Mom takes child to PetSmart for ‘low maintenance’ pet. Then she buys a betta fish—making everyone furious: ‘I hate when I have to agree with PETA’
There comes a time in every parent’s life when their child starts asking about getting a pet.
Pets come with a lot of responsibility. Not only must you make sure they are exercised and well-fed, but you also have to ensure that they maintain good health—and be there in case anything goes wrong.
This may be why many people gravitate toward pets that are “low maintenance.” However, some of these “low maintenance” pets require more work—and space—than one might initially think.
TikTok user Amber Webber (@amberwebber22) learned this the hard way after taking her daughter to PetSmart for a “low-maintenance” pet—and coming up with a bit more than she bargained for.
What Happened On This Trip To PetSmart?
In a video with over 3.2 million views, Webber shows herself driving.
“My daughter wants a ‘pet,’” she writes in the text overlaying the video. “On my way to find the least expensive and low maintenance one.”
She then shows her daughter’s selection: a betta fish.
“Here you go,” she concludes.
Is This Pet Really ‘Low Maintenance’?
Immediately, commenters began to leave messages claiming that betta fish require more work than one might initially expect.
“Betta fish are not low maintenance, they require attentive care and a proper environment to stay healthy,” the TikTok account for PETA wrote in a comment. “Animals are not gifts or toys.”
“I’m soooo tired of people thinking fish don’t require maintenance or care. every pet does – big or small,” agreed another commenter.
“A cat is more low maintenance than a fish,” declared a third.
In the caption of the video, Webber left an update saying that the “petsmart lady lied to me apparenty.”
“They are not low maintenance according to these comments!!” she added regarding betta fish. “But we will figure it out rose and blossom are going to be ok I promise.”
A later video shows that she has begun shopping for the appropriate equipment to take care of the fish.
What Do Betta Fish Really Need?
Webber’s confusion is understandable. Misinformation about fish care is rampant, and generations of people being raised with goldfish in small bowls have led to massive misconceptions about how much care—and how much space—fish really require.
To start, experts say that a single betta fish requires a lidded tank of between 5 and 10 gallons, preferably 10-gallon-sized. The tank should also have a gentle filter, appropriately-sized heater, a thermometer, and be adequately decorated with fake and, if possible, living plants to give the fish places to explore and hide.
Water entering the tank should be treated to ensure that it is safe for the fish. Additionally, the water should be changed once or twice a month by replacing about 30% of it, though this may need to happen more often if the tank is smaller.
While betta fish are considered among the easier fish for which to care, they still require a decent amount of effort. This is why it’s hard to consider the pet truly low maintenance.
What Are The Most Low-Maintenance Pets?
In the comments sections, users offered their own ideas on good examples of low-maintenance pets.
“Yall saying ‘no pet is low maintenance’ but cats are so easy,” wrote a user. “Just change the litter box and clip their nails, it’s so easy to give them an environment that will keep them happy, I mean they’ll play with cardboard boxes and shoe strings they’re so easy.”
“A rock. Pet rock. Only low maintenance pet available,” joked another.
Many lists of low-maintenance pets contain both betta fish and cats. However, as Webber’s experience should show, even the “lowest maintenance” pets still require a significant amount of care. This is why one should research their options and whether they can truly afford both the financial and time commitment of their prospective pet before actually purchasing it.
@amberwebber22 petsmart lady lied to me apparenty?♀️ they are not low maintenance according to these comments!!but we will figure it out rose and blossom are going to be ok I promise#petsmart #bettafish #explorepages? #sheinkids ♬ Welp, Didn't Expect That – Yu-Peng Chen & HOYO-MiX
We’ve reached out to PetSmart via email and Webber via TikTok direct message and comment.
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