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The best pet for kids
There's no perfect pet for every child: there's one that fits your family. The key is remembering that, even if the kids help, an adult is the one who looks after it.
What to know first
- An adult is responsible: even if the kids promise to care for it, food, the vet and cleaning end up with an adult.
- Think about your children's ages: with young kids, a calm pet and an adult always present work best.
- Many pets live more than 10 years: it will be with your kids for much of their childhood.
- If anyone at home has allergies, ask their doctor first.
What to keep in mind
Dogs and cats are companions for many years and teach routines, but they need daily time. Small pets like fish, hamsters or guinea pigs look simpler, but they also depend entirely on an adult, and some are too delicate for young children to hold.
Before deciding, ask the shelter or a vet which animal is calm and good with children.
How to choose as a family
- 1. Share tasks by age. A young child can help with water; an older one can join the walks.
- 2. Meet it first. At a shelter or an adoption fair you can see how it gets along with your kids.
- 3. Set rules from day one. How to hold it, when to let it rest, and never bothering it while it eats or sleeps.
- 4. Make the budget together. So the kids understand a pet costs money too.
Frequently asked questions
- What's the best pet for a young child?
- A calm one that an adult can care for every day. More than the species, what matters is the animal's temperament and that an adult is always there.
- Is a hamster a good first pet?
- It can be for older kids, with a responsible adult. It's small and delicate, so it isn't ideal for young children to hold.
- What if my child loses interest?
- It's normal. That's why it's best to decide assuming an adult will take care of it for the pet's whole life.
Related guides
- Which pet to have in an apartmentNewHow to choose a pet for an apartment: building rules, noise, time and budget.
- How to adopt a dog or a cat in Mexico CityWhere to adopt a dog or cat in Mexico City, the usual requirements and how to take an adopted dog to the US.
- Spanish pet names: ideas for dogs, cats, rabbits and moreSpanish and Mexican names for dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and small pets, and matching names for two pets.
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