Pets for Kids

Is Your Child Ready

Before saying “yes” to a pet, make sure your child is ready.

• Is she able to follow instructions like “go feed the pet”?
• Can she grasp concepts like “only feed the fish a pinch of food?”
• Does she like to help around the house?
• Is she comfortable around animals?
• Does she understand animals need space?
• Does she demonstrate self-control?
• Does she understand “no”?

If you answered “yes” to all the above questions, then your child is ready. Take into consideration both age and maturity while selecting the best pets for kids.

Age

Experts recommend waiting until your child is six before getting her a pet. This is an age where children begin to exhibit both the responsibility and empathy needed to take care of another living being.

Benefits of Having a Pet

Pets are a positive tool for your child’s development and for teaching responsibility. Unlike cleaning their rooms or doing the dishes, there is a bond that is created between your child and a pet which makes this responsibility more rewarding.

Having a pet teaches her about real life:

• A pet is hard work.
• They need to be fed, cleaned and loved.
• Pets die, which can be a difficult topic to discuss.

Choosing Pets for Kids

Before bringing home a pet, do your research. You need to decide if you want a pet that lives in a cage or one who roams the house like a dog or cat. Keep in mind who will take care of the pet the most. Even if the animal is your child’s, you will still need to help out.

Space

Some pets take up more space than others. A fish can live happily in a small bowl while a horse requires a stable and land. Here are some questions to ponder:

• Do you live in a house or an apartment?
• Where or what room will the pet live?
• How much land do you have?

Allergies

When choosing pets for kids, look at what allergies members of your family suffer from. If Tommy wants a cat but Suzy is allergic, consider having Tommy pick a different pet.

Animals

Now that you know your child is ready, it is time to decide on which animal is best for your family.

Fish

The easiest and cheapest pet to have is a fish. Goldfish and Betta fish live in small spaces and only need to be fed once a day. You should change the water once a week. Fish are relaxing to watch. Once your child masters a single fish, you can purchase an aquarium and house a family of sea creatures.

Gerbils, Hamsters, and Rabbits

When choosing pets for kids, animals that live in cages are an easy first pet. Since they are contained, you don’t need to worry about them destroying the house. Responsibilities include:

• Feeding the pet and giving him water
• Cleaning the cage
• Playing with him

Dogs

There are hundreds of breeds of dogs. Do your research to find the right one for you. Dogs require more responsibility and time than fish and rodents.

• Feeding
• Walks
• Playing
• Cleaning up (This includes but is not limited to the yard. Many dogs shed.)
• Taking care of him when he is sick
• Spaying and neutering

Keep in mind that dogs cannot be left alone for long periods of time. Having a puppy is like having another baby.

Cats

Cats are more independent then dogs, but more work than rodents. Cats have different personalities, and this can determine how much or how little work they require. Like dogs, different breeds are better for certain families and children. Responsibilities include:

• Feeding
• Changing the litter box
• Cleaning up hair balls
• Playing
• Keeping healthy
• Spaying and neutering

Reptiles

Some children prefer cold blooded animals to the cute and cuddly ones. Reptiles are low maintenance and are easy first pets for kids.

Keep in mind that children like pets they can interact with. They need good hand-eye coordination to handle reptiles. Recommended reptiles include:

• Lizards
• Snakes (smaller breeds)
• Turtles and tortoises

Responsibilities

Remind your child that having a pet is a privilege that involves responsibilities. After you decide on which pet you want, sit down and let her know what her role is regarding the care of her new friend. Make a chart to remind her what she needs to do each day to keep a happy pet.

Humane Society

While searching for a new pet, keep the Humane Society in mind. Not only will your child get a new pet, but she can also save a life and learn about volunteering opportunities in her community.

Buying a pet for your child is a big step. Research information on the perfect pet before heading to the store. A pet is part of the family and cannot be exchanged or discarded like a toy your child no longer wants.