

A pet is a domesticated animal that lives with people, but is not forced to work and is not eaten, in most instances. In most cases, a pet is kept to entertain people or for companionship. Some pets such as dogs and cats are placed in an animal shelter if there is no one willing to take care of it.
Dogs, cats, fish, birds are the most common pets in North America. Horses, elephants, oxen, and donkeys are usually made to work, so they are not usually called pets. Some dogs also do work for people, and it was once common for some birds (like falcons and carrier pigeons) to work for humans.
Rodents are also very popular pets. The most common are guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters (especially Syrian and dwarf hamsters), mice and rats.
Images for kids
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Margaret Gorman with her pet Greyhound in April 1925
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The Girl with the Marmot by Jean-Honoré Fragonard
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- Young Lady with parrot by Édouard Manet 1866
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The Fireplace depicting a Pug, James Tissot
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Rosa Bonheur - Portrait of William F. Cody
