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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.

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#1, Tortoise

Average lifespan: 75 years

Number of American households (all turtles): 1.1 million

Annual odds of requiring vet care: 7.7%

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#2, Parrot

Average lifespan: 22.7 years

Number of American households (all birds): 4.5 million

Annual odds of requiring vet care: 13.9%

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#3, Horse

Average lifespan: 18 years

Number of American households: 2.1 million

Annual odds of requiring vet care: 61.1%

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#4, Cat

Average lifespan: 14 years

Number of American households: 37.5 million

Annual odds of requiring vet care: 63.7%

Makarov Alexander
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#5, Dogs

Average lifespan: 12.8 years

Number of American households: 43 million

Annual odds of requiring vet care: 82.7%

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#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
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#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%

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#9, Rabbit (Eastern Cottontail)

Average lifespan: 9 years

Number of American households: 1.9 million

Annual odds of requiring vet care: 16.4%

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#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
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#12, Guinea Pig

Average lifespan: 6 years

Number of American households: 628,000

Annual odds of requiring vet care: 16.4%

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#13 (tie), Gerbil

Average lifespan: 3 years

Number of American households: 826,000

Annual odds of requiring vet care: 3.9%

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#13 (tie), Hamster

Average lifespan: 3 years

Number of American households: 187,000

Annual odds of requiring vet care: 8.1%

Andres Balcazar
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#15 Mouse

Average lifespan: 2 years

Number of American households: 452,000

Annual odds of requiring vet care: 0%

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