Did you know that rabbits can be litter box-trained? That guinea pigs have a lively vocabulary? That rats can learn tricks? And did you know that you can often find these species - and others - available for adoption at the Marin Humane Society?

Cats and dogs are by far America's most popular pets, but U.S. households are now home to more than 24 million small companion animals, and the number is growing. Small companion animals offer a variety of characteristics and personalities that make them especially endearing.

RATS: CLEAN AND FRIENDLY

Rats are intelligent, social critters who prefer to be in the company of people and other rats. Quiet and easy to care for, rats are especially good with children; and yes, they are quite clean. To remain mentally and physically healthy, rats require chew toys and need to spend at least an hour of each day socializing outside their cage with their human companion. A well-socialized rat can learn tricks and even a moderately socialized one will come when called.

HAMSTERS PUT ON A SHOW

Frisky and playful, hamsters are big on personality and entertaining to watch. They are quiet, relatively easy to care for and take up little space. Hamsters like to exercise on a running wheel and crawl through tubes (empty cardboard tubes from toilet paper work well). They are naturally solitary animals except with their human friends.

Being fastidiously clean creatures, hamsters prefer frequent cleaning of their habitat and nesting materials. Hamsters are also most active at night.

GET CAVY SAVVY

Any guinea pig (or cavy) enthusiast will tell you that these are very social animals. While young children are naturally drawn to the guinea pigs' adorable physique, it's essential that adults supervise their handling and care.

What makes guinea pigs so appealing as pets is their charming personalities. Perhaps their most endearing trait is a tendency to squeak when excited. Their vocabulary includes about nine sounds, from whistling and purring to squealing and chirping, and once they get to know you, they will welcome you home with happy squeals.

BUNNIES ARE HONEYS

Rabbits are intelligent, social animals and make great companions for those willing to provide a safe indoor environment. In fact, a properly socialized indoor rabbit can become an integral part of the family.

Rabbits often get along with other animals. When allowed to live indoors in a small room or enclosed area, they can be easily trained to use the litter box, and they will follow their humans around just as any cat or dog would. Well-socialized bunnies enjoy being handled and are comfortable with supervised children who will be gentle when handling these physically delicate and fragile animals.

STUDY UP FIRST

Education is critical for those who have already decided to add a small companion to the family. That's why adopting a petite pet, or any animal for that matter, from a shelter or rescue group is the best option. Pet stores may seem like a quick, cheap option, but they only exacerbate the pet overpopulation problem. A responsible organization will ensure that all adoption animals are in good health and are not able to reproduce. Plus, counselors will match adopters to the right companion for their lifestyle.

As of May 16, the Marin Humane Society had 15 small companion animals available for adoption, including rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters. We often have birds, turtles, snakes and fish as well. For those who are willing to educate themselves, and can commit to the long-term responsibility, petite pets really do make wonderful companions. Chances are good that we'll have just the one - or two or three - that you're looking for.

Carrie Harrington is the public relations associate at the Marin Humane Society.

Tails of Marin appears every Saturday in the Home & Garden section of the Marin Independent Journal