Pets can bring happiness and even health benefits to a child’s life. Certain pet types may be more involved, or bring their own sets of challenges. Consider these top “kid-friendly” pets.
Owning a pet can be a rewarding experience for a child. A well-chosen pet can bring years of joy.
Pet ownership can bring many benefits, including a chance for kids to learn valuable life lessons as they care for a living creature. Pets can teach children about responsibility and dependability with adult guidance. As an added bonus, some pets give affection in return for a child’s loving attention.
A cuddly puppy is probably the most classic children’s pet.
Keep in mind that choosing the ideal dog involves more than falling for big brown eyes. Some dogs may be unsuitable for children.
Before adopting a dog, ensure he or she is well-socialized and comfortable around kids.
Any dog breed means a significant commitment of time and effort for the family. Puppies may not be housebroken and typically require daily exercise, regular veterinary checkups and immunizations, and plenty of love.
Every dog is different, but kid-friendly breeds with temperaments that typically suit children include:
- Labrador retrievers
- golden retrievers
- boxers
- beagles
Along with temperament, the training and socialization for a dog are also important in determining if a dog is best suited for a home with children.
Research indicates that dogs may have a number of health benefits, and even just petting a dog can be beneficial for both children and adults. The National Institutes of Health also points to the “power of pets” for children.
Kittens are childhood favorites. Who can resist the antics of a fluffy feline?
Notoriously independent cats need somewhat less care and attention than dogs, but no less commitment. Like dogs, cats require regular veterinary checkups and immunizations.
It’s important to choose a cat that’s suitable to be around children. A cat may be a better choice than a dog if your family has limited living space.
Your local animal shelter staff can advise you on the temperaments of adoptable cats.
A fish may be the perfect “starter” pet for a child, but not just any fish will do.
Goldfish may seem like the most obvious choice, but they’re actually more difficult to raise than the Siamese fighting fish, or Betta fish.
These Southeast Asian natives are adapted to survive in isolation, in surprisingly small amounts of stagnant water. You may not even need aerators, filters, heaters, or chemicals.
However, betta fish thrive best in small aquariums with at least 3 gallons of water, regularly changed and kept between 76 and 82°F (24 and 28°C).
Be sure to buy your fish from a store that has someone who can advise you on how best to care for them.
Health benefits of pet fish
Parents may also find it reassuring that some research suggests fish can offer a number of health benefits, including some that may be helpful for children, such as for anxiety and mental health. Adults may also experience mental health improvements or blood pressure benefits from their children’s pet fish.
The appeal of cold-blooded creatures may be less obvious than that of warm, fuzzy animals. But certain reptiles make prized pets.
Tortoises can live more than 50 years. Some snake species also make excellent pets, although constrictors may not be a preferred option.
Added bonus: Reptiles generally produce
Keep in mind that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has long warned against having tortoises and other reptiles (snakes and lizards) as pets for children younger than 5 years. This is because reptiles can easily transmit Salmonella, which can be highly contagious.
Make sure to research specific care requirements for any new reptile pet.
Birds can be excellent pets. Although, owning a bird is more demanding than caring for a tortoise or fish. Some birds are highly intelligent. Others are very social. All birds require almost daily attention.
The relatively inexpensive parakeet may be a good starter for kids who haven’t raised birds before. More expensive (and more intelligent) birds like cockatiels and cockatoos also make great pets, but they may need more attention than parakeets or canaries.
Birds also typically require regular veterinary care.
Smaller mammals, including hamsters, guinea pigs, and gerbils, are relatively easy to raise. Also, most will thrive in a relatively small living space, and care is fairly straightforward.
Except for hamsters, which are solitary, it’s best to obtain young same-sex pairs. Regular, gentle handling promotes friendliness. Be mindful, though, that bites are possible should rodents — especially hamsters — feel threatened.
Surprisingly, rats make excellent pets due to their intelligence, larger size, and enjoyment of human companionship. Guinea pigs are also good kid-friendly pets.
Six-legged creatures might not be the first to come to mind when thinking of pets for children.
However, owning an ant farm can be an entertaining and educational experience for a child. Various suppliers sell habitats designed to let children directly observe ant activities. Ants can be shipped live or grown from eggs.
Hermit crabs are another example of creepy crawlies that are easily raised in captivity.
Better known as “sea monkeys,” brine shrimp are tiny crustaceans that are essentially foolproof starter pets that even small children can enjoy. They’re available in kits. Children need only add water and watch these tiny shrimp emerge, become active, and grow.
Maintenance for these hardy creatures involves adding feed about once a week and occasionally adding water to combat evaporation. A colony can thrive for a year or more with minimal care.
Caring for a pet
Caring for a pet can be a positive experience for children. Pets can provide companionship, entertainment, and educational opportunities. Remember, though, pet ownership is also serious business.
Pets are living creatures that require regular care and attention. Their maintenance involves an ongoing financial commitment.
Pets are capable of providing useful lessons about self-restraint, selflessness, and responsibility. Children may require adult supervision when interacting with some pets.
A decision to bring a pet into a home can be a big one, particularly when it comes to children in the household.
Certain pets may be better options for children than others, and each may bring its own set of challenges or considerations.