Choosing the Best Pet for Your Family
“I want a puppy!”
“I want a kitty cat.”
“Can I get a hamster?”
Ah, the infamous words ring from the mouth of nearly every child out there. We’ve all heard it—and if you haven’t yet, you probably will in time. Although the thought of our kids’ loving on animals and wanting to add one to the family is heartwarming, getting a family pet is something that needs to be planned properly. The task may seem fairly easy but it can actually be quite tricky. Planning for a pet involves way more than just agreeing on what type of pet and who will feed it. Be sure to do your homework. In many ways, a pet is like a child, and owning one should never be an impulsive decision. It’s a lifetime commitment, and one that everyone must be comfortable with.
Although your kiddo may have a puppy, ferret or fluffy cat in mind, remember that not all animals are kid friendly. Some may be aggressive or high energy (prone to biting or scratching), while others are easily frightened or skittish. And let’s not forget about allergies. Some family members may be allergic to certain animals, so it’s best to rule that out before finalizing an adoption or sale.
When considering which pet is right for you and your family, here are a few more things to think about:
- Do you currently own a pet? If so, how will this pet behave with another one around? Try to introduce your pet to the potential newcomer before you make the commitment. This will tell you how they’ll interact, and if you’re still unsure, ask your veterinarian. Like humans, animals can be very selective in who they want to be around.
- What qualities do you want your pet to have? Make a list with the family. Do you want a pet that’s easy to care for? A pet that’s snuggly and a great lap warmer? One that will play with toys? One that doesn’t shed? A pet that doesn’t need a lot exercise or playtime?
- Is this the right time to add a pet to your home? If there is a new baby in the house, or if you and the family plan to travel or move soon, the time is probably not right to consider a pet. A new pet will need time to adjust and get comfortable with its new home and routine.
- Decide who will be responsible for all of the duties required to care for the pet, such as cleaning the litter box, feeding, bathing, nail trimming, walking, etc. Is everyone ready for the responsibilities?
- How much time do you have to spend with the animal? If your house is empty eight hours a day, a puppy or kitten isn’t a good idea since they require a lot of extra care, attention and training. Older cats and dogs, however, can make great friends since they can usually spend more time alone. This is good if parents work all day and kids are at school. Plus, older pets are often already trained and much calmer.
- Who will care for your pet when you travel? Is there a family member, friend or neighbor who can look after your pet while your family travels? If not, check into boarding facilities in your area and compare prices. Traveling without your pet and paying for pet sitters or boarding will definitely add to the cost of owning an animal.
Still on the fence about what kind of pet would fit in with your family? Remember, there are pros and cons to every type of animal. Not every family should own a dog, so here are some helpful tips on what you can expect with some of these more popular first-time pets:
Fish. A fish is always a great starter pet for households with little ones, especially if you choose a type that’s low maintenance, such as a betta fish or goldfish. No, it won’t wag its tail when it greets you, but a fish can still provide entertainment and teach children about responsibility. You and your little ones can enjoy feeding or adding water to the bowl together.
Dogs. They’re the classic family pet. They’re soft, warm and loyal, but which pups make the best pets for children? Generally, mixed breeds are more laid back and easygoing than purebreds. Larger breeds are also often more tolerant of a toddler’s rough play than their counterparts. Smaller breeds tend to nip and bark more. But every dog is different, so it’s best to spend time with the pup you’re considering to be sure she will fit in well with your family. Before bringing any dog into your home, be sure to get as much information on it as you can from the shelter or breeder.
Cats. You may think a kitty cat would make the perfect pet, and while that may be true, remember that cats are less tolerant of a small child’s roughhousing. Some cat breeds, however, are more kid-friendly than others, such as Maine coons and Persians. So, do your research before you bring home the first cat you meet, and make sure there are no allergies.
Birds. If a four-legged pet is out of the question right now, you may want to consider a domestic bird. A bird can entertain everyone from inside its cage. Be sure to choose a kid-friendly breed, though, like a playful parakeet or conure. Be sure, however, to keep the cage out of reach when you aren’t around and teach your little ones to keep fingers out of the cage.
Guinea pigs. Not fond of fish or birds but need a low upkeep pet? A pet guinea pig might be a good choice! They’re cute, cuddly and they rarely bite. They are, however, small and more delicate than cats and dogs, but not as fragile as hamsters. For this reason, some experts don’t recommend them for kids under 6. If your family decides on a pet guinea pig, be sure to always supervise your child when he’s playing with it, and don’t let him carry the guinea pig around because he could easily drop it.
No matter what type of pet you decide on, always be sure to check out local shelters and rescues first. So many animals have been given up (even guinea pigs and birds) and need new, loving homes!
Kansas City mom and author Gina Klein resides with her husband, two daughters and a houseful of amazing pets. There’s never a lonely moment in her home!