Ask yourself: How big will the pet be once it is fully grown? Will it require any special medical care (shots, etc. )?[2] X Research source Consider your schedule, too. Are you active in extracurricular activities? If so, do you really have time for a pet? For example, you may opt for a pet like a rabbit or a hamster if you have a busy schedule as they are low maintenance and do not need a lot of attention to thrive. A pet like a snake or a lizard may be a good option if you have a passion for reptiles and enough time to care for them.
For example, you may have your heart set on a small animal like a rabbit or a hamster. This may be your first choice. After you have identified your first choice for a pet, think about a second choice that would still make you happy if your mom doesn’t go for the initial suggestion. For example, you may have a lizard as your second choice, as it is easy to care for and maintain.
If you are worried about the cost of an animal, consider adopting a pet from an animal shelter. It usually does not cost much to get a small pet from a shelter.
If you and your siblings cannot agree on a pet, you may need to advocate for a small pet on your own. Remember that in doing this, you will be solely responsible for caring for the pet.
Factor in things like a living space for the pet, food, toys, and trips to the vet. Write down the costs for each aspect of owning the pet so you can present the cost to your mom. For example, if you wanted to get a pet rabbit, you would need a cage, a water feeder, and a food bowl for the rabbit. You would also need rabbit food and a vet check for the rabbit.
Write down a daily or weekly timeline for what caring for the pet will look like. Talk about how you plan to make time to care for the animal. For example, you may write out a care plan where you come home from school on weekdays and feed the pet at a set time. You may then note when you are going to play with the pet during the week. On the weekend, you may spend more time playing and caring for the pet, including weekly cleanings of the pet’s cage.
If you are too young to get a job, think about ways you can help out around the house, or see if there is a neighbor who would be willing to let you mow their grass or clean up for a little extra money. It can help to let them know you are saving for a pet.
Commit to getting all your responsibilities done at home on time. Make sure your mom sees how hard you are working to get your chores done as well as your school work.
For example, you may list all the ways you are responsible and mature enough to care for a small pet in the letter. You may write, “I promise to take care of the pet when I get home from school and to stick to a regular feeding schedule for the pet. ”
Set up the discussion by saying “Can we talk about something?” or “I have to ask you something. Are you free to talk?”
You may print out a copy of a feeding schedule for the pet and a list of responsibilities you will fulfill to care for the pet. This way, you can show your mom the document and make it clear you have given your request a lot of thought.
Revisit the idea a few weeks later with your mom to see if you can sway her to let you have a pet. During this time, fulfill all your responsibilities at home and be a model child to convince your mom to let you get a small pet. If you mom says no, then it’s okay. Maybe you aren’t ready yet for a pet, or your family isn’t ready. Try again when you think you guys are ready for a pet.
