The earliest evidence of humans keeping animals as pets dates back to the Neolithic period, around 12,000 years ago. These early pets were likely dogs, which were used for hunting and protection. However, it is possible that humans had pets even earlier than this, as there is evidence of Neanderthals keeping wolves as companions.

What Was the First Pet?

The First Pets

The first pets were likely animals that were useful to humans, such as dogs for hunting and cats for pest control. However, as humans became more settled and domesticated, they began to keep animals for companionship and pleasure.

Some of the first pets kept for companionship include:

  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Birds
  • Fish
  • Rabbits
  • Dogs

    Dogs are thought to be the first animals that humans domesticated, with evidence of their domestication dating back to around 15,000 years ago. Dogs were likely first used for hunting and protection, but they quickly became popular companions as well.

    Dogs are still one of the most popular pets today, with millions of dogs living in homes around the world.

    Cats

    Cats were first domesticated in ancient Egypt, around 4,000 years ago. Cats were likely first kept as pets for their ability to control rodents, but they quickly became popular companions as well.

    Cats are now one of the most popular pets in the world, with millions of cats living in homes around the world.

    Birds

    Birds have been kept as pets for centuries, with evidence of bird keeping dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. Birds are often kept as pets for their beauty, their song, and their ability to talk.

    Some of the most popular pet birds include:

  • Parrots
  • Macaws
  • Cockatiels
  • Budgies
  • Canaries
  • Fish

    Fish have been kept as pets for centuries, with evidence of fish keeping dating back to ancient China. Fish are often kept as pets for their beauty and their calming effect.

    Some of the most popular pet fish include:

  • Goldfish
  • Tetras
  • Barbs
  • Cichlids
  • Angelfish
  • Rabbits

    Rabbits have been kept as pets for centuries, with evidence of rabbit keeping dating back to ancient Rome. Rabbits are often kept as pets for their cuteness and their gentle nature.

    Some of the most popular pet rabbits include:

  • Holland Lops
  • Dwarf Hotots
  • Mini Rexes
  • Lionheads
  • Jersey Woolies