Tanager's Fledglings — Cedar Sanderson

When the starship's captain died midway through a run with a cargo of exotic animals, the owner gave first mate Jem one chance, and one choice. The chance: if he successfully runs the trade route solo, he'll become the new captain. If he fails, he'll lose the only home he's ever known. And the choice? He's now raising an old earth animal called a basset hound. Between station officials, housebreaking, pirates, and drool, Jem's got his hands full!