What the site covers
Choosing a pet, everyday care for dogs, cats, small mammals, birds, fish and reptiles, feeding and housing, adoption and rescue, when to see a vet and wildlife at home.
How the guides are written
The guides draw on widely accepted care practice and the public advice of veterinary and animal welfare organizations. Where a figure is involved, such as enclosure size or lifespan, we give a typical range and say so. Care advice changes as research does, and individual animals differ, so the guides point you to your vet for anything specific to your animal.
About the care cards
The care cards on the home page and each guide summarize space, daily time, company and typical lifespan for healthy, well-kept animals. The lifespan bar runs from 0 to 25 years. The cards are a way to compare species quickly. They are not a promise about any one animal.
Who the guides are for
The guides assume no previous experience with the species. They suit families comparing pets for the first time, new owners in their first weeks, and experienced keepers who want a quick refresher before taking on a different animal. If you already have a pet and something has changed, start with when to see a vet.
Words we use
We use US spelling and US measurements first, with metric in parentheses where it helps. "Vet" means a licensed veterinarian. "Exotic vet" means a vet with training and experience in rabbits, rodents, birds, reptiles or fish. "Rehabilitator" means a person licensed to care for injured or orphaned wild animals.
What we don't do
- We don't diagnose illness, and we never suggest medicines or doses.
- We don't sell animals, food, supplies or services.
- We don't accept payment for coverage and have no partner links.
Spotted a mistake?
If something looks wrong or out of date, write to contact@animalsportal.com with the page and the problem, and we will look into it. We can't answer questions about a particular animal's health. Please contact your vet for those.
About Animals Portal: questions
Is this site written by a vet?
No. Animals Portal is a general information site. For advice about your own animal, talk to a veterinarian who can examine it.
Can I suggest a species to cover?
Yes. Send the suggestion to the address above.