Choosing the Right Pet for Your Child

The time has come when your child keeps begging you for a pet of his or her own. You do not think he/she is ready for the huge responsibility of a puppy, but you know a goldfish swimming around in circles won't exactly cut it. Here are some options for you to research before heading off to the pet store.

Hamsters: Dwarf Hansters are a great option for your child's first pet. Your child will have fun watching the little guy spin around and around in his wheel. You can also purchase a clear ball to put the hamster in so he can roll around the house safely. Your child will have to give his/her new little pet fresh food and water every couple of days. The bedding in the hamster cage does get stinky pretty quickly so make sure your child is prepared to help clean out the cage at least once a week.

Parakeets: If your child has his/her heart set on a pet bird, a parakeet would make a great choice. The are small and do not require a large cage. Also parakeets are not as noisy as many of the birds found in pet stores. Be sure to buy a "hand-fed" or "hand-raised" parakeet if you want a bird or child can hold and bond with. A pet bird will need fresh food and water daily and the cage will need to be cleaned out at least once a week.

Green Anoles: The anole (a small lizard) is more off a hands off pet, although they can be handled with care. Your child will still have fun watching the anoles chomp on live crickets and change color (they can change from green to brown). Your child will have to mist the tank with a spray bottle daily to keep the humidity level in the tank correct and to provide the little lizards with drinking water. Be prepared to make frequent trips to the pet store since theses little guys prefer live crickets and meal worms.

Rats: I know a pet rat is not your idea a cute pet, but believe it or not they actually make great pets for children. Rats are very smart and social creatures and most actually like to be handled. Your child will have to give fresh food and water daily and clean the cage out at least once a week.

Rabbits: The smaller breeds of rabbits can also be a great choice for your child. Rabbits can be social and playful when handled gently. Rabbits do need lots of time out of their cage but need to be supervised since they like to chew on furniture! Rabbits are litter box trained so your child will need to be prepared to clean it out on a daily basis and to provide fresh food and water daily.

Kittens: A kitten does require alot of attention but it is still easier than a puppy. Most kittens already know how to use the litter box by the time they come home to you. Kittens are very playful and social creatures. A kitten will need fresh food and water daily. Also kittens do not like a dirty litter box so it will need to be changed daily (sometimes several times a day).

Which ever pet you and your child choose, be sure to do your research on the animal before purchasing. Make sure you child understands that owning a pet is a huge responsibility and should be taken seriously. A pet can be very rewarding and beneficial to your child as long as he or she is mature enough to handle the responsibility. Good luck and I hope you find the perfect pet for your family!