The wide variety of animals available as pets can accommodate
children of all ages. Whether parents choose a pet for their child or wait until the child
expresses interest in a particular species, there are many tangible benefits to sharing
our lives with animals. Although many children are born or adopted into homes already
populated by dogs, cats and birds, there is a different level of benefit in giving them
the opportunity to select and take responsibility for new pets of their own. The following
suggestions for pets appropriate to different ages comes with the caveat that children are
individuals: while some may be natural, self-starting caregivers, others may prefer low
maintenance pets for which they simply share the care and feeding. 1. Infants and
toddlers
Even the youngest infant is drawn to the softness and warmth of a dog or cat. Infants and
toddlers benefit from the concept of gentle touching (and experience its reciprocation).
As they grow more aware of extended members of their "family", toddlers extend
feelings of attachment to animals as well as to people. Nothing more than the quiet
company of a pet is needed to fuel that relationship-and remove any dog from its house for
a day to see how acutely it is missed.
2. Preschoolers
Young children who are establishing their sense of empathy and consideration for animals
(with your help) can participate in the day-to-day care of dogs and cats. Although they do
not usually intend to hurt animals, preschoolers may be more likely to injure pets (or get
bitten or scratched) by exuberant handling. Depending, then, upon the self-control of the
child, the best choice of pet may be one that is interesting but inaccessible (such as
fish or birds), temperamentally reliable (such as a well-handled rat or guinea pig), or an
even-tempered dog or cat for which parents take ultimate responsibility. Given those
caveats, preschoolers are often very eager to help feed, groom and exercise the family
pet.
3. School-age children
Once a child reaches school age and expresses interest, the time may be right for the
purchase of a dog or cat for which a child will take responsibility (from his or her point
of view). However, although children aged 6 to 10 may be enthusiastic about their
"own pets", the ultimate responsibility and commitment should lie firmly in the
hands of parents. As a general rule it is probably a poor idea to bring home any pet that
parents would not wish to care for-permanently-should the vagaries of childhood drift away
to other interests. With supervision, children can "try out" their promises of
responsibility by volunteering time at a local humane society or veterinary clinic. If,
after such an experience, a child persists in wanting to care for a pet, he or she has
certainly earned the chance.
The wide variety of animals available as pets can accommodate
children of all ages. Whether parents choose a pet for their child or wait until the child
expresses interest in a particular species, there are many tangible benefits to sharing
our lives with animals. Although many children are born or adopted into homes already
populated by dogs, cats and birds, there is a different level of benefit in giving them
the opportunity to select and take responsibility for new pets of their own. The following
suggestions for pets appropriate to different ages comes with the caveat that children are
individuals: while some may be natural, self-starting caregivers, others may prefer low
maintenance pets for which they simply share the care and feeding.