If you have family friends or relatives who own pets, watch how your child interacts and behaves around the pet. He should be easy going around the pet and eager to help take care of the pet.
For an older child, learning how to raise and take care of a younger pet can be a good way to instill a sense of responsibility and purpose. This also means the younger pet can grow with your child and your family, leading to a strong and lasting bond. But if your child is already busy with school and extracurricular activities, and if you do not have a lot of free time to devote to the pet, a younger animal may not be ideal for your household. Consider your child’s daily schedule and your lifestyle, as well as the lifestyle of your spouse or other children in the home. If your family has a jam packed schedule, you may want to think about getting an adult animal that is easier to take care of and requires less of a time commitment.
Over time, your child should assume most of the responsibilities of caring for the pet. In the initial stages, when the pet first arrives, you will likely need to help your child adjust to caring for the pet and will need to set aside time in your schedule to do so.
On average, taking care of a cat can cost $350-$400 a year, and a small or medium dog can cost $400-$500 a year to care for. Be prepared to spend money on the pet and do not select a pet you do not think you can afford to maintain and take care of. [4] X Research source
The most important thing about maintaining a goldfish is feeding him properly and consistently. If your child wants a pet he can cuddle, a goldfish may not be the ideal pet.
Guinea pigs: These smaller pets are easy to tame and handle. Though they are happiest when in pairs, they require only a small amount of space in a cage and are social creatures. They require supplemental Vitamin C to remain happy and healthy, so you will need to feed them lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, or Vitamin C tablets. Rats: Despite their dirty image, domesticated rats are actually very clean, quite intelligent and do not often bite. They are social animals and enjoy being held and cuddled. They are best kept in pairs, and they require a large cage so they can run around. Most rats are larger than mice or dwarf hamsters, so they won’t slip out of your child’s hands and are easier to handle. Hamsters: There two popular hamster breeds: the Syrian hamster and the dwarf or Russian hamsters. Hamsters are solitary creatures and are happy in smaller cages. They are fairly easy to take care of, but they are nocturnal and have a shorter lifespan compared to other pets. Gerbils: These animals are very social and can be active during the day or the night. They are easy to tame and fun to watch, especially for children. Most gerbils will only bite if they feel threatened and if someone grabs their tails unexpectedly. Mice: These animals are good, inexpensive pets and are easy to care for. However, they live best in groups, preferably with like-genders as this will prevent multitudes of mice babies. They have a shorter life span and have potentially troublesome habits like chewing and gnawing on objects. Leopard geckos: If your child is interested in reptiles, leopard geckos may be a good option. They are among the easiest reptiles to care for, as they are naturally docile. However, they are nocturnal so they will be awake at night and require a small habitat to be happy and healthy. Though you can hold leopard geckos, they aren’t as into cuddling as other small cage animals like hamsters or gerbils.
Birds living in a household with children are likely to be more vocal than birds that live in households without children. Birds are flock creatures, after all, and tend to imitate the atmosphere around them. If you might be sensitive to chirping, squawking, and other loud bird noises in your home, you may not want to get a pet bird. Budgies and cockatiels are popular bird choices for household pets. Parrots are entertaining and fun to train, but they will need a high amount of interaction from their owner.
You can research dog breeds to find the right dog for your household. Keep in mind all dogs have the potential to bite, as the dog’s breed is just one factor that affects temperament and behavior. Get a dog from a reputable breeder and make sure the dog has a full vet check up before he enters your home.
Before you get a cat for your child, confirm he is not allergic to cat dander or fur. Children who are exposed to cats when they are babies have a reduced risk of developing cat allergies. But older children who have not been exposed to cats have a greater risk of allergies.
You and your child can also visit animal shelters to look at potential pets. Sometimes, your child will be drawn to a certain animal and be able to identify their new pet for themselves.
