This list includes 25 pets and domestic animals starting with R, from “Rabbit” to “Russian tortoise”. Many are kept as companions, exhibition animals, or for small-scale husbandry and hobby breeding.

Pets and domestic animals that start with R are animals people keep for companionship, utility, or hobby. For example, rabbits became common household pets centuries ago and also serve in small-scale meat and fiber production.

Below you’ll find the table with Common name, Scientific name, Size (cm), and Classification.

Common name: The familiar name helps you identify each animal quickly and match it to other common references.

Scientific name: The Latin name gives you precise species identification and helps you find reliable care and biology information.

Size (cm): Average adult size in centimetres helps you plan housing, handling, and space needs for each animal.

Classification: Broad category (Mammal, Bird, Reptile, Fish, Arthropod) helps you compare care requirements and biological traits.

Pets and domestic animals that start with R

Name Scientific name Typical adult size (cm) Classification Description
Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 40–50 Mammal Domestic rabbits are social, varied in breed and temperament, kept as companion animals; need space, enrichment, and regular care.
Rat Rattus norvegicus 20–25 Mammal Fancy rats are intelligent, social pets that bond with owners and enjoy enrichment, handling, and mental stimulation.
Roborovski hamster Phodopus roborovskii 4–5 Mammal The tiniest common pet hamster, very active and fast; ideal for observation but less suited to frequent handling.
Russian dwarf hamster Phodopus sungorus 7–10 Mammal A small, hardy dwarf hamster species popular in pet trade; compact, generally tolerant of handling when socialized.
Reindeer Rangifer tarandus 120–140 Mammal Traditionally domesticated by Arctic cultures for transport and milk; kept regionally and adapted to cold, social environments.
Ringneck dove Streptopelia risoria 24–28 Bird A calm, easily tamed domestic dove kept as a pet or in aviaries; known for soft cooing and gentle behavior.
Rose-ringed parakeet Psittacula krameri 40–42 Bird Also called ring-necked parakeet; a vocal, social parrot with a long tail that needs interaction and mental stimulation.
Rosella Platycercus eximius 30–36 Bird Colorful Australian parrots commonly kept as pets; curious and can become tame with regular handling.
Rock pigeon Columba livia domestica 32–37 Bird Domesticated pigeon used as pet, show, or messenger bird; adaptable and often kept in lofts.
Red-eared slider Trachemys scripta elegans 20–30 Reptile A very popular pet turtle that needs aquatic space, basking areas, and long-term husbandry.
Red-footed tortoise Chelonoidis carbonarius 25–40 Reptile Tropical tortoise kept as a pet; medium-sized with colorful markings, requires humidity and varied diet.
Russian tortoise Testudo horsfieldii 20–25 Reptile A small, hardy terrestrial tortoise popular in the pet trade; needs dry, warm habitat and grazing opportunities.
Rosy boa Lichanura trivirgata 60–100 Reptile Docile, slow-moving boa often recommended for beginners; manageable size and generally easy to handle.
Royal python Python regius 90–120 Reptile Also called ball python; a popular pet snake known for its compact size and typically calm temperament.
Rainbow boa Epicrates cenchria 120–200 Reptile A glossy, iridescent boa kept by hobbyists; requires higher humidity and adequate space as it grows.
Red-tailed boa Boa constrictor 200–300 Reptile Large constrictor snake kept by experienced keepers; needs secure housing and long-term commitment.
Rasbora Rasbora spp. 4–6 Fish Small schooling freshwater fish popular in community aquariums; hardy, colorful, and best kept in groups.
Rainbowfish Melanotaenia spp. 7–12 Fish Brightly colored freshwater fish from Australia/New Guinea; active shoaling species prized for vivid hues.
Rosy barb Pethia conchonius 6–8 Fish Hardy, colorful freshwater fish suitable for community tanks; active and happiest in schools.
Rummy-nose tetra Hemigrammus rhodostomus 4–5 Fish Peaceful schooling tetra prized for its distinctive red nose and coordinated shoaling behavior.
Redtail shark Epalzeorhynchos bicolor 15–20 Fish A striking freshwater aquarium fish with a red tail; semi-aggressive and needs space and compatible tankmates.
Red cherry shrimp Neocaridina davidi 2–3 Arthropod Tiny freshwater shrimp popular in planted tanks; excellent algae cleaners and easy to breed for hobbyists.
Red-clawed crab Perisesarma bidens 6–8 Arthropod Small semi-terrestrial crab kept in paludariums; needs both land and water areas and a varied diet.
Rose hair tarantula Grammostola rosea 12–15 Arthropod A common pet tarantula, docile and beginner-friendly; needs a dry terrestrial enclosure and minimal handling.
Red-knee tarantula Brachypelma smithi 12–16 Arthropod Iconic, slow-moving tarantula known for red joint markings; popular with arachnid enthusiasts for its temperament.

Descriptions

Rabbit
Rat
Roborovski hamster
Russian dwarf hamster
Reindeer
Ringneck dove
Rose-ringed parakeet
Rosella
Rock pigeon
Red-eared slider
Red-footed tortoise
Russian tortoise
Rosy boa
Royal python
Rainbow boa
Red-tailed boa
Rasbora
Rainbowfish
Rosy barb
Rummy-nose tetra
Redtail shark
Red cherry shrimp
Red-clawed crab
Rose hair tarantula
Red-knee tarantula
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.