Virtual Pet Sites for Kids

Virtual pet sites for kids are a wonderful way to introduce your child to the responsibility of caring for a pet without actually taking on the huge job of caring for a real dog, cat, bird, or other animal. For kids with limited resources and/or space, a virtual pet gives them the chance to care for something without the expense of a real pet. Already have a menagerie at home? Your child can enhance her computer skills with a virtual pet as well. We've gathered together some information and links for a few great virtual pet sites for kids.

Before you allow your kid to plop down in front of the computer with some virtual pet sites for kids, spend some time going over a few computer do's and don'ts with him. Be sure you monitor any site that your kid accesses make sure his computer time is limited, and make frequent pit stops by the computer to casually check his activity. Remind your child about the following:

• Never give out personal information over the Internet, including full name, address, school, parent's name, etc.
• If someone tries to contact you, tell your parents immediately.
• If you find a new site, have your parents check it out before you use it.

games/virtual pets.html Mr. Free Free offers a variety of virtual pets suitable for kids, including birds, cats, dogs, fish, hamsters, and even monsters!

Cyber Critters lets kids adopt pets online and interact with them during online play. This site has recently added the Virtual Pets Online Game as well.

Virtual Critters offers teens and tweens a few different options instead of the typical virtual puppy and kitten. This site lets participants choose from tarantulas and scorpions. The site designers give the following information about these virtual creatures: "Our team of digital DNA engineers went to extraordinary lengths to ensure the utmost realism of the range, spending many months closely monitoring the real thing. The result is a collection of closely observed, Virtual Creatures which display all of the key natural characteristics of their real cousins." While visitors can download and run a free lite version, the full version costs $9.99.

Global Pets offers a trial version of shareware that is free of charge. For the full version, however, the cost is $15. Global Pets also offers members access to the global community, which allows members to keep in contact with other pet owners, swap pets, and discuss other topics on the site.

Neopets is one of the largest virtual pet sites for kids communities with over 70 million virtual pet owners. This site features over 160 games, pet auctions and trading, messaging, and other options. Sign-up is free and simple to do. The Neopets Arcade offers participants access to free games as well.

Adopt Me is another easily accessible, free virtual pet site for kids. Kids simply create a user name and password and then choose a pet to care for. A tip dog will give your child simple care instructions. All she'll need to do is move the cursor over one of the red or yellow boxes that indicates care is needed, and the tip dog will help her decide what to do next.

Mom and Dad may not mind this dog, since he's easy to care for and inexpensive, too. This virtual pet site for kids allows children to learn interesting dog facts, view some great graphics, download free images, and read interesting tips.

Meow Pal is a virtual pet site for kids sponsored by Meow Mix. Participants can adopt their own kitty, find entertaining screen savers, and check out Meow Mix commercials and video clips.

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