Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Starter Pets For Children




Children love all types of animals. When you take them to the zoo, they want to see all of them – elephants, monkeys, giraffes, bears. But what will you do when your child asks you if they could have a pet?

Getting your child a starter pet could be helpful as it could teach them responsibility. Say for example, you choose to win your son a goldfish at the local carnival. They can live up to several years in a bowl or a tank, and without a filter or heater. Just have them keep the tank clean and feed them when necessary.

Also, an ant farm is also something that young kids would like to have, especially since they don’t have to do anything with it. They can sit and watch the ants dig their way to other areas. It is entertaining for them and can get them interested in how it can be done.

Pocket pets could also be a good learning lesson for taking care of a pet. Gerbils, hamsters, mice, rats and guinea pigs are termed pocket pets. They need to be handled gently by your children and they often last a few years. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates that is costs about $300-$635 a year to maintain a pocket pet (http://goo.gl/VJY8e).

Rabbits and birds are also fun animals to have, but rabbits take a little more maintaining and can cost a little more per year in feeding them, cleaning their cage and so on.

No matter what pet you attend to adopt, you should teach your children that they should make a lifetime commitment to any animal that joins your family. They are great to have around and are always happy to see you!

If you have any questions in regards to adopting a pet and want to check with one of our great veterinarians, please call us at one of the Bregman Vet Hospitals. 

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