Bringing a pet into the family is often a heartwarming decision, enriching the lives of both adults and children alike. For kids, the experience of caring for a pet can be particularly transformative, offering valuable lessons in empathy and responsibility.
Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM, owner of the Veterinary Center for Birds and Exotics, emphasizes the profound impact pets can have on children. “It teaches empathy and responsibility. Being responsible for another animal … understanding that other things are relying on you to stay healthy and survive,” she explains. Furthermore, she notes the reciprocal nature of this bond, “Many of these animals are very smart and will give that unconditional love back to you.”
However, choosing the right pet for your child is a decision that requires careful consideration. It’s not just about finding an animal that your child will adore, but also ensuring a good fit for your family’s lifestyle, capabilities, and home environment.
Essential Considerations When Selecting Good Pets for Kids
Before welcoming a furry, feathered, or scaled friend into your home, it’s crucial to be well-informed about the responsibilities involved. Dr. Hess advises, “You have to be educated.” This is particularly important with exotic pets, where understanding their specific needs and behaviors is key to a successful pet-owner relationship. Misconceptions can lead to frustration and disappointment for both pet and family.
Open communication within the family is paramount. Everyone, especially the children, needs to be enthusiastic and ready to participate in the pet’s care. Dr. Elizabeth Mackey, owner of Mackey Exotic Animal Clinic, stresses the importance of children’s investment in the pet’s well-being. Their commitment should mirror yours.
Ultimately, your comfort level is a deciding factor. Even if your child dreams of a snake, if you harbor a strong phobia, it’s simply not the right pet for your family.
To navigate this decision-making process effectively, consulting a veterinarian experienced with the species you are considering is highly recommended by both Dr. Mackey and Dr. Hess. A veterinary consultation can provide tailored advice based on your family’s circumstances and help you explore various options.
When discussing potential pets with your vet, consider these key factors:
- Lifespan of the Pet: Children form deep attachments to their pets. While a longer lifespan offers extended companionship, remember that you may become the primary caregiver as your child grows and their life priorities shift.
- Space Requirements: Evaluate your living space. Do you have adequate room for the pet to thrive, considering its adult size and activity level?
- Care Demands: Discuss the daily, weekly, and monthly care needs with your veterinarian. Can your family realistically share these tasks? Are you prepared for the time commitment?
- Financial Implications: Factor in ongoing costs like food, supplies, and, crucially, veterinary care. Research veterinarians in your area who specialize in the type of pet you are considering. For exotic pets, the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians is a valuable resource.
- Desired Interaction: What kind of interaction does your child envision with the pet? Dr. Mackey points out that while most children crave hands-on interaction and playtime, some may prefer a pet that is more visually interesting or unique, even if less cuddly.
- Nocturnal vs. Diurnal Habits: Consider the pet’s activity schedule. A nocturnal pet may be less engaging during daytime hours when your child is most active.
- Child’s Temperament: Reflect on your child’s personality. Is your child gentle and patient enough for a delicate animal? The pet’s safety and well-being depend on your child’s ability to respect its needs.
- Contingency Plans: What happens if your child’s interest wanes? Pet ownership is a lifelong commitment. Are you prepared to assume full responsibility for the pet’s care, both physical and emotional, or to find a suitable new home if necessary?
Meeting the pet in person before making a final decision is always a good idea. While pet store staff can be helpful, veterinarians remain the most reliable source for accurate pet care information.
Once you bring your new pet home, schedule a veterinary check-up promptly. This allows for a health assessment and provides an opportunity to discuss specific care recommendations for your new family member.
Top Pet Choices for Kids Aged 4-7
At this age, children are beginning to develop gentleness and can participate in basic pet care tasks under supervision. Ideal pets for this age group are generally low-maintenance and resilient.
Parakeets
Parakeets, also known as budgies, are excellent starter pets for young children. Dr. Hess describes them as “fairly low-maintenance, not super messy and don’t take up a lot of space.” By age seven, children can grasp the concept of gentle handling and contribute to a parakeet’s care.
Parakeets are known for their affectionate nature and responsiveness to gentle interaction. Their ability to learn words adds an engaging dimension for children. However, they require respectful handling. Parakeets are not suited for children who are overly boisterous or unpredictable. With guidance, these birds can teach young children calmness and patience.
Parental involvement is necessary for daily cage cleaning, but children can assist with feeding and watering. Parakeets have a lifespan that can extend into their teens, making them a long-term commitment.
Crested Geckos
For families open to reptiles, crested geckos offer a fascinating and manageable pet option. Dr. Mackey highlights their appeal to young children: “Little kids love the gecko because he just sits there in your hand.” Their soft skin and unique ability to cling to glass are captivating. Being nocturnal, they are most active in the evening and early morning.
While handleable, crested geckos require gentle treatment. Acclimation to a new environment takes time, typically several weeks, before handling should begin. Children must be taught to handle them delicately as they can detach their tails if startled or stressed.
Children can participate in care by preparing the crested gecko’s powdered food and setting up their terrarium. Handwashing after handling is essential due to the potential for Salmonella transmission common to reptiles.
Ideal Pets for Kids Aged 8-11
As children mature, so does their capacity for responsibility and understanding of pet needs. This age group can handle pets with slightly more complex care requirements and appreciate more interactive species.
Rats
Often underestimated, rats are surprisingly wonderful pets for older children. Dr. Hess praises them as “phenomenal animals,” noting their loving and gentle nature. Their robustness makes them suitable for slightly less gentle handling compared to very delicate pets. For children with longer attention spans, rats can be ideal companions.
Rats introduce structure and routine into a child’s day, fostering responsibility. Feeding and basic cage cleaning become manageable tasks. They are highly social and thrive on interaction with their owners, often displaying affection and even cuddling. Rats are best kept in pairs or groups.
Children can engage in various aspects of rat care, including feeding, watering, cage cleaning, and enrichment activities. Rats are intelligent and trainable, offering opportunities for bonding through trick training and maze exploration.
A shorter lifespan of around three years is a consideration, requiring sensitivity when discussing pet ownership with younger children in this age range.
Canaries and Finches
Canaries and finches are excellent choices for children who prefer observation over constant handling. These birds are visually appealing and relatively low-maintenance in terms of direct interaction. Dr. Mackey emphasizes their social nature, recommending keeping multiple birds together.
Canaries are known for their beautiful songs, while finches are more active and visually engaging. Canaries can be trained to perch on a finger with patience, but finches generally prefer not to be handled.
Children can participate in cage cleaning, feeding, and providing fresh water. Tasks like covering and uncovering the cage and vacuuming around it are also suitable for this age group. Canaries and finches have a longer lifespan of 10-15 years.
Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are a popular and well-loved pet choice for children, often considered ideal “class pets.” Dr. Hess describes them as “pretty calm” and “adorable,” noting their manageable care requirements and hardy nature.
Guinea pigs are social and enjoy human interaction, often vocalizing their excitement. They are generally happy to sit calmly in a child’s lap. Various breeds offer diverse appearances and temperaments.
Children can participate in feeding, cage cleaning, and grooming, especially with long-haired breeds. Guinea pigs thrive in pairs, but this doubles the space and cost requirements. Their lifespan is moderate, typically 5-7 years.
Best Pets for Kids Aged 12-15
Teenagers are capable of handling the responsibilities of more demanding pets, including those requiring significant time, attention, and specialized care.
Rabbits
Rabbits, while sometimes perceived as low-maintenance, actually require significant commitment and are better suited for older children. Dr. Hess describes them as “very, very loving” and capable of forming strong bonds with their owners.
Rabbits are sensitive and can startle easily, requiring calm and gentle handling. They are social animals that crave attention and require considerable time and care. Older children are better equipped to understand and meet these needs.
Teenagers can take on significant roles in rabbit care, including litter box cleaning, feeding, cage cleaning, and providing enrichment. Rabbits need daily time outside their cages for exercise and interaction, providing opportunities for bonding. They can live for 8-12 years, representing a long-term commitment.
Cats and Dogs
Cats and dogs are classic family pets, but their care demands are substantial in terms of time, finances, and responsibility. For teenagers ready for significant commitment, they can be incredibly rewarding.
Dr. Hess emphasizes the learning opportunities: “They understand responsibilities and consequences. They have to participate in the care. That’s part of the deal.” Teenagers can actively participate in feeding, grooming, walking dogs, cleaning litter boxes, and other care tasks.
Cats and dogs offer deep companionship and can become integral family members. Their lifespans can exceed 10 years, sometimes reaching 20 or more, making them a major long-term commitment.
Bearded Dragons
For teenagers seeking a more exotic pet, bearded dragons are an excellent reptile choice. Dr. Mackey calls them “the world’s greatest lizards” due to their hardiness and typically docile nature.
Bearded dragons enjoy handling and interaction, making them engaging pets. Teenagers can manage feeding, cleaning, socialization, and environmental enrichment. Their care requirements are more specialized, including UV lighting, temperature control, and insect-based diets.
Teenagers can participate in bulb changes, temperature monitoring, and insect feeding. Bearded dragons are more expensive to maintain due to their specific needs. Their lifespan is typically 5-8 years, potentially reaching 10 with optimal care.
Corn Snakes
Corn snakes are praised by veterinarians as gentle and manageable snakes, suitable for families prepared for reptile ownership. Dr. Hess describes them as “very gentle.”
Corn snakes grow to a moderate size and are tolerant of handling, making them good starter snakes. Feeding involves deceased rodents. Daily care is relatively low-maintenance, but specialized environmental conditions are necessary.
Teenagers can assist with humidity and temperature monitoring, cage cleaning, and habitat enrichment. Corn snakes have a lifespan of 5-10 years.
Greek Tortoises
Dr. Hess recommends Greek tortoises as a preferred tortoise species due to their smaller size and herbivorous diet.
Greek tortoises remain relatively small and require a spacious, naturalistic enclosure. Veterinary consultation is important for specific care and nutritional needs.
Teenagers can participate in temperature, humidity, light, and heat monitoring, as well as food preparation and watering. Greek tortoises are interactive but do not enjoy being held, making them suitable for children who prefer observation. They are known for their responsiveness and interaction, approaching caretakers for food.
Greek tortoises have exceptionally long lifespans, often exceeding 20 years, representing a lifelong commitment.
By: Teresa Traverse
Featured Image: iStock.com/akrp
