Dogs, cats, fish, rodents, lagomorphs, ferrets, birds, certain reptiles and amphibians, and a wide variety of arthropods such as tarantulas and hermit crabs 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.

Why are animals called pets?

According to online dictionaries, the word “pet” dates back to the 16th century, and can be traced to Scotland and northern England. It's used to refer to “a domestic or tamed animal kept for companionship or pleasure.”

What are pet animals answer?

Answer: A pet or companion animal is an animal kept primarily for a person's company, entertainment, or as an act of compassion such as taking in and protecting a hungry stray cat, rather than as a working animal, livestock, or laboratory animal.