring vet care: 4%
Photographer:Ireneusz Skorupa
#6 (tie), Miniature pig
Average lifespan: 12.5 years
Number of American households (all livestock): 728,000
Annual odds of requiring vet care: 30.5%
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#8, Common goldfish
Average lifespan: 10 years
Number of American households (all fish): 9 million
Annual odds of requiring vet care: 1.9%
#9, Rabbit (Eastern Cottontail)
Average lifespan: 9 years
Number of American households: 1.9 million
Annual odds of requiring vet care: 16.4%
#10 (tie), Snake (Common Garter)
Average lifespan: 8 years
Number of American households: 390,000
Annual odds of requiring vet care: 4%
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#10 (tie), Ferret
Average lifespan: 8 years
Number of American households: 505,000
Annual odds of requiring vet care: 38.5%
Juergen Peter Bosse
#12, Guinea Pig
Average lifespan: 6 years
Number of American households: 628,000
Annual odds of requiring vet care: 16.4%
#13 (tie), Gerbil
Average lifespan: 3 years
Number of American households: 826,000
Annual odds of requiring vet care: 3.9%
#13 (tie), Hamster
Average lifespan: 3 years
Number of American households: 187,000
Annual odds of requiring vet care: 8.1%
Andres Balcazar
#15 Mouse
Average lifespan: 2 years
Number of American households: 452,000
Annual odds of requiring vet care: 0%
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