© Getty Images

Screaming hairy armadillo -

Score: -4.8
This species of armadillo can be found in Central and southern parts of South America. The name derives from the fact that they squeal when handled.

© Shutterstock

White-nosed coati -

Score: -4.7
Endemic to the southwestern part of the United States and Central America, the coati is inquisitive and loves to play-fight when young. These mammals do need a bit more space when they reach adulthood. 

© Shutterstock

Tayra -

Score: -3.9
This animal from the weasel family can be found in the Americas. Tayras are usually playful, but can also be pretty restless.

© Shutterstock

Campbell's dwarf hamster -

Score: -3.9
These adorable little mammals can make good pets, but might nip if they feel threatened.

© Shutterstock

Desert hamster -

Score: -3.7
The desert hamster, also known as Roborovski hamster, is the smallest and fastest hamster on Earth.

© Shutterstock

Tricolored squirrel -

Score: -3.4
Also known as the Prevost squirrel, these exquisite beasts can make good pets, but their long, sharp claws might cause some damage from time to time. 

© Shutterstock

Finlayson's squirrel -

Score: -3.4
Endemic to Southeast Asia, this beautiful squirrel loves tress, so they prefer forests to other forms of habitat.

© Shutterstock

Fat-tailed gerbil -

Score: -3.2
These fluffy mammals have a lifespan of around five to seven years.

© Shutterstock

African pygmy mouse -

Score: -3.2
This tiny rodent found in sub-Saharan Africa can make a good pet but requires social interaction, so it's recommended to keep more than one. 

© Shutterstock

Red-necked wallaby -

Score: -2.9
While these marsupials are mostly solitary, they do have the capacity to socialize, especially if doing so gives them access to resources such as food and water.

© Shutterstock

Chacoan mara -

Score: -2.2
These adorable animals are native to the South American Chaco region. They live in small groups and can make good human companions. 

© Shutterstock

Brazilian guinea pig -

Score: -2.1
These diurnal rodents are narrower and longer than domesticated guinea pigs. The are highly adaptable too, so make ideal pets.

© Shutterstock

Bactrian camel -

Score: -1.7
This camel species can be found in the steppes of Central Asia. Having been domesticated to serve as a pack animal, the Bactrian camel gets along pretty well with humans. 

© Shutterstock

Swamp wallaby -

Score: -1.6
This cute marsupial, also known as black wallaby, is named for its characteristic swampy odor. This mammal is endemic to the eastern states of Australia.

© Shutterstock

Arabian spiny mouse -

Score: -0.9
These highly sociable rodents like to live in large groups. They also love to eat seeds! 

© Shutterstock

Common wallaroo -

Score: -0.8
Wallaroos are shy but also curious. They can however be destructive when bored. While owning them as pets may be illegal in some places, scientists rank them as suitable human companions. 

© Shutterstock

Golden spiny mouse -

Score: -0.3
Found in the Middle East and across Africa, these highly social animals are used to living in groups. As such, owning more than one may be beneficial for the rodents' wellbeing.

© Shutterstock

Common yellow-toothed cavy -

Score: -0.2
These South American rodents are related to the domesticated guinea pig. Being crepuscular animals, they are most active at dawn and dusk.

© Shutterstock

Himalayan striped squirrel -

Score: -0.2
These cute rodents can be found in South and Southeast Asia. Himalayan striped squirrels are diurnal, arboreal, and sociable. 

© Shutterstock

Asian palm civet -

Score: 1.4
Endemic to South and Southeast Asia, this mammal lives independently in the wild, but makes a good human companion. 

© Reuters

Llama -

Score: 2.3
Found in South American, this animal has been domesticated and used as a pack animal for centuries. Llamas are intelligent, calm, and friendly animals that make great human companions. 

© Shutterstock

Tammar wallaby -

Score: 4.2
This small wallaby, native to South and Western Australia, is pretty sociable and friendly.

© Shutterstock

Agile wallaby -

Score: 4.7
This wallaby also makes a good human companion. Being smaller than kangaroos, they are less likely to cause sever injury to humans, though they do have a powerful kick. 

© Shutterstock

Sika deer -

Score: 5.1
According to the study, Sika deer, also known as spotted deer or Japanese deer, make the best human companions.

Sources: (Frontiers) (PetHelpful) (Animália) (PetPlace) (The Spruce Pets)

© Shutterstock