Choosing a Pet for your Child

Sep 30
09:16

2011

Patrick Fitz-Gibbon

Patrick Fitz-Gibbon

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What needs to be considered before purchasing a pet for your child and how to make the right choice to ensure happy pets and happy children.

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It makes sense to allow your child to have their own pet. It not only encourages them how to care for something but also allows them independence and gives them a sense of responsibility. However there are things to take into consideration when deciding which will be the most suitable pet for your child.

Age: The age of your child is an important factor,Choosing a Pet for your Child Articles if your child is especially young then you will not want to get a pet that will take a lot of maintenance and also something that  they would not be able to handle. An ideal pet would be something that is relatively small and does not require a large amount of handling. Some ideal pets would be a rabbit, hamster, guinea pig or fish. Even though these animals need care, compared to larger animals like cats and dogs they tend to be easy to maintain and easy for a smaller child to handle. They do not require regular walks and can be left for longer periods of time, like when your child is at school.

Cost: Some pets can cost a lot in terms of maintenance and the purchase themselves. Generally the larger the pet is the more it will cost you in feed, vets and purchasing, therefore if you are on a budget then you will most likely want to purchase a pet that will not be hugely expensive.

Species: Again, different species of animals are more suited to children than others. If you were to buy a large dog for instance then of course your child will have problems handling him and whilst they make great companions large dogs can be boisterous especially if they are young and this may lead to your child becoming intimidated by him. This could mean they lose interest or worse that they become fearful of their new pet. Therefore consider pets that are relatively small which will encourage your child to pet and play with him. Fish on the other hand can lead to your child becoming bored as although they are fascinating to watch in their aquarium, often children get bored when they are not able to pet and play with them like other species.

If your child grows up with a pet, they can and should learn a large amount about the particular species and with encouragement they will learn a lot about taking on responsibilities which will stand them in great stead when they get older. Not only is owning a pet rewarding but also educational and your child will love the fact they have a new best friend that will offer them playtime and reward their care with unconditional love. 

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