Small animals kept as pets in the UK range from the familiar rabbit and guinea pig to more exotic companions like sugar gliders and pygmy hedgehogs. Despite their size, many small animals have complex care needs and can face significant vet bills when things go wrong. Specialist pet insurance is available for all species listed here. This index links to individual care and insurance guides for every animal so owners can understand health considerations, care requirements and what to look for in a policy before purchase.
One of the UK's most popular small pets, rabbits are sociable, characterful and surprisingly complex to care for well.
View Rabbit guideGentle, vocal and sociable, guinea pigs thrive in pairs and make rewarding pets for families and first-time owners alike.
View Guinea Pig guideSoft-coated and surprisingly active, chinchillas are long-lived exotic pets with specific environmental and dietary needs.
View Chinchilla guidePlayful, curious and endlessly entertaining, ferrets are intelligent small animals who need space, company and daily interaction.
View Ferret guideHighly social and active during the day, degus are best kept in groups and need plenty of enrichment to stay happy.
View Degu guideIntelligent, affectionate and clean, rats form strong bonds with their owners and are among the most rewarding small pets to keep.
View Rat guideThe fancy rat shares the common rat's intelligence and sociability, coming in a wide range of colours and coat types.
View Fancy Rat guideSmall, quick and fascinating to watch, mice are best kept in same-sex groups and suit owners who enjoy observing rather than handling.
View Mouse guideBred selectively for colour, coat and temperament, fancy mice share the common mouse's lively nature with added visual variety.
View Fancy Mouse guideCompact, independent and largely nocturnal, hamsters are popular first pets who need more space and enrichment than many expect.
View Hamster guideThe largest and most commonly kept hamster breed, Syrians are solitary by nature and need their own space to thrive.
View Syrian Hamster guideSmaller and faster than the Syrian, dwarf hamsters can be kept in same-sex pairs and are full of personality despite their tiny size.
View Dwarf Hamster guideNaturally curious and active, gerbils are best kept in pairs or groups and love to dig, burrow and explore.
View Gerbil guideNocturnal, solitary and fascinatingly individual, pygmy hedgehogs are exotic pets with specific warmth and dietary requirements.
View Pygmy Hedgehog guideLively and entertaining striped small mammals who need large enclosures, outdoor access where possible and careful handling.
View Chipmunk guideNocturnal marsupials who bond closely with their owners and need companionship, warmth and a specialised diet to thrive.
View Sugar Glider guideCaptive-bred pet skunks are curious, gentle and surprisingly affectionate animals with specific care needs and legal considerations to be aware of.
View Skunk guideCommon questions about small animals and insurance-aware species research.
Some small animals can be insured in the UK, but availability varies by species, age, health history and provider. Rabbits may be easier to insure than less common small pets, so owners should check accepted species and exclusions carefully.
Common themes include dental disease, digestive problems, respiratory infections, tumours, skin issues, injuries and species-specific conditions. Early signs of illness can be subtle, so prompt specialist veterinary advice matters.
Policy wording may include dental wording, ongoing condition limits, specialist vet fees, emergency treatment, exclusions for husbandry or diet-related problems, pre-existing condition rules and renewal terms.
No. These guides provide general information and education. They do not recommend an insurer, policy or level of cover.