Children love the thought of getting their very own pet, while parents must remember the responsibility that comes with pet ownership is significant – care, feeding, cleaning, vet visits and all-important decisions must all be discussed together prior to making such a big commitment. Mott pediatrician Hannah King M.D suggests taking time and carefully considering all options when considering pet ownership as part of family commitment and shouldn’t be made impulsively, particularly with young children in mind.
No one-size-fits-all answer exists when it comes to selecting an animal as the perfect family pet for children. When selecting an appropriate family pet for kids, take into account their age, level of involvement with caring for it and family lifestyle factors such as how energetic a child may be in managing it and whether a more timid or nervous animal would cope well with that child’s caretaking duties or whether an animal with natural curiosity could injure a youngster during play or by biting.
Small pets like hamsters and guinea pigs make excellent starter animals because they require minimal daily care. Goldfish or betta fish also make good starter pets as they’re relatively quiet, low maintenance pets with long lifespans that won’t put off smell or allergies – ideal if traveling is on the cards for you, or someone in your family has an allergy to other species of pets. Fish are great pets to choose if traveling is on the itinerary for vacationing families or someone is sensitive to other forms of pet ownership!
Cats make great additions to any family, offering affection and playfulness while needing daily attention compared to other pets such as dogs or even guinea pigs. When selecting your new feline companion, be sure to research breeds and temperaments; some breeds may be more accommodating of loud noises and activity than others.
Dogs can bring joy into any home, yet can also become a major responsibility for children due to their needs and how much alone time they require for relaxation. Therefore, it’s essential that your family finds an animal suitable to its lifestyle; one which will keep the kids active through walks and playtime activities.
When buying or adopting a pet, it’s best to purchase or adopt from an animal shelter or reputable breeder due to the risk of purchasing an unhealthy or diseased animal. A shelter will have health records available which will give you peace of mind.
Engaging children in the process of selecting a pet is ultimately beneficial; this gives them a sense of empowerment and responsibility, leading them to follow proper pet care guidelines which benefit both animal and child alike. Being exposed to animals offers children many valuable learning experiences, from lessons in empathy and compassion, to problem-solving and cause-and-effect skills when caring for a pet. Children can gain confidence and build self-esteem by learning to care for an animal properly, from feeding and training it with love through to bonding as a family unit – as seen here with children growing alongside their furry companions! It is heartwarming to watch children and their furry friends grow together over time.
