This list includes 39 Pets and domestic animals that start with A, from “Abyssinian” to “Axolotl”. They range from small aquarium species to medium-sized companion mammals and backyard livestock. People keep them for companionship, hobby breeding, education, show, and small-scale husbandry.

Pets and domestic animals that start with A are animals people keep for companionship, hobby, or small-scale production. The Abyssinian cat, one of the entries, has ancient origins and influenced several modern cat breeds.

Below you’ll find the table with scientific name, size (cm), and classification.

Scientific name: The Latin name helps you confirm species identity, find care notes, and compare related animals across regions.

Size (cm): Typical adult length or height in centimeters shows you expected space and housing needs.

Classification: Broad group such as Mammal, Bird, Reptile, Fish, or Arthropod to guide care and expectations.

Pets and domestic animals that start with A

Name Scientific name Typical adult size (cm) Classification Description
Abyssinian Felis catus 46–51 Mammal Active, ticked-coat cat kept as a companion; originally associated with Ethiopia, popular for playful personality.
Abyssinian guinea pig Cavia porcellus 20–30 Mammal Domestic guinea pig breed with rosettes; kept as a friendly, low-maintenance pet worldwide.
Abyssinian rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 30–40 Mammal Domestic rabbit breed with distinctive fur texture, kept for pets and shows; roots in European breeding.
Affenpinscher Canis lupus familiaris 23–30 Mammal Small terrier-like companion dog, lively and alert; originated in Germany as a ratter and companion.
Airedale Canis lupus familiaris 56–61 Mammal Largest terrier breed, kept as companion and working dog; developed in England for hunting and guarding.
Akita Canis lupus familiaris 61–71 Mammal Large, dignified Japanese companion and guardian dog, valued for loyalty and protective nature.
Akbash Canis lupus familiaris 66–81 Mammal Turkish livestock guardian dog, sometimes kept as a companion; independent and protective around flocks.
Alaskan Malamute Canis lupus familiaris 58–66 Mammal Strong northern sled dog often kept as companion; bred in Alaska for hauling and endurance.
Alaskan Klee Kai Canis lupus familiaris 33–43 Mammal Small companion dog bred to resemble northern breeds; kept for pet owners wanting a compact husky look.
Alpaca Vicugna pacos 81–99 Mammal Domesticated camelid kept for fiber and as friendly livestock companions, native to South America.
Amazon parrot Amazona spp. 30–40 Bird Colorful psittacine kept for companionship and talking ability; many Amazona species originate from the Americas.
American Bobtail Felis catus 46–56 Mammal Domestic cat breed with short tail and playful temperament; developed in the U.S. for companionship.
American Curl Felis catus 41–51 Mammal Cat breed noted for curled ears and gentle nature; popular family companion originating in North America.
American Shorthair Felis catus 46–51 Mammal Reliable, adaptable domestic cat breed kept for companionship; descended from working ship cats in America.
American Pit Bull Terrier Canis lupus familiaris 45–53 Mammal Muscular companion and working dog, kept for loyalty and sport; roots in U.S. and England.
American Staffordshire Terrier Canis lupus familiaris 43–48 Mammal Stocky, affectionate companion dog used historically as a farm and family guardian.
American Pekin Anas platyrhynchos domesticus 50–70 Bird Domesticated duck breed raised for meat, eggs and as friendly backyard birds; originated from China/USA breeding.
Ameraucana Gallus gallus domesticus 35–50 Bird Chicken breed kept for pets and blue eggs; developed in the United States from Araucana ancestry.
Araucana Gallus gallus domesticus 35–50 Bird Heritage chicken known for blue eggs, kept both as backyard poultry and ornamental bird.
Appaloosa Equus ferus caballus 140–160 Mammal Spotted domestic horse breed kept for riding and showing; developed by Nez Perce people in North America.
Arabian Equus ferus caballus 140–150 Mammal Distinctive endurance horse breed kept for riding and companionship; origin in the Arabian Peninsula.
Angelfish Pterophyllum scalare 12–15 Fish Popular freshwater aquarium cichlid kept for striking shape and social behavior; native to Amazon basin.
Angora rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 38–50 Mammal Long-furred domestic rabbit kept as a pet and fiber source (angora wool); originating from European breeds.
Anole Anolis carolinensis 12–20 Reptile Small, arboreal lizard commonly kept in terrariums; native to the southeastern United States.
Angora cat (Turkish Angora) Felis catus 41–51 Mammal Silky-coated, elegant companion cat breed from Turkey, valued for playful, affectionate nature.
Anatolian Shepherd Canis lupus familiaris 71–81 Mammal Large livestock guardian dog from Anatolia, sometimes kept as a companion for rural owners.
Ant farm ant Lasius spp. (various) 0.3–1.2 Arthropod Commonly kept in ant farms as educational pets; small colony species like Lasius are often used worldwide.
Antfarm cockroach (Madagascar hissing) Gromphadorhina portentosa 5–8 Arthropod Large, docile roach kept as an educational or exotic pet and feeder insect; native to Madagascar.
African pygmy hedgehog Atelerix albiventris 15–25 Mammal Small nocturnal mammal kept as a novelty companion; native to central and east Africa.
African spurred tortoise Centrochelys sulcata 70–100 Reptile Large domestic tortoise kept for long-term companionship and grazing; native to the Sahel region of Africa.
African dwarf frog Hymenochirus boettgeri 3–4 Other Tiny aquatic frog popular in home aquariums for peaceful behavior; from central Africa.
Amazon molly Poecilia formosa 6–8 Fish Livebearing aquarium fish kept for easy care and active schooling behavior; native to Central America.
Axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum 23–30 Other Neotenic salamander kept in freshwater tanks for unique appearance and regenerative ability; native to Mexico.
Australian Cattle Dog Canis lupus familiaris 43–51 Mammal Hardy herding and companion dog bred in Australia for cattle work; energetic and loyal.
Australian Kelpie Canis lupus familiaris 43–51 Mammal Agile herding dog often kept as an active companion; Australian origin for stock work.
Australian Shepherd Canis lupus familiaris 46–58 Mammal Intelligent, active companion and working dog used for herding in the U.S. despite the name.
Australian Terrier Canis lupus familiaris 23–28 Mammal Small working terrier kept as a lively companion; developed in Australia for farm pest control.
Australian Mist Felis catus 41–51 Mammal Friendly, spotted domestic cat breed from Australia, bred for temperament and indoor companionship.
Australorp Gallus gallus domesticus 40–50 Bird Domestic chicken breed prized for egg-laying and calm nature; developed in Australia from Orpington lines.

Descriptions

Abyssinian
Abyssinian guinea pig
Abyssinian rabbit
Affenpinscher
Airedale
Akita
Akbash
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Klee Kai
Alpaca
Amazon parrot
American Bobtail
American Curl
American Shorthair
American Pit Bull Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
American Pekin
Ameraucana
Araucana
Appaloosa
Arabian
Angelfish
Angora rabbit
Anole
Angora cat (Turkish Angora)
Anatolian Shepherd
Ant farm ant
Antfarm cockroach (Madagascar hissing)
African pygmy hedgehog
African spurred tortoise
African dwarf frog
Amazon molly
Axolotl
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Kelpie
Australian Shepherd
Australian Terrier
Australian Mist
Australorp
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.