Choosing the right pet for your young child is an important decision. Children can learn responsibility, empathy, and compassion from having a pet. But you’ll want one that is safe, easy to care for, and a good fit for your family. Here are some of the best pets for younger children.
Goldfish
Goldfish are a classic childhood pet for good reason. They are inexpensive, easy to care for, and fun to watch swim around their tank or bowl. Just be sure to get the proper tank or bowl (at least 10 gallons is best), water filtration system, fish food, and decorations like gravel and plants. Teach your child to help feed the fish and change the water regularly. Goldfish don’t require much hands-on interaction, but kids will still enjoy watching their bright colours and active movements.
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Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs make great starter pets for young children because they are gentle, cute, and relatively low maintenance compared to dogs or cats. Get as large a cage as possible and line it with soft bedding. Guinea pigs eat pellet food, hay, and some fresh veggies and need access to water at all times. Let your child help with feeding time and holding or petting the guinea pig for 10-15 minutes a day. Supervise playtime outside the cage and teach your child to pick up the guinea pig properly. Guinea pigs live 5-7 years.
Rabbits
Rabbits can make for affectionate, engaging pets for children if properly cared for. Get a rabbit that has been spayed/neutered to reduce territorial behaviours. Choose dwarf rabbit breeds which tend to be gentler and stay smaller. House rabbits indoors in a roomy cage or puppy pen, and rabbit-proof any areas they’ll have run of. Rabbits eat hay, pellets, and leafy greens, and need fresh water.
Dogs
Dogs make wonderful companions for kids, but smaller breeds are often better with young children. Smaller dogs are more manageable in size, less likely to knock over a small child, and can be easily trained not to jump up. Short-haired, low shedding breeds are best for families with allergies. Dogs require lots of care including feeding, walking, training, grooming, vet visits, etc. With supervision, allow your child to help with age-appropriate tasks like feeding, short walks, brushing, and training simple commands. To aid in this, you can find puppy training programs that fit your needs.
Cats
Cats can be loving pets for kids if you choose the right cat. Opt for breeds known for their calm, friendly personalities like the Ragdoll or Siamese. Adult cats are better than kittens which can scratch and play too rough. Cats with shorter hair and that don’t shed much are better for families with allergies. Make sure your child knows to be gentle and not grab or hold the cat tightly. Supervise play sessions and teach your child how to properly pick up and hold the cat. Cats are lower maintenance than dogs but still require daily food, water, litter box cleaning and occasional grooming.
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If you are fostering, check with your foster family agency to make sure any children you welcome don’t have allergies to existing pets.
The key is choosing a pet that fits your family, budget and lifestyle. Be sure your child is ready for the responsibility and you are prepared to supervise pet interactions. With the right pet, caring for an animal teaches children responsibility, empathy and creates lasting memories.
