Robyn's Nest - The Parenting Network

Pets and Kids

Whether you had a pet before having children or your child is begging for one now, at some time, your family will discuss which pet is right for you. When choosing a pet for your family, there are a number of things to consider.

Where you live

Apartment, Condo, House?
Big yard or small yard?
What types of animals are permitted?
Will your pet remain indoors or need outdoor space?

Family lifestyle

Does your family travel a lot?
Will your pet travel with you?
Who will care for your pet when you travel?
Is someone home much of the day?

Cost

Cost doesn't end after the purchase of the pet and supplies.
Will my pet need veterinary care annually or semi-annually?
Will my pet need grooming regularly?
Will my pet need a special diet?
Will my pet need special equipment? (i.e. as tack for a horse)
Will my pet need medicines if it becomes ill?

Family Allergies

Many people are allergic to cats, but people can be allergic to other animals as well. Birds and rodent type animals such as hamsters, gerbils and guinea pigs can be high allergen animals. In fact, any animal can cause allergic reactions in human beings.

Therefore, before committing to a new pet, check family history for animal allergies and look for symptoms in your children exposed to neighbors or other animals. Many times, unfortunately, allergies go undetected for sometime and a beloved pet must be given up. This may be unavoidable. Explain to your children that the allergic sibling or parent is not to blame.

Maintenance Commitment

High maintenance pets may include:
Long haired animals
Dogs of a breed that need a lot of exercise and play time
Larger breed animals such as horses
Very young animals that require training such as puppies and kittens
Exotic animals

Medium maintenance pets may include:
Cats
Hamsters
Rabbits
Parakeets

Low maintenance pets may include:
Fish

Age of Children

CHILDREN UNDER 5 SHOULD NEVER BE LEFT UNATTENDED WITH AN ANIMAL.

Young children instinctively grab, pull, hug, and get in the faces of animals. These types of gestures and movements may cause even the mildest mannered animal to bite or scratch.

Puppies and young children don't always make the best playmates. Puppies view small children as their equals and will play with them as such (i.e. biting and jumping). It may be best to wait until your children are school age before getting a puppy.

When considering a pet for a family with young children, consider introducing either a very young animal who will be raised with your children and learn to interact with them or an animal who has been raised in the company of young children.

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Choosing the right pet for your family