The relationship between children and their pets is important and profound. Choosing the right pet for your child’s age and personality, and for your family’s circumstances and child rearing style, is vital to making this relationship a success.

by Christina DiMartino

You may be motivated to bring a pet into the family to teach your children a sense of responsibility or to provide them with a playmate. Children learn fundamental lessons about themselves and the world when they have a pet. Your child can learn to empathize, to understand subtle feelings, to care for a living creature, and to appreciate the animal world.

Before you set out to consider that doggie in the window, however, there are details you should consider. You child may be longing for a pet—even begging and pleading—but her interests can swirl like a leaf in a strong breeze. The pet requires daily care and love even when she’s not in the mood.

No matter what pet you choose, recognize that as the parent, you are ultimately responsible for the health and wellbeing of the animal. You will need to help your child learn how to property care for her pet, and to monitor its care.

Consider your child’s age

Patricia A. Farrell, Ph.D., author of Be Your Own Therapist, suggests starting younger children with less demanding pets, such as a goldfish.

“Age 3 would be appropriate for a pet that doesn’t require a great deal of maintenance,” says Farrell. “At age 4 to 5, depending on your child’s temperament, she can lend a hand in daily pet feeding and care, and so may be ready for a gerbil or other small animal that is caged. It’s important to take her attention span, ability and interest level into account.”

PetPlace.com, an online library of veterinarian-approved articles, suggests you consider not only your child’s age, but also his emotional development. Although he doesn’t intend harm, a preschooler might injure a pet by playing rough. Consider starting with a pet that is interesting but cannot be handled by your child unless you’re present.

Give your child some age-appropriate responsibilities in caring for the pet. If you have a gerbil or hamster, your child might clean food or water bowls, or, under your supervision, help you clean the cage.

Once your child has demonstrated responsibility for caring for his smaller pet, you may want to consider bringing a dog or a cat into your home. But always remember, although it may be his pet, you will be the one who must make sure the animal is well cared for.

Benefits of pets as children grow

Child Care Aware, a program of the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies, says children of all ages can make friends with an animal, whether it’s their own pet or a friend’s. These friendships help social and emotional development. But each age group benefits differently from animals.

• Babies enjoy the sensory aspects of animals. They see the pretty bird, hear the cat’s meow, and pet the soft dog.

• Younger toddlers can learn the names and shapes of different animals, and the noises each one makes. Your toddler can start to form emotional bonds with pets by making “friends.”

• Older toddlers can get exercise and increase their physical activity by walking or playing with a pet, depending on the type of animal. Cats and dogs are more active than smaller animals. Smaller animals may help older children develop fine motor skills.

• Preschoolers learn even more from their pets. Their relationship with the animal may grow. They will learn about caring for their pets and see how animals react if they are treated nicely.

• Children just starting school can gain responsibility by helping to take care of pets. They can give the cat a spoonful of dry food in the morning, or feed the fish every day.

Choose the right pet

Banfield Pet Hospital in Portland, Oregon, offers advice on how to choose the right pet.

• How much time will you have to work with your child on caring for the pet?

• Do you live in a house or apartment? Cats, small dogs, gerbils, birds, and fish are the best options for apartment dwellers.

• Guinea pigs, hamsters, and gerbils are great for younger children. They’re fun to watch and pet, and easy to care for.

• Seek advice before purchasing amphibians, reptiles, wild animals, and baby chicks, as they may carry bacteria.

• Rabbits are often frightened by energetic children, and they don’t like to be carried around.

• Midsize or large non-aggressive dogs are best choices for children. Avoid dogs traditionally bred to hunt small mammals. Ask your veterinarian for advice on breeds whose temperaments are well-suited to children.

• Cats can be loving companions for older children. They do not require walking and they are more independent.

 

Christina DiMartino has been a freelance and assignment writer since 1985. She is a researcher, interviewer, writer, editor, and manuscript collaborator with a repertoire of clients from around the world.

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