Learning to care for a pet, as a child can be such a positive experience. They can provide so many learning opportunities, companionship, and entertainment. As long as you the parent, are ready for the financial and time commitments this life lesson takes. After all this is another living being we are talking about.
First things first; the top 3 things to consider when you are choosing a pet for your child
Safety:Some animals like to bite, scratch, or sting. Others can be carrying dangerous pathogens that can make children sick. Is the animal safe for children to be around and to handle?
Care Required:Is the child the primary caregiver or are you cleaning up the poop? This can make a big difference in which animal you choose. Is your child ready to handle the responsibility and if so how much responsibility?
Sociability:Kids like to cuddle, squeeze, play dress up with and are just all around pretty rough on pets. Will the animal tolerate that, or bite their hand off?
Next when do we get a pet?
During the first year of your child’s life could be a very hectic time to get a new pet. You will have so many other things to focus on. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals suggests that if you already have pets focus on introducing those to baby properly. Then wait to get new pets once you are more settled and baby is older.
Toddlers want to put every thing in the toilet. So, basically if you get a toddler a pet make sure it’s up high on a shelf. Something like a fish or hermit crab can be a great option. Encourage your child to be apart of feeding the pets and let them have times throughout the day to watch them (safely hiding away in their enclosed cases)
Once your child reaches about 3-4 years old they are slightly more aware of the consequences of putting everything in the toilet. This is a great time to introduce a smaller mammal, such as a guinea pig. Guinea pigs are affectionate. They are not very skittish so they do not have issues with biting. They require minimal care, feeding, changing water, and cleaning out cage regularly.
Surprise Surprise, do you now what else is considered a great pet for kids? Rats! In fact, Dr. Jennifer Graham, assistant professor at Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, told Parents magazine that rats are “some of the best pets for small children. Rats can be calm, laid-back, not as nippy as other small mammals, and they can be handled a lot.” Rats are highly intelligent and social animals. They can be taught to do tricks and can be exercised with interesting and elaborate PVC tubing and exercise wheel. They even come when you call them.
Just a reminder when adopting all small mammals, two is good for company but, make sure they are the same sex! So you don’t end up in my situation. Just imagine getting ready a houseful of kids to go to the hospital as our great grandfather was passing away. Then add in my son telling me all morning the hamster had babies! I, of course, did not believe him because they were brothers. Until he dragged me over just as we were just about to walk out the door, and sure enough there were many tiny little hamsters! #reallife
Ok ok, we are getting to dogs and cats. The ASPCA recommends that you wait until children are 5 years old to introduce and give children the responsibility of caring for dogs and cats. Each breed is very different so this is where you have to do more research to see which ones are the best for your type of kid! Do you have a high-energy kid that can run a dog for days (welcome to my life) or a mellow one that just wants to cuddle up and read all day. These bigger animals have plenty of personalities and specific needs so, be sure to match one to your families.
My son and his BFF running, their favorite pastime.
Written by Christine who is teaching Introduction to Natural Childbirth Sunday April 22 at Bluebird Wellness. Register here
