Best Pets to Consider for Your Kids. Children are often fascinated by animals, especially when they visit a zoo or farm. They may even tantrum about wanting to take one home! Pets can have a positive impact on a child’s growth and development.
When choosing a pet for your child, consider what type of animal your child is most interested in and if you have the space and resources to care for that type of pet. Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing a pet for your child.
1. Dogs
The bond between a child and a dog is unbreakable – this has been seen by pet lovers all over the world. Dogs are gentle and loving creatures, and they make great companions both inside and outside the home. Having a dog will encourage your child to get out and play more, as dogs need a fair amount of exercise. Dogs are also fiercely loyal to their owners.
2. Cats
Looking to get a pet for your child, but not sure what kind? Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of cats vs dogs to help you make a decision!
Advantages of Cats:
- lower maintenance than dogs; often take care of themselves
- – still make for good companions
Disadvantages of Cats:
- – independent creatures; not always loyal to their owners
- – higher chance of allergies for your child
- – moody and defensive; may retaliate if disturbed
3. Birds
Children who are hesitant to touch animals but still want a pet may enjoy keeping birds instead. Birds can fascinate kids with their musical sounds, and most birds are non-threatening and stay in their cages without any trouble.
However, there are some disadvantages to keeping birds as pets. Birds take time and patience to handle and train, and their cages can get quite messy. Cleaning bird cages is a tedious task. If your child is not prepared to put in the time and effort required to care for a bird, it may be best to choose another pet.
4. Fish
Although they are often overlooked, fish can make wonderful pets for children – especially toddlers. Fish are quiet and calming, and can add beauty to your home.
Advantages
Certain kids prefer pets that are calmer, so they can observe them quietly. A fish is one of the best pets for toddlers since all it takes is clean water and food at regular intervals. Some brightly-coloured fish can also intrigue your child and entertain him.
Disadvantages
It is important to make sure that you are feeding the right kind of food to your fish, and feeding it in the right quantity is absolutely necessary. Cleaning the container or tank every once in a while is necessary to prevent a build-up of waste and germs.
5. Hamsters
Although they are tiny and entertaining, hamsters require a lot of energy and effort.
Advantages
Extremely cute at first sight, a hamster makes for a great pet, provided your kid will look after it constantly. Installing a hamster wheel in the pet’s cage is the best way to keep it occupied.
Disadvantages
Hamsters are known to get messy rather quickly, and the smell can be unpleasant to the point of being unbearable. Hamster cages require frequent cleaning and maintenance and skipping out on it usually not an option, owing to the smell. If you’re not prepared to put in the time and energy required to take care of a hamster, then this pet is probably not for you.
6. Ants
Advantages
Ants can be a great pet for kids who like to observe animal behavior. They are easy to take care of and don’t require a lot of attention. Plus, watching ants build their homes and gather food can be interesting and educational for kids.
Disadvantages
Some kids might get bored with ants because they lack the human connection that other animals have. Also, you will need to take extra care to make sure the ants don’t escape and find their way into your house.
Advantages of Having Ants as a Pet
Ants are an unusual pet to have, but they are perfect for kids who like to observe animal behaviour without the hassle of taking care of it. Creating a small ant farm and watching the ants as they gather food and create their homes can be interesting.
Disadvantages of Having Ants as a Pet
Your child might get bored with ants as they lack the human connect a lot of other animals have. Also, you will have to take extra care at all times to make sure the ants do not find their way into your house.