Do Children Need Pets?

Children do not need to have a pet, but exposure to other people's pets is important. Animals help young children form their own sense of self. By interacting with animals, children learn that they share basic needs and wants with other living beings. Children's sense of self can be positively or negatively affected by experiences with animals.

Parents generally start thinking about getting a pet when their child shows an interest in a particular animal. Fascination with animals commonly begins at the preschool age because preschoolers are able to recognize similarities and differences within and amongst species.

Preschoolers are at the potty training age. Children are thrilled when they successfully use the toilet and upset when an accident happens. Just as they have bathroom needs so do animals. Cats like a clean litter box and dogs like to be walked outside. Children do not like to sit in dirty diapers and animals do not like to sit in filth either. If a pet is not given an appropriate place or time to release him/herself, someone will have to clean up the mess. If messes occur frequently, a child may believe that pets are dirty and 'yucky'.

At this age, children are also eating more diverse foods and expressing their likes and dislikes. Animals also need to eat specific foods and have their favorite treats. Preschoolers recognize times of the day when they eat and so do animals. When pets are not properly fed and hydrated, they become sick. Certain foods and plants are also dangerous for pets to consume. Sick pets tend to be lethargic and maybe less tolerable of touch. A child may reason that pets are unfriendly.

Children between the ages of two and five are on the move. No longer do they sit idle and pull their bodies along the floor. They can efficiently get from one spot to another. Animals also enjoy being active. Preschoolers may cry at naptime but sometimes rest is good as it is for animals. Everyone needs exercise and rest. Depending on the child and the animal, the amount of exercise and rest varies. A bark or nip will quickly give notice to a child that the pet wants to be left alone. The pet's reaction may frighten the child.

Unconditional love is important for everyone. Hopefully, children know that their parents will always be there for them. Animals count on people to always be there for them. With increased language ability, preschoolers can express themselves verbally. Animals also express themselves using sounds and body language. A child will cry when hit by another child just as a dog will yelp if his/her tail is pulled. Adults must model how to humanely treat animals so that children will learn how to be kind towards animals.

With increased control through body language and words, children recognize the power they have over their own bodies. Animals also have power mechanisms. Wild animals tend to avoid people and prefer humans to not interfere with their habitat. Domesticated animals want interaction because the family is their family. Both children and animals can clearly demonstrate when they want to or do not want to do company and boundaries should always be acknowledged and respected.

Most importantly, children and animals have unique personalities. When children interact with animals, they recognize that animals' personalities are different just like they may be shy or gregarious. This is good for children to see because children should be able to act like children and animals should be able to act like animals. Just because an animal lives in a home does not mean he/she will ever behave or want to behave like other human family members. Children will learn how to appropriately interact amongst differences and accept differences.

If the decision to get a pet is made, there are many questions to consider. What type of animal is best for the family? How much time is available to spend with and train a pet? How many children are in the home? What ages are the children? Who will take primary responsibility for the pet? Does the family want a baby or older animal? What will happen if the pet has a medical condition? How much money needs to be set aside to care of the pet including food, vet and boarding bills? Are there any other pets in the home? What type of temperament is a good fit for the family's lifestyle? Is there room for the pet? What level of friendliness or aggressiveness will be tolerated?

Do NOT go to a pet store. Research rescue organizations, shelters and adoption agencies when looking for a pet. Spay or neuter the animal when he/she is the appropriate age. Pets are not disposable so make sure everyone in the family is ready to commit for the duration of the animal's life regardless of unexpected moves, children, relationships and financial problems. Pets need not only food and vet care, but also love, exercise and training. Children will develop compassion for animals when they are taught to care for them and about their well being. Model kindness. Model responsibility.