How To Choose The Perfect Pet For Your Kids

Owning pets can be a lot of fun, but with it comes some chores and some things to think about. Pets add fun and love to our lives. They also add responsibility. It is important to choose your pet carefully. Statistics show that one in four pets ends up abandoned or in a shelter. You don't want your pet to end up a statistic, now, do you?!? Decisions Decisions... Here are some thoughts on choosing just the right pet. You will want to consider how much space and time you have for that pet. Do you want something beautiful to look at or a critter to cuddle with? Some really good first pets in the "cuddle with" category are guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, rats, cats and dogs. If space is limited I personally like hamsters, guinea pigs, or rats. They can be housed in a cage (or medium sized box in the case of guinea pigs) that is a comfortable fit for most bedrooms. Rabbits need a little more space, can be litter box trained, but are shyer and easily startled so they need extra gentle handling. These animals have a life span of 2 to 10 years, with guineas living the longest. Guinea pigs and rats are cuddly and enjoy being petted and handled. Hamsters are very cute and cuddly and are usually also happy to be handled. However, hamsters are escape artists and once they have gotten loose can be extremely difficult to find. They are also nocturnal and can be noisy at night when you're trying to sleep! All of these critters must never be left outside of their cage/box unattended. Their cages require regular cleaning and they must be supplied with food and water daily. If space is not a factor but time is limited, a cat or kitten (or even two to keep one another company) is a good choice. Cats are very independent creatures and not always ready to be cuddled when you're in the mood...However, if you treat a cat calmly, gently and give it lots of pets and scratches it will often seek you out. There is nothing much cozier than a purring cat cuddled up in your lap. Some are also playful and will chase toys and strings. They live to be 15 or 20. It is important to keep cats indoors because their biggest enemies are other animals and the beastly car. They don't require much time... Just a clean litter box and food and water on a daily basis. If you have a yard and lots of time and energy a dog is a great choice but a big responsibility. Of course, there are many breeds of dog which you can research on line or at the library to find a good match for you. All dogs need an outdoor space and an owner who is willing to walk them at least once a day. Most also need some training so they are well behaved pets. They live to be 8 to 15 years old so it is a long term promise to give them a forever home. Other animals to consider that do not fall into the cuddly category but are interesting to own are: Fish which require almost no space, daily feeding and a weekly bowl cleaning. Birds, also a small space with daily feeding and a weekly cage cleaning... nosier and messier than fish but interesting and often quite beautiful and friendly. Snakes and lizards also fit into the small space, interesting, low upkeep variety but often need to be fed live animals. These are among the most common pets that kids choose. Did you know that having a pet is good for your health and that it helps you gain skills to become a mature and responsible adult? Choosing your first pet wisely can be an interesting adventure and a great learning experience. Good luck! Nancy is a long-time pet owner who has given home to primarily cats, but also everything else from fish to gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs and more. She has spent time as a volunteer and foster care provider for rescue groups. Before retiring, she spent 20+ years in education as a teacher of elementary aged children.