Monthly Advice Column | Every child deserves their own best friend

Having a pet can be a wonderful experience for children, offering companionship, entertainment, and important lessons in responsibility. Studies have shown that children who grow up with pets often have increased empathy, better social skills, and a stronger sense of responsibility. While getting a pet should always be a family decision, here’s a breakdown of the benefits and suitable pets for different ages, along with some tips on involving your child in pet care.

Benefits of Having a Pet

1. Responsibility and Routine: Caring for a pet teaches children to commit to routines, such as feeding schedules, grooming, and playtime.

2. Empathy and Compassion: Pets offer children the chance to nurture another living being, fostering empathy and understanding.

3. Physical Activity: For active pets like dogs, regular walks and playtime promote physical exercise, keeping both the pet and child healthy.

4. Emotional Support: Pets often provide comfort, helping kids manage stress, sadness, or even social anxiety by offering a loyal, nonjudgmental presence.

Types of Pets by Age Group

Ages 4-7: Small Pets (Fish, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs)

Young children can start with small pets that require less care and have simpler needs. Fish, for example, offer the chance to learn about feeding schedules and aquarium care. Hamsters and guinea pigs provide opportunities for gentle handling and interaction but require less maintenance than larger animals.

Ideal Pets: Fish, hamsters, guinea pigs, or hermit crabs.

Lesson: Gentle care, basic feeding schedules, and observation.

Ages 8-10: More Interactive Pets (Cats, Rabbits, Birds)

As children grow, they become more capable of handling additional responsibilities. Cats, rabbits, and birds are great options because they allow for more interaction and teach children about bonding with animals. Cats are relatively independent, but they require litter box care, feeding, and grooming. Rabbits and birds can be engaging and are excellent for teaching handling skills.

Ideal Pets: Cats, rabbits, budgies, or parakeets.

Lesson: More consistent routines (feeding, cleaning cages), understanding boundaries, and bonding.

Ages 11 and Up: Dogs and Higher-Needs Pets

Older kids have the maturity to handle the responsibilities associated with dogs or other higher-needs pets. They can assist with walking, training, and regular feeding. Dogs offer companionship and teach patience and dedication. At this age, children can understand the long-term commitment required and actively participate in the pet's training.

Ideal Pets: Dogs, larger birds, or reptiles (like bearded dragons).

Lesson: Commitment, exercise routines, and understanding long-term responsibility.

Tips for Engaging with Kids in Pet Care

Set Daily Tasks: Assign age-appropriate responsibilities, like feeding or brushing the pet, and do these tasks together.

Read About the Pet: Find books or videos on caring for your specific type of pet to encourage children to learn more about its needs.

Involve Kids in Health Care: Take your child along for vet visits to teach them about healthcare and preventive care for pets.

Encourage Exercise Together: Go for walks with your pet or set up play sessions that involve both your child and the pet.

Create a Pet Care Chart: Use a chart to track tasks like feeding, cleaning, and exercising, teaching consistency and organization.

Getting a pet can be a rewarding experience for both children and parents. By choosing the right pet for your child’s age and engaging them in its care, you help build lifelong skills in responsibility, empathy, and love for animals.

Veterinary costs are up 60% over the past decade

Unexpected vet bills can be a financial burden, with some procedures costing $10,000+. Without coverage, you’d have to cover these expenses out of pocket.

Pet insurance could provide up to 90% reimbursement.

View Money’s top pet insurance picks here.

VIEW PET INSURERS

Fun Read for your kids