ASPCA EXPERTS RECOMMEND THE RIGHT PET FOR YOUR CHILD’S AGE
Thinking of adding a pet to the family? Make sure you’re bringing home an animal who is appropriate for your child’s age.
Infants:
Infants cannot handle or take care of pets. So, if you already have a family pet when your child is born make sure to formally introduce your infant to your pet. Supervise them at all times as they get to know each other, gradually increasing the length of time they spend together. If you do not have a pet the ASPCA experts recommend a goldfish as a pet for Infants.
Toddlers:
Toddlers are curious and will pull at an animal’s fur, limbs and ears in an attempt to make contact through touching. Make sure that if you have a family pet they can handle being touched in this way. As your pet and child spend time together (always under your supervision!), take great care that your child doesn’t hurt your pet by grabbing or hitting. Also be sure that your child doesn’t grab your pet’s food and water dishes, your cat’s litter box or its contents. If you have fish, keep small hands away from aquarium wires and out of aquariums! If you do not have a pet the ASPCA experts recommend a goldfish as a pet for Toddlers
3-5 Years:
At this age, your child is learning about contact and empathy. If they do not have a pet the ASPCA experts recommend a guinea pig for a pet. Guinea pigs like to be held, seldom bite and will whistle when excited or happy, to the delight of most children. Your child can also help with responsibilities by filling the water bottle and food dish.
5-10 Years:
Children this age have inconsistent attention spans. The ASPCA experts recommend small pets such as gerbils, guinea pig or goldfish. Supervise them while they do chores such as cleaning cages, filling water bottles and bowls, measuring food and scrubbing cage furniture and toys. This is a good time to develop good hygiene habits around pets with an emphasis on washing hands and surfaces when done handling.
10-13 Years:
Kids in this age have a great interest in animals and a good capacity for responsibility. They are ready for pets such as dogs, cats and rabbits. They can handle feeding and walking the pet, cleaning the cat’s litter and cleaning out the rabbit’s cage. Although children in this age group can be reliable, adults should always check that pets have adequate food and water and that the cage or litter box is clean. Children can also participate in dog training classes, which can be an excellent learning opportunity for them.
14-17 Years:
Teens tend to be very busy, and animals will have to compete for their time and attention. Recommended pets are birds and aquarium fish. They’re old enough to take on all of the responsibilities of caring for their pet, with adult supervision and guidance. They may even spend their allowance on treats. Parents should also note that dogs and cats acquired at this time will probably stay in the home when the child leaves for college.