If you have young kids, chances are you’ve been asked for a puppy at least once. While it can be great to add a new pet to the household, it’s important that you select one that fits your lifestyle. A pet is a commitment but when you pick the best animal to complete your family, it can be incredibly rewarding and exciting for the whole family! A new pet at home can be great for adding comfort and love to your kids’ lives as well as provide an opportunity for them to learn valuable life lessons that come along with caring for a living creature. Here are some of the most common pets for kids.
Dogs
Of course, we can’t talk about the best pets for kids without mentioning puppies! In addition to being adorable, dogs are known for becoming a human’s best friend. While it can be easy to bring a dog home, it’s important to do your homework on the breed of dog you’re considering. Make sure the breed is kid-friendly and pay attention to the specific needs of the dog. For example, if you’re looking at a large dog with a lot of energy, it’s important to make sure you have enough space and time to help them exercise.
While there are hundreds of different breeds, some of the most common ones that are great for kids according to Healthline are golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, boxers, and beagles.
Rabbits
Rabbits make amazing starter pets for families. These cuddly animals are small, highly intelligent, and love to socialize. An average day for a rabbit consists of eating, cleaning, grooming, and hopping around, making them pretty low maintenance when it comes to pets. Because they love to socialize you may even consider getting two.
Fish
One of the most classic pets for kids is fish. Given as a prize at almost every fairground in the USA, these low maintenance animals are beautiful, and easy to care for. Whether you’re bringing home a single fish or are interested in building a vibrant aquarium at home, fish can be a great first pet. Do your research on food, amount of water, and type of fish, and with the new regular feeding routine you can use this as a great opportunity to teach your kids about following schedules.
Cats
Another favorite pet for kids is a cat! Cats tend to be much more independent than dogs, making them easier to care for. These adorable furry critters make themselves right at home and can be a blast to play with. While cats can be a huge hit as a new pet, they are also the cause of many allergic reactions. According to the AAFA, as many as three in ten people with allergies have allergic reactions to cats and dogs with cat allergies coming in as twice as common. If you’re concerned that your child is allergic, it’s important to get an allergy test before bringing a pet home.
Tortoises
While it may be hard to cuddle with a tortoise, these charming animals make amazing pets. Most tortoises need a lot of space to roam around and a healthy supply of food, but outside of that they’re quite easy to take care of. Like other animals, it’s important to research the breed you want before buying, but these animals can be a great addition to the family!
Guinea Pigs
Last, but certainly not least, is the guinea pig. These adorable little creatures are extremely low maintenance. Set up a little world for your pet guinea pig complete with plenty of space for them to exercise and nooks and crannies to burrow into and enjoy watching them roam around. Guinea pigs typically live for four to eight years so it’s important you’re ready for the commitment, but these little creatures are a joy to have and a huge hit with kids.
In addition to researching the breed, size, and needs of your new pet, the AVMA recommends that you consider the costs of caring for a pet. Their “Money Tips for Caring Pet Owners” can be a great resource. If you’re ready to bring a new pet home but aren’t sure what the best type is for your family, this is a great opportunity to talk to your veterinarian. Our team at the Bregman Veterinary Group is here and ready to help. We look forward to meeting your new family member!
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