17 of the Longest Living Pets, From Chihuahuas to Tortoises

Pets have a way of becoming part of the family, which is why saying goodbye never gets any easier. But some animals can stick around a lot longer than people expect. A well-cared-for goldfish can live for more than a decade, some birds can become family fixtures for generations, and certain reptiles may outlast the person who brought them home. Longevity isn't limited to the biggest or most exotic animals, either. Sometimes the little ones are the real surprises.

Of course, those extraordinary ages come with fine print. A record-breaking animal is the exception, not the expectation, and lifespan depends on everything from genetics and diet to housing and veterinary care. A few of the animals here also require specialized habitats, significant space, or a plan for who will care for them decades down the road. Living a long time doesn't automatically make an animal an easy pet.

Here are 17 pets and companion animals known for their staying power, along with more realistic lifespan ranges and a few verified record holders. Whether you're considering a new pet or simply curious about how long these animals can live, it's worth knowing what that commitment could look like.

The word parakeet covers several birds, but the familiar pet budgie is the one most people picture. These small Australian parrots typically live about 5 to 12 years in captivity, and some reach their mid-teens with excellent care. They are lively, social birds that need daily interaction, space to exercise, and a balanced diet rather than an endless bowl of seeds. A budgie named Charlie lived to 29 years and two months, according to Guinness World Records. That's remarkable, but it's hardly the lifespan a new owner should count on.

Bearded dragons have become popular pet lizards for good reason: they're interesting to watch, often tolerate gentle handling, and have plenty of personality. Many live around 8 to 12 years with attentive care, although lifespan estimates vary by source and husbandry. Their enclosure needs proper heat, UVB lighting, and the right diet to keep them healthy. Guinness World Records recognizes a bearded dragon named Sebastian, who died in 2016 at 18 years and 237 days old. A beardie may not be a lifelong companion, but it's still a serious commitment.

Native to Australia, diamond doves are small, soft-voiced birds with white, jewel-like spots on their wings. A well-cared-for pet dove may live roughly 10 to 15 years, which is a lot of time for such a tiny animal. They generally prefer a peaceful environment and enough horizontal room to fly, and they often do best with appropriate bird companionship. Their gentle cooing may be quieter than a parrot's squawking, but don't mistake that for being maintenance-free. These birds still need daily care, suitable food, and a clean, spacious enclosure.

So much for the myth that goldfish have a three-second memory. These familiar fish can also live far longer than the typical carnival-prize story suggests. With a properly sized, filtered aquarium or pond and good water quality, many goldfish can live 10 to 15 years, and some last considerably longer. Guinness World Records recognizes Tish, a goldfish won at a British fair in 1956, as the oldest verified goldfish. Tish died in 1999 at 43. A tiny unfiltered bowl isn't the way to give a goldfish that kind of chance.

Leopard geckos are compact, spotted lizards that can make rewarding pets for people prepared to care for reptiles. They commonly live about 10 to 20 years in captivity, and some survive well past that range. Adults are usually only about 6 to 9 inches long, but their small size doesn't eliminate the need for a carefully managed enclosure. Proper temperatures, hiding spots, an insect-based diet, and appropriate calcium supplementation all matter. Bring one home as a teenager and, with some luck, you could still be caring for it well into adulthood.

Chinchillas look like someone designed a stuffed animal and then brought it to life. Those enormous ears and impossibly soft coats come with a long commitment, though. Pet chinchillas commonly live around 10 to 15 years, and some reach 20 with excellent care. They also need a cool environment, proper food, safe chewing material, and regular dust baths to keep that dense fur healthy. Guinness World Records lists a chinchilla named Radar, who lived for 29 years and 229 days. He's an extraordinary exception, not a reasonable expectation for every owner.

Cats don't have nine lives, but many have a pretty good shot at making the most of one. A domestic cat often lives about 12 to 18 years, and some indoor cats make it into their 20s. Routine veterinary care, a healthy weight, and a safe environment can make a real difference. The standout is Creme Puff of Austin, Texas, who lived for 38 years and three days, according to Guinness World Records. That's not a realistic benchmark for most cat owners, but it is a reminder that adopting a kitten can mean signing up for a relationship that lasts nearly two decades.

Chihuahuas are tiny dogs with absolutely no interest in acting tiny. They also tend to be among the longer-lived dog breeds, with a typical life expectancy of about 14 to 16 years. Some make it into their late teens or beyond, although dental disease, heart problems, and other age-related conditions still deserve attention. In 2023, Guinness World Records recognized a Chihuahua mix named Spike as the world's oldest living dog at about 23 years old. That's exceptional longevity for any dog, not just one that can fit comfortably on your lap.

Pigs are smart, curious, and capable of forming close bonds with people, but keeping one is nothing like having a dog that happens to oink. Pet potbellied pigs often live around 10 to 15 years, and some may live longer with proper care. They need room to explore, a carefully managed diet, hoof care, and a veterinarian who treats pigs. Also, that adorable 'mini' pig won't necessarily stay mini; adults can weigh well over 100 pounds. Check local rules and think about the space and care involved before bringing one home.

Rosy boas are generally docile, relatively small snakes native to parts of the American Southwest and northwestern Mexico. Most grow to around 2 to 3 feet, but their lifespan can be much more impressive than their size. With proper care, a rosy boa may live 20 to 30 years or longer in captivity. They still need a secure enclosure, appropriate temperatures, hiding places, and a suitable feeding routine. For a reptile enthusiast who likes a calmer snake, that's an appealing prospect. For anyone looking for a short-term pet, it's a reason to reconsider.

Ball pythons get their name from the way they curl into a tight ball when threatened. They're also among the more familiar pet snakes, often reaching 20 to 30 years in captivity with proper care. Some individuals have lived much longer; a ball python at the Philadelphia Zoo was reported to have reached more than 47 years old. Their needs are specific, including a secure enclosure, consistent temperatures and humidity, and an appropriate diet. They may be relatively manageable in size, but the commitment can last longer than a mortgage.

A horse may be the ultimate long-term animal companion, provided you have the land, budget, and time. Domestic horses commonly live about 25 to 30 years, and some reach their 30s or even 40s. Good nutrition and regular veterinary, dental, and hoof care all influence how well they age. Ponies often live longer than larger horses, too. Of course, sharing your life with a horse means far more than an occasional ride. It's a daily responsibility that can span decades, with expenses that keep going long after the novelty wears off.

Koi can turn an ordinary pond into something worth stopping to admire. Under good conditions, these ornamental carp may live roughly 25 to 50 years, making them a serious long-term commitment for anyone planning a backyard pond. They need plenty of water, reliable filtration, and careful attention to water quality. You may have heard the story of Hanako, a koi supposedly 226 years old. That figure is widely repeated, but koi specialists have challenged the aging method behind it, so it shouldn't be treated as a verified record. Several decades is impressive enough.

Box turtles may move at their own pace, but their lives can stretch well beyond the length of a typical pet's. Depending on the species and conditions, a box turtle may live around 25 to 50 years, with some individuals surviving longer. They need much more than a small box: appropriate outdoor or indoor habitat, suitable humidity and temperatures, a varied diet, and reptile veterinary care. Wild populations are protected in many places, so captive-bred animals and local regulations matter. This is one of those pets you should plan for in decades, not seasons.

Umbrella cockatoos are named for the dramatic white crest they raise when excited or alarmed. Native to Indonesia, these intelligent, affectionate parrots can live 30 years or more in captivity; with exceptional care, some reach 50, 60, or even 70. The catch is that they're loud, social, and demanding, and boredom or isolation can lead to serious behavioral problems. A cockatoo isn't just a pretty bird in a cage. It needs daily engagement, appropriate space, and a long-term care plan. Some may outlive their first owner, so that last part isn't hypothetical.

Macaws are impossible to miss, with their brilliant feathers, powerful beaks, and larger-than-life personalities. Depending on the species and quality of care, a companion macaw may live 30 to 50 years, and some reach their 60s or 70s. Stories about parrots surviving for more than a century make great headlines, but many of those ages are hard to verify. What isn't in dispute is the responsibility involved. Macaws need considerable space, enrichment, specialized veterinary care, and people prepared for years of noise, mess, and companionship. They're not an impulse purchase.

Aldabra giant tortoises are enormous, long-lived reptiles native to the Seychelles, and some survive for 100 to 150 years or more. Adult males can weigh several hundred pounds, so this is really an animal for zoos and highly experienced keepers, not an ordinary household pet. One famous giant tortoise often mentioned in longevity stories is Jonathan, who lives on St. Helena and is estimated to be 194 in 2026. There's an important distinction, though: Jonathan is a Seychelles giant tortoise, rather than the typical Aldabra form featured here. Either way, this is a commitment measured in generations.