If
you’re still deciding whether it’s a good idea for your kids to have a pet,
just think about the benefits.
Aside
from teaching them responsibility, owning a pet helps build their confidence, keeps them healthy,
reduces their feelings of loneliness, and so on. However, you need to choose
the right one for your family.
After
all, even if your kids promise to be responsible pet owners, you know that they
can’t do everything by themselves. To make sure you won’t regret your decision,
let’s talk about the best pets for kids including what to consider when
caring for them.
4 Best Pets for Kids
Before
choosing a pet for your family, make sure to think about your living situation
and the ages of your children. Remember, pets come with expenses and some
animals may not be suitable for very young kids.
That
being said, here are some good pets for kids and their unique needs and
characteristics.
1. Dogs
Always
a popular choice, dogs make good everyday companions as long as they’re
well-socialized and house-trained. Now, if you’re looking for specific
breeds, the most kid-friendly ones are beagles, boxers, golden retrievers, and
Labrador retrievers.
No
matter the breed though all dogs need daily exercise, regular veterinary
checkups, grooming, etc. You may also have to hire a dog walker or send your
dog to doggy daycare if your family has to travel somewhere and no one will be
left at home.
2. Cats
Also
on the list of animals that make good pets for kids are cats. Like dogs,
they’re wonderful companions with the added advantage of not needing walks and
baths as much.
They
still need a bit of equipment though such as toys, scratching posts, and a
litter box.
3. Fish
For
small kids, fishes are one of the best pets to own. They require little upkeep,
but you do have to budget for the initial aquarium set-up.
Keep
in mind that small bowls aren’t ideal if you want your fish to live their full
lifespan. It’s also important you research on how to best care for your
underwater friends. You can check out the pure goldfish approved list for online stores that provide detailed fish care
guides.
4. Turtles
If
your idea of a good pet is one that’s quiet and low maintenance, you can’t go
wrong with a turtle. However, you do have to check if your state allows the
sale or keeping of turtles. This is because they can easily transmit
salmonella, which eliminates them from the list of best pets for children
under five, as well as immunocompromised patients.
If
those situations don’t apply to you though, you only need to worry about
spending for a specific type of enclosure. For your turtle to thrive, this
specialized enclosure comes equipped with a filter, heat lamp, large tank, etc.
Once you have this, you’re all set and barring any turtle diseases, you and
your kids can look forward to caring for your pet turtle for a long time.
Ready to Own a Pet?
Now
that you know some of the best pets for kids, don’t think you’re limited to
what’s listed here. Talk to your children and find out what they think about
other good pets such as hamsters, birds, insects, and so on.
For
more tips and advice on pets, don’t hesitate to check out our other
posts.