Do your best to know all of the facts about your prospective pet. If you find out something about the pet that you don’t like (such as eating live food, lives for 30 years, needs lots of outdoor space, etc. ), then don’t hesitate to check out other similar animals to find the perfect pet for you. Knowing information, you can casually tell your parents drop in a fact or two about your pet that will start the thinking process in their minds. Make sure to check into state laws if you are considering an exotic pet. For example, it is illegal to keep a skunk as a pet in Tennessee, so even though you may be able to buy one or might know someone who has one, it’s probably not a good idea to make the purchase.
Remember that you will have this pet (depending on the animal) for at least a few years, and will need to take considerable care of it. You will be caring for, raising and nurturing a living creature. If you lose interest in having a pet over a few months, then perhaps a pet isn’t right for you. Take this time to think about the investment you’d be making.
Good grades are a huge part of having a pet. Your parents might be worried that having a pet will affect your performance in school. Get your grades up as high as they can go to relinquish this worry before it even comes up.
Think about talking to your parents about the potential of “earning” a pet. What can you do around the house and neighborhood to chip in for the funds? What kind of grades would you need? Could you take on more chores, volunteer, or help out some other way? For example, community service.
While pets seem so fun on the outside, there’s a lot of “follow through” when it comes to them, too. It’s not just playing with Fluffy and feeding him: it’s taking care of his poo and wiping up the floor when he pees on it; it’s training and socializing him; it’s taking him to the vet. Showing you can handle your responsibilities without being pestered may prove that you can handle the downside of having a pet, too.
If you wait until a special day, like your birthday or a holiday, your parents are more likely to say yes. Give them some written information to look through, a website to visit, or give them the number of someone who can provide information and tips about caring for your desired pet. Show them that you’ve done your homework and that this means something to you. Don’t pester them or whine; respect their need to troubleshoot the idea. This is a life-changing decision that they’ll need to think over. A “yes” will not likely come immediately.
Include how you might work out the financial part of it, like vet fees and who is actually paying for the pet. Money is often a reason parents shy away from getting a pet. If your family has a specific necessity that has to be addressed, such as being unable to walk a pet, arrange an agreement or compromise to accommodate the need and mention this as a selling point.
What’s more, it’ll be great for you. Or so they’ll think if you tell them it’ll teach you responsibility if you have to take care of it and it’ll get you outside and off your computer. Show them that it could turn you into quite the kid.
This shows them that you are willing to do the work, and that you’re not going to let go of the idea easily. If they seem hesitant, ask them what problems they have with you getting the pet to show them that you are willing to see all sides of an issue, even if you don’t want to.
Change your argument, if need be. Instead of “But Mom/Dad, a cat is cute and fluffy!” change it to “Cats are easier to care for than dogs, are generally smaller, and won’t stink up the house. ” You could also tack on a few numbers on how many homeless animals are out there that need rescuing. You may just need to attack them from a different angle.
Is the reason financial? Offer to pay for as much of the pet as you can (including expenses that come up later). Is the reason that there isn’t enough space in your house? Then get to cleaning! Is the reason because of a different pet? Come up with a space that will be this new pet’s area. Is the reason an allergy? If this is the case, you may have to come up with an alternative idea. Is the reason because of religion? Some religions don’t allow you to own a dog. If that’s the case, you may be out of luck, but talk through their reasoning and listen with an open mind.
You could also compromise for a later date. Is your birthday or Christmas coming up? Say that you’ll take the time until then to do your best around the house and at school, and then they could consider it a gift.
If they’re still saying no, revisit the argument at a later date. A surefire way of shutting down any chance at your parents saying yes is to nag, whine, and complain. If they’re giving you a hard and fast no, drop the conversation for now. Keep up being an awesome kid, making them wonder if they’re making the wrong decision.
