Michigan’s Most Popular Pet That’s Not A Cat Or Dog

Wide Open Pets recently detailed the most popular pets in each state. For Michigan, cats clawed their way to the number one spot. And unsurprisingly, dogs and cats were the top choices in all of the states. But USA Today has a report that shows the most popular pet in Michigan besides a cat or dog.  But beyond those, what are the most popular pets in each state?  Google Trends shared a map with USA Today that details the most searched pet by state, excluding cats and dogs.

You might think that fish or birds would be the most common response. However, that is not the case in the Great Lakes State. If you are thinking hamster, guinea pig, or chinchilla,  you are on the right track. Surprisingly, the bearded dragon is the most searched pet in many southern states. In fact, every state from North Carolina down to Florida, then west to Louisiana, has the bearded dragon as the most popular pet after a cat or dog. In Michigan, the answer is not as shocking.

If a cat or a dog is not an option for you right now, or you're simply looking to think outside the cage for your next pet, the guinea pig is the most popular in Michigan (besides dogs and cats).

The lifespan of this rodent pet is five to seven years. Standard stores like Petco or Pet Smart sell guinea pigs for about  $50 (in-store only). Then, you must buy the cage, food, and supplies separately. What's unique about these pets is that they typically need a companion in order to be good pets. While these little furry creatures can be a ton of fun, PetKeen points out, "they need to have other guineas around them to be happy — a guinea pig alone in a cage will not be happy."