Owning a pet can be a rewarding experience for a child. A well-chosen pet can bring years of joy. Pet ownership can also be a chance for kids to learn valuable life lessons as they care for a living creature. Pets can teach children about responsibility and dependability with adult guidance. As an added bonus, some pets give affection in return for a child’s loving attention. Today, we’re showing you the top 8 best pets for kids. from the neediest to the easiest to take care of.
A fish may be the perfect “starter” pet for a child. But not just any fish will do. Goldfish may seem like the most obvious choice, but they’re actually more difficult to raise than the Siamese fighting fish (Betta fish). These Southeast Asian natives are adapted to thrive in isolation, in surprisingly small amounts of stagnant water. No aerators, filters, heaters, or chemicals are required.
The appeal of cold-blooded creatures may be less obvious than that of warm, fuzzy animals, but certain reptiles make prized pets. Tortoises, such as the plant-eating Russian tortoise, can live more than 50 years. Some snake species also make excellent pets, although constrictors should be avoided. Added bonus: Reptiles are non-allergenic. However, keep in mind that the American Academy of Pediatrics warns against reptiles as pets for young children because they can easily transmit salmonella. Make sure to research specific care requirements for any new reptile pet.
Birds can be excellent pets. But owning a bird is more demanding than caring for a tortoise or fish. Some birds are highly intelligent. Others are very social. All birds require almost daily attention. The relatively inexpensive parakeet may be a good starter for kids who haven’t raised birds before. More expensive (and more intelligent) birds like cockatiels and cockatoos also make great pets, but they may need more attention than parakeets or canaries.
Smaller mammals, including hamsters, guinea pigs, and gerbils, are relatively easy to raise. Also, most will thrive in a relatively small living space, and care is fairly straightforward. Except for hamsters, which are solitary, it’s best to obtain young same-sex pairs. Regular, gentle handling promotes friendliness. But be mindful that bites are possible should rodents — especially hamsters — feel threatened. Surprisingly, rats make excellent pets due to their intelligence, larger size, and enjoyment of human companionship. Guinea pigs are also good kid-friendly pets.
Kittens are childhood favourites. Who can resist the antics of a fluffy feline? Notoriously independent cats need somewhat less care and attention than dogs, but no less commitment. Like dogs, cats require regular veterinary checkups and immunizations. It’s important to choose a cat that’s suitable to be around children. A cat may be a better choice than a dog if your family has limited living space.
A cuddly puppy is probably the most classic children’s pet. But choosing the ideal dog involves more than falling for big brown eyes. Some dogs may be unsuitable for children. Before adopting a dog, ensure that the dog is well-socialized and comfortable around children. Any breed will need a significant commitment of time and effort. Puppies must be housebroken and require daily exercise, regular veterinary checkups and immunizations, and plenty of love.
Six-legged creatures might not be the first to come to mind when thinking of pets for children. But owning an ant farm can be an entertaining and educational experience for a child. Various suppliers sell habitats designed to let children directly observe ant activities. Ants can be shipped live or grown from eggs. Hermit crabs are another example of creepy crawlies that are easily raised in captivity.
Better known as “sea monkeys,” these tiny crustaceans are essentially foolproof starter pets that even small children can enjoy. They’re available in kits. Children need only add water and watch these tiny live shrimp emerge, become active, and grow. Maintenance for these hardy creatures involves adding feed about once a week and occasionally adding water to combat evaporation. A colony can thrive for a year or more with minimal care.