Is My Child Ready for a Pet?

Most parents will hear at one point or another their child asking if they can have a pet. Whether it be a cute, furry kitten or an adorable puppy, parents are faced with the decision of having to determine whether or not to add a new member to the family. Here is a look at how to determine whether or not your child is ready for a pet and if so how to go about picking the right one.

One of the first things to consider when deciding if a child is ready for a pet is how responsible they are. As each child is very different and each one has a different personality, parents should consider how they approach things. Do they do their chores okay without being asked? Are they able to pay attention to a pet? These are all important things to consider.

Age is another important thing to consider when determining if a child is ready to take on the responsibility of a pet. Younger children may do well by starting out with a smaller pet such as a single fish and then if they prove to responsible moving up to a bigger pet.

Allergies are also something else to take into consideration. Many parents are alarmed to find out that their child has a dog or cat allergy after they have already brought the pet into the home. If at all possible, take your child around a dog or cat that a friend or family has and see how they react.

Once it has been determined if the child is ready for a pet, then it is time to decide what type of pet to get. Many parents opt to start out small and choose a pet such as a fish or a hamster. This is also a good choice for families who live in small spaces. Some children may protest, especially if they have had their heart set on a cat or puppy but usually get excited over the idea.

For those families who want to add a kitten or a puppy to their family, should consider adopting one from one of the local shelters. There are many unwanted kittens and puppies available at local shelters. The best part about getting a pet from one of these places is that they will spay or neuter the pet as well as give it all the shots it needs while the owner gets the pet for a low price. Most shelters will let families visit and look at the pets and spend a little time with the pets to determine if they want to bring the pet home or not. If the family is able to decide on a pet, they can go through the adoption process and usually bring the pet home within the week, if not the same day.

Sources: My own experiences.