Not only can childhood pets be a cute addition to the family but they can also give your child companionship and a new sense of responsibility. Whilst it might be tempting to take your child to the nearest pet shop and give them free reign in choosing their pet, you should probably read the following in order to decide which animal would make the most appropriate choice for both your needs and that of your child.
Dogs and Cats are probably the most popular choice when selecting a domestic pet due to their long life expectancy and generally calm temperaments. Dogs in particular offer companionship and can help your family to remain fit and healthy due to the need to regularly walk them. Cats are more independent and can therefore be useful for families with less spare time of their hands.
You should keep in mind however that both dogs and cats come with additional costs such as neutering and worming and vet bills can be quite high should your four legged friend require an operation or treatment for a more serious ailment.
I would argue that rodents, such as rats, mice and hamsters, are not suitable for very young children as their life expectancies generally range between 2-3 years and their deaths can be untimely and unsettling (though guinea pigs fare a little better at an average of 5 years). Children will want to physically handle cute rodent pets and not all of them are not up to this as they are not as physically strong as larger animals. Rodents are not completely off limits for slightly older children (7 years+) but do be cautious.
Pets such as spiders, snakes and those belonging to the lizard family are not only scary for youngsters but usually they also have very specific care needs beyond the abilities of most kids and adolescents. Avoid!
Many people might decide against buying fish as a first pet as their life expectancy isn’t particularly high but you should consider that fact that fish make cheap pets once you have purchased the necessary fish tank lighting, heaters and water filters. Should a child’s beloved fish die, replacing it on the sly should be fairly easy should the fish have no distinguishable features (many goldfish for example, look practically identical) and this is useful for young and/or sensitive children. Similarly, a tank full of many fish will soften the blow should any pass away.
Arguably, it is also less tragic should your child inadvertently kill their fish (by over feeding them for example) than to do the same to the family dog!
Whatever pet you choose for your child, it is important to remember that looking after an animal is a constant responsibility. You should teach your child how to properly care for their new animal. There are plenty of pet shop assistants who will aid you in your quest for the ideal pet so don’t be afraid to ask any questions you may have!
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