Pets can be a wonderful addition to a family, especially for children.
However, not all pets are suitable for kids, and it's important to choose the right one based on factors such as age, temperament, and lifestyle.
This complete guide offers expert advice on the best pets for kids and how to care for them, so you can make an informed decision for your family.
Consider Your Child's Age and Personality.
When choosing a pet for your child, it's important to consider their age and personality. Younger children may do better with smaller, low-maintenance pets like fish or stick insects, while older children may be able to handle more responsibility with a dog or cat. Additionally, consider your child's personality and interests. If they are active and enjoy spending time outdoors, a dog may be a good fit. If they prefer quieter activities, a cat or small animal may be a better choice.
Choose a Low-Maintenance Pet.
If you're looking for a pet that won't require a lot of time and effort to care for, consider a low-maintenance option like a fish or stick insect. Fish are great for younger children who may not be ready for the responsibility of a larger pet, and they can be very calming to watch. guinea pigs are also a good choice for kids who want a furry friend but may not be ready for a dog or cat.
Just be sure to research the specific needs of each pet and provide proper care to ensure their health and happiness.
Look for a Pet That's Good With Children.
When choosing a pet for your child, it's important to consider their temperament and how they interact with children.
Some pets, like dogs and cats, are known for being great with kids, while others may be more skittish or aggressive.
It's also important to teach your child how to properly interact with their new pet, including how to handle them gently and respect their boundaries.
Always supervise interactions between young children and pets to ensure everyone stays safe and happy.
Consider the Cost of Care.
Before choosing a pet for your child, it's important to consider the cost of care. This includes not only the initial cost of purchasing or adopting the pet, but also ongoing expenses such as food, veterinary care, and supplies.
Some pets, like dogs and cats, can be quite expensive to care for, while others, like fish or small rodents, may be more budget-friendly. Make sure you can afford the cost of care before bringing a new pet into your home.
Teach Your Child How to Care for Their New Pet.
Once you've chosen the perfect pet for your child, it's important to teach them how to properly care for their new companion. This includes feeding, grooming, and exercising the pet, as well as cleaning up after them. Encourage your child to take an active role in caring for their pet, but also be prepared to step in and help when needed. By teaching your child responsibility and compassion for animals, you can help them develop a lifelong love for pets.
Budgies Make Best Pets for Kids Ages 4-7
By the age of 7, children are typically old enough to understand how to be gentle with pets and can even help take care of their feathered friend. Budgerigars are a popular choice for kids as they are small, easy to care for, and can be very social. They are also relatively inexpensive and can be a great way to teach children about responsibility and caring for another living creature.
However, it's important to note that budgies require daily attention and care, including regular cleaning of their cage and providing fresh food and water. Additionally, they can be noisy and may not be the best choice for families with very young children or those who live in apartments or close quarters. Learn more about keeping budgies as pets here.
Rats Make Best Pets for Kids Ages 8-11
Rats are often overlooked as pets for kids, but they can make great companions. They are social animals and enjoy interacting with their owners.
These furry creatures are known for their loving and gentle nature, and they often form strong bonds with their owners. Rats are also intelligent and can be trained to do tricks. They are low maintenance and don't require a lot of space, making them a good option for families with limited living quarters.
However, it's important to note that rats have a relatively short lifespan and may not be suitable for children who are sensitive to the idea of losing a pet. Learn more here about keeping rats as pets here.
Guinea Pigs Make the Best Pets for Kids Age 5-7 Years
Guinea pigs are a great option! These furry little creatures are easy to care for 
and have a calm demeanor, making them a popular choice for families. These furry little creatures love human interaction and will happily snuggle up in a child's lap.
They're also known to vocalise their excitement when their favourite humans are around. With their friendly and social nature, guinea pigs make great pets for kids. These adorable creatures typically live for 5-7 years, making them a moderate commitment in terms of lifespan. Guinea pigs are not high maintenance and are fairly hardy. Plus, their small size makes them easy to handle and manage, making them a great choice for a class pet as well.
Check out our complete guide to learn more about guinea pigs as pets here.
Rabbits Make the Best Pets for Kids Ages 12-15
Rabbits are a great choice for kids as they are cute, cuddly, and easy to care for. They are also social animals and enjoy interacting with their owners. However, it's important to note that rabbits require a lot of attention and care, including regular grooming, exercise, and a healthy diet. These furry friends typically have a lifespan of 8-12 years, so they require a long-term commitment from their owners. As a parent, you'll need to be prepared to take an active role in your rabbit's daily care routine to ensure they stay healthy and happy. With the right level of commitment, a rabbit can make a wonderful addition to your family. For more information on the best pets for kids, check out our complete guide to pet rabbits.
Cats and Dogs
While cats and dogs are popular choices as a family pet, they require a significant amount of time, money, and responsibility.
Cats and dogs are popular choices, but it's important to teach children how to properly care for them. By participating in feeding, grooming, and cleaning up after their pets, children can learn valuable life skills and the importance of taking care of another living being.
Even younger kids can help with tasks like providing food and water, while older children can take on more responsibilities like walking the dog or changing the cat litter. With proper guidance and supervision, pets can be a great way for kids to learn about responsibility and caring for another living being.
Check out our complete guide for more information on the best pets for kids!
Bearded Dragons
Looking for a unique pet for your older children that takes up no room at all? Consider a bearded dragon! These lizards are known for being placid reptiles, making them a great choice for families. While they may not be as common as cats or dogs, bearded dragons can make wonderful pets for responsible and caring kids. With proper care, these reptiles can live up to 10 years. In addition to a suitable enclosure, they require specific UV lighting and temperature regulation to maintain their health. It's also worth noting that they require feedings of crickets and mealworms, which can be a consideration for some families.
However, with proper care and attention, bearded dragons can make wonderful and fascinating pets for kids. Check out our complete guide to learn more about keeping bearded dragons as pets.
Fish
While a fish may seem like a good option, it's important to choose the right type. Goldfish may be a popular choice, but they actually require more care than you might think. Instead, consider a Siamese fighting fish (Betta fish) as a low-maintenance alternative.
These colorful fish can thrive in small aquariums, as long as the water is regularly changed and kept at a temperature between (24 and 28°C). It's important to purchase your fish from a reputable store with knowledgeable staff who can provide advice on proper care. For more information on the best pets for kids, check out our complete guide on keeping Bettas as pets.
Stick Insects
When it comes to choosing a pet for your child, there are plenty of options to consider. While furry friends like cats and dogs are often the go-to choice, don't overlook the possibility of six-legged companions often referred to as phasmids! We sell Goliath Stick Insects and Spiny Leaf Stick Insects, both endemic species to Australia.
While the interaction with a pet phasmid is very different to that of a dog or a cat, stick insects have a lifespan of only 9-10 months. These insects eat native wattle and eucalypt leaves and require a spray of water misted throughout their habitat on a daily basis.
To learn more, read our pet care guide on phasmids here.
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