What would be my ideal pet?

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I really need some help here! I am trying to get my some over his phobia of animals and birds by getting a pet but I am having a problem deciding what would be the ideal pet. Here is a list of what I have no to already! Dog - expensive to keep (vet bills, food etc) have to take out for walks twice a day come rain or shine and would have to take all kids with me, clearing up of poo! Cat - will scratch my furniture, cats can be very disloyal, fleas! Rabbit - have been told they scratch if not handled properly, too big to keep in the house. Giant land snails - have been told they smell and may go into hibernation if too cold. Budgie - Not an easy pet for my kids to participate in handling and cleaning. Hamsters - nocturnal when would my kids get to see and play with it? So what do you suggest? Baring in mind we are a one parent family and my sons fears?