This list contains 37 Pets and domestic animals that start with S, from “Saint Bernard” to “Syrian Hamster”. They include large companion dogs, backyard birds, small rodents, and farm animals used for companionship and work.
Pets and domestic animals that start with S are animals kept for companionship, utility, or hobby across many cultures. Notably, the Saint Bernard became famous for Alpine rescues, while the Syrian hamster became a beloved classroom pet.
Below you’ll find the table with Scientific name, Size (cm), and Classification.
Scientific name: The Latin name helps you identify exact species and compare similar pets across different regions.
Size (cm): Typical adult length or height in centimeters gives you a quick sense of space and care needs.
Classification: Broad group (Mammal, Bird, Reptile, Fish, Arthropod) shows you biology and typical husbandry requirements.
Pets and domestic animals that start with S
| Name | Scientific name | Classification | Typical adult size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Bernard | Canis lupus familiaris | Mammal | 70–90 cm |
| Salmon Pink Birdeater | Lasiodora parahybana | Arthropod | 20–28 cm |
| Sand Boa | Eryx colubrinus | Reptile | 45–60 cm |
| Savannah Cat | Felis catus | Mammal | 35–43 cm |
| Savannah Monitor | Varanus exanthematicus | Reptile | 90–120 cm |
| Scottish Fold | Felis catus | Mammal | 20–25 cm |
| Scottish Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | Mammal | 25 cm |
| Serama Chicken | Gallus gallus domesticus | Bird | 15–25 cm |
| Serpae Tetra | Hyphessobrycon eques | Fish | 4–5 cm |
| Sheep | Ovis aries | Mammal | 100–120 cm |
| Shetland Pony | Equus ferus caballus | Mammal | 71–107 cm |
| Shetland Sheepdog | Canis lupus familiaris | Mammal | 33–41 cm |
| Shih Tzu | Canis lupus familiaris | Mammal | 20–28 cm |
| Shrimp (Freshwater) | Neocaridina davidi | Arthropod | 2–3 cm |
| Siamese Cat | Felis catus | Mammal | 20–25 cm |
| Siamese Fighting Fish | Betta splendens | Fish | 6–7 cm |
| Siberian Husky | Canis lupus familiaris | Mammal | 51–60 cm |
| Silkie Chicken | Gallus gallus domesticus | Bird | 20–25 cm |
| Silkworm | Bombyx mori | Arthropod | 6–8 cm |
| Silver Dollar | Metynnis argenteus | Fish | 14–15 cm |
| Sinaloan Milk Snake | Lampropeltis triangulum sinaloae | Reptile | 90–120 cm |
| Skunk | Mephitis mephitis | Mammal | 50–80 cm |
| Slider Turtle | Trachemys scripta elegans | Reptile | 15–30 cm |
| Snail (Aquarium) | Pomacea bridgesii | Mollusc | 4–5 cm |
| Society Finch | Lonchura striata domestica | Bird | 11–12 cm |
| Sphynx Cat | Felis catus | Mammal | 20–25 cm |
| Spiny Mouse | Acomys cahirinus | Mammal | 18–24 cm |
| Spotted Python | Antaresia maculosa | Reptile | 75–100 cm |
| Spotted Salamander | Ambystoma maculatum | Amphibian | 15–25 cm |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | Mammal | 36–41 cm |
| Star Finch | Neochmia ruficauda | Bird | 10–12 cm |
| Stick Insect | Carausius morosus | Arthropod | 8–10 cm |
| Sugar Glider | Petaurus breviceps | Mammal | 24–30 cm |
| Sun Conure | Aratinga solstitialis | Bird | 30 cm |
| Swan Goose | Anser cygnoides | Bird | 80–95 cm |
| Swordtail | Xiphophorus hellerii | Fish | 14–16 cm |
| Syrian Hamster | Mesocricetus auratus | Mammal | 15–18 cm |
Descriptions
Saint Bernard
A giant, gentle dog breed from the Swiss Alps, famous for its role in mountain rescue. It’s a loving family companion known for its calm and patient nature.
Salmon Pink Birdeater
One of the largest tarantula species in the world, native to Brazil. Despite its size, it’s a popular pet for its hardiness and impressive display qualities.
Sand Boa
A small boa from East Africa, known for burrowing in sand. Its small size, docile temperament, and unique orange and black pattern make it a popular pet snake.
Savannah Cat
A hybrid cat breed known for its tall, lean body and spotted coat resembling a wild serval. They are intelligent, curious, and often enjoy playing in water.
Savannah Monitor
A medium-sized monitor lizard from sub-Saharan Africa. Popular in the pet trade, it requires a large enclosure and specific care, and can become tame with handling.
Scottish Fold
A cat breed with a natural mutation causing its ears to fold forward, giving an “owl-like” appearance. They are known for being sweet-natured and affectionate companions.
Scottish Terrier
A small, distinctive terrier from Scotland with a wiry coat and iconic beard. “Scotties” are known for their independent, spirited, and sometimes feisty personality.
Serama Chicken
The world’s smallest chicken breed, originating from Malaysia. Often kept as an ornamental pet due to its tiny size, confident posture, and friendly temperament.
Serpae Tetra
A small, schooling fish from the Amazon Basin, popular in community aquariums. It is known for its deep red coloration and a black spot behind the gill cover.
Sheep
A domesticated ruminant animal raised for its wool, meat, and milk. Sheep are known for their strong flocking instinct and are a cornerstone of agriculture worldwide.
Shetland Pony
A very small but strong horse breed from the Shetland Isles of Scotland. They are popular as children’s mounts, driving ponies, and companion animals.
Shetland Sheepdog
A small herding dog resembling a miniature Rough Collie. Known as “Shelties,” they are intelligent, loyal, and excel in dog sports like agility and obedience.
Shih Tzu
An ancient toy dog breed from Tibet, bred as a lap dog. Known for its long, flowing coat and affectionate, outgoing personality, it’s a popular companion animal.
Shrimp (Freshwater)
Small, colorful crustaceans popular in freshwater aquariums. They are kept for their vibrant appearance and act as “clean-up crews,” eating algae and leftover food.
Siamese Cat
An elegant and vocal cat breed from Thailand. Recognized by its striking colorpoint coat and blue almond-shaped eyes, they are known for being social and intelligent.
Siamese Fighting Fish
A vibrant freshwater fish from Southeast Asia, also known as a Betta. Males are famous for their brilliant colors, long fins, and aggressive nature toward other males.
Siberian Husky
A medium-sized working dog bred for sled pulling. Known for its thick double coat, striking markings, and energetic, independent, and sometimes mischievous nature.
Silkie Chicken
An ornamental chicken breed known for its fluffy, silk-like plumage. Kept as pets for their calm, friendly demeanor and unique appearance, including black skin.
Silkworm
The domesticated larva of the silk moth. Raised for millennia in sericulture to produce silk, they are also kept as educational pets to observe their life cycle.
Silver Dollar
A South American freshwater fish named for its round, flat, silvery body. They are peaceful, schooling fish often kept in large community aquariums.
Sinaloan Milk Snake
A non-venomous kingsnake with vibrant red, black, and cream-colored bands. Its docile nature, manageable size, and beauty make it a very popular pet snake.
Skunk
A North American mammal sometimes kept as an exotic pet after being de-scented. They can be playful and affectionate but require specialized care and legal permits.
Slider Turtle
A semi-aquatic turtle, famous for the red stripe on its head. It is one of the most popular but high-maintenance pet turtles, requiring a large aquatic setup.
Snail (Aquarium)
Aquatic snails, often called Mystery Snails, kept in aquariums to help control algae and clean up debris. They are popular for their bright colors and peaceful nature.
Society Finch
A domesticated finch that does not exist in the wild. They are popular cage birds known for their peaceful, social nature and are easy for beginners to breed.
Sphynx Cat
A cat breed known for its lack of fur, though it is covered in a fine down. They are energetic, curious, and exceptionally affectionate, often seeking warmth.
Spiny Mouse
A small rodent from Africa and the Middle East, known for its stiff, spiny guard hairs. They are kept as exotic pets and have unique social structures.
Spotted Python
A small, non-venomous python species from Australia. Its manageable size and calm temperament make it a popular choice for beginner snake enthusiasts.
Spotted Salamander
A large North American mole salamander with a dark body and bright yellow or orange spots. They are popular as terrarium pets but are secretive and often burrow.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
A muscular, medium-sized dog breed from England. The “Staffy” is known for its affectionate, loyal, and courageous nature, especially with its family.
Star Finch
A small, colorful finch from Australia. Prized by aviculturists for its beautiful plumage, featuring a red face and white-spotted body, it is kept as an aviary bird.
Stick Insect
An insect renowned for its incredible camouflage that makes it resemble a twig. It is a popular, low-maintenance pet, especially for educational purposes.
Sugar Glider
A small, nocturnal possum known for the gliding membrane between its limbs. It’s a popular exotic pet that requires a specialized diet and social interaction.
Sun Conure
A medium-sized parrot from South America, famous for its brilliant yellow and orange plumage. They are intelligent and playful pets but are known for their loud calls.
Swan Goose
A large, domesticated goose descended from the wild Swan Goose. Characterized by a prominent knob on its bill, it is raised for meat, eggs, and as a “watchdog.”
Swordtail
A popular freshwater aquarium fish from Central America. Males are distinguished by a long, “sword-like” extension on their tail fin. They are livebearers and come in many colors.
Syrian Hamster
Also known as the Golden Hamster, this solitary rodent is one of the most popular small pets. They are nocturnal and enjoy hoarding food in their large cheek pouches.