Having a childhood pet is a great way to not only learn about responsibility and routine, but it is also amazing for companionship. While dogs and cats are certainly the most popular pets for kids, there are a few others that are great options for young children. From guinea pigs and rabbits to fish and reptiles, here are some of the top pets for children.
Dogs
Dogs are the most popular animals owned by pets in the US by far with over 48 million households owning at least one dog. For young children, dogs can be amazing companions and do wonders at helping them learn responsibility from an early age. When selecting the right breed for you, it is important to consider the amount of time you have to dedicate to spending with your new pet and bring home a dog that best fits your lifestyle.
Cats
Cats are the second most popular pet in the US and they are popular among families for the companionship they bring. With a wide variety of breeds and a lower maintenance lifestyle than dogs, cats can be great pets. If you aren’t sure which cat would work best for you, there are plenty of great articles like this one from the AVMA.
Fish
While many people think fish are the perfect starter pet for a child, it’s important to know that not just any fish will do. According to Healthline, goldfish may seem like the most obvious choice, but they’re actually more difficult to raise than the Siamese fighting fish (AKA Betta fish). Betta fish thrive best in small aquariums with at least two gallons of water that is regularly changed and are low in maintenance compared to other fish.
Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are among the most popular pets for kids, mainly due to their small size and manageable care requirements. These adorable and calm pets generally enjoy being around humans and will actively engage and interact with humans. Since they’re willing to sit calmly in a child’s lap and will even vocalize their excitement when their favorite human is around, they make for social and fun pets. Given that they are small creatures, it’s important to supervise your children around guinea pigs and teach them to be gentle and careful handling these furry pets.
Reptiles
When people think of getting a new adorable pet, reptiles aren’t often the first type of pet that comes to mind, but some cold-blooded creatures make amazing pets. As an added bonus, reptiles are non allergenic but it’s important to keep in mind that the American Academy of Pediatrics warns against reptiles as pets for very young children because they can easily transmit salmonella. Whether you’re interested in a pet turtle or snake, there are plenty of fun reptiles to consider.
Rabbits
Bunny rabbits are not only adorable animals with fun personalities, but they also make for incredibly friendly and playful pets. From the Flemish giant rabbit which can grow up to 15 points to the Holland Lop which averages around 3 pounds, there are dozens of popular breeds to choose from. Since rabbits require supervised exercise and need regular socialization, they’re great pets for older responsible children.
Caring for your new pet
It’s important to remember that when considering a pet that’s right for you and your family, you accept responsibility for the health and welfare of another living thing. The AVMA suggests that you consider the costs associated with caring for your new pet, how long will you be away from your pet, who will care for your pet in your absence, are you able to provide the amount of attention your pet will need, and more. Click here to learn how the AVMA suggests you go about selecting the perfect pet for you and your family.
If you are adopting a new pet and need to schedule a veterinary appointment, our team at Bregman Veterinary Group is here to help. At Bregman Veterinary Group we make it our mission to help you determine the best course of action for your new pet from the very beginning so that they can live long, healthy lives. To schedule an appointment, click here to get started.
