How to Decide if Your Child is Ready for a Pet

How to decide if your child is ready for a pet is a big parenting issue. What works for one family might not for another.

Kids and pets go together. Just about every child dreams of having a puppy or kitten or hamster. There are dozens of classic children’s stories about the companionship of a pet. Although the majority of families have a pet of some kind at some point, it isn’t right for every family. I believe that families go through stages and while a pet might fit during some, it doesn’t always. Choosing to add a pet to your family is a big decision. I’ve talked to lots of parents about our own choices and many want to know the same thing: how to decide if your child is ready for a pet.

Is your child ready for a pet?

Having a pet is a big responsibility and a decision that should be thought out. When you see someone with free kittens on the sidewalk or the local shelter is having an adoption day, that is not the time. Picking up a pet is not like picking up a new pair of shoes when they’re on sale. If you change your mind about the shoes, you can usually return them. Adding a pet to your family is just that – adding someone to your family.

How to decide

Like any big decision, it helps to weight the pros and cons. This is what my family has done and we revisit the subject often. Some of these may be more important to your family than others, so it’s important to consider all aspects.

Pros of pet ownership

• Pets make great companions.
  • They love unconditionally and give your child a constant playmate.
• Pets teach your child responsibility.
  • Children can take increasing responsibility for taking care of the family pet.
• Children can learn compassion and gentleness.
  • Young children can practice petting softly, sitting quietly, and other pet-friendly actions.

Cons of pet ownership

• Pets take time to care for.
  • Some pets are higher maintenance than others, but all need care. If you travel often, it might be difficult to arrange a pet sitter.
• Pets make messes that must be cleaned up.
  • In addition to bathroom habits, pets can chew or shred items left out. Is your home pet-friendly? Who is going to do the cleaning?
• Pets can be noisy.
  • While you might not mind the noise, consider how close your neighbors are and whether they might be bothered.
• Some pets need lots of space.
  • Does your home have room for a pet? Even a small fish bowl needs safe space on a table. A dog needs a backyard or nearby park to run.
• Some pets are a long-term commitment.
  • Goldfish don’t live long, but most dogs live about 12 years and cats about 14 years, according to the RSPCA. Some can live much longer.
• A pet can be expensive.
  • According to the ASPCA, the average annual cost of pet ownership is over $1,000 for a dog or cat. This doesn’t include first-year costs for equipment and accessories (which can add a few hundred) or unexpected medical expenses (which can be thousands). Do you have room in your budget?

Our pet story

When my daughter was 5 or 6 years old, we bought her a beta fish. Betas are short-lived, about a year on average, and need little attention. I took care of the fish, but she spent time watching and talking to him. When the fish was gone, we decided to be pet-free for a while.

About a year later, we were discussing that it might be time for a pet again when my husband saw that a co-worker was giving away a pair of guinea pigs. They were “upgrading” to a dog and the guinea pigs had to go. (See above about long-term commitments.) I read everything I could about them and we agreed that this was for us.

Although I was still the primary caretaker for the guinea pigs, the kids were now old enough to be helpful. I cleaned the cages, but the kids refilled the water bottle and brought them fresh vegetables. They watched them and held them and petted them.

Guinea pigs live a lot longer than a beta fish, but ours were middle-aged when they came to live with us. When they were gone, we again decided we needed to wait before adding a pet to our family again.

Since then, we have moved twice. The kids are older. Our routine has changed.

While the kids are more responsible, they have less time. Right now, a pet doesn’t fit our family, but one day it will again.

Reader responses

I polled my Facebook readers to see what you thought too. Here’s what a few people said:

“I think it is a good lesson in responsibility caring for them, but I think the biggest factor is that they love you unconditionally and sense when you need comfort. Pets can be expensive so need to factor in their costs when adopting. I am a huge fan of rescue animals.” – Karen

“My kids have been ‘helping’ {with pet care} since they were like 2.” – Danielle

“Hamsters are fun, we considered it and then got a Beta fish for the boys right now.” – Dina

And just about everyone agreed that dogs make the best pets!

What about your family? Do you have a pet? Are you ready for a pet?

If you have a question about how to decide if your child is ready for a pet, leave a comment below. I’d love to start a discussion on what has helped other families decide.