4 Tips For Choosing Your Child’s First Pet

Last Updated on August 28, 2023 by Dogs Vets

4 Tips For Choosing Your Child’s First Pet

Getting your child’s first pet is an exciting prospect, but there are certain things that need to be considered. Of course, every child is different in terms of how they interact with each other and animals.

However, there are some general recommendations based on their age range at petvice. 

Make sure you are getting a pet that would be a good fit for your family, and that you won’t mind looking after when necessary.

Here are some tips that can help you choose your child’s first pet, and what you should think about when you are doing your research. 

Are There Any Existing Allergies?

Firstly, you will need to consider any allergies within your household. Certain animals are known for making these worse, and it is worth avoiding these when you want to find the right first pet for your child. 

Even if someone in your home has allergies that will not be involved with the pet, it is important that you take these into consideration. Some animals are known for making hay fever symptoms, skin irritations, and more severe reactions worse. 

Gerbils, guinea pigs, and mice are known for bringing certain allergens into the home. These include hair, saliva, and dust from litter or straw.

Syrian hamsters are ideal for allergy sufferers, or you could consider a reptile addition to the family. Other pets that could be worth considering include sphynx cats, or dogs that are mixed with the poodle breed. 

Think About Your Free Time

Getting a pet for your little one can be incredibly exciting for them. There have been multiple studies to suggest that taking care of an animal is highly beneficial for children’s cognitive development and understanding their own emotions. 

In spite of this, it is worth thinking about how much free time you have to look after this pet. Any animal that you get as your child’s first pet may need your attention on a daily basis. This includes physical affection, changing litter or keeping them clean. 

Remember that you may need to commit some of your own time to this process, so it is worth preparing for this ahead of time. Although older children are less likely to make mistakes with looking after a pet, younger children will need slightly more close monitoring. 

How Much Space Do You Have At Home?

Another important factor to think about when you are choosing your child’s first pet is the amount of space that you can offer an animal within your home.

Some animals that tend to be kept in cages are ideal for slightly smaller homes, but the size of the cage normally varies with the type of animal chosen.

Other animals, like dogs and cats, usually have free roam around the house. Of course, if you have a smaller home or live in a flat, then a larger dog may not be the most appropriate choice. Their large bodies can knock things over easily, and many want space to run around and explore. 

It is also worth considering how much maintenance a particular animal needs. This includes electricity costs for heated lamps, which are needed by most reptile species, or filtration systems in fish tanks. Food, litter, or straw, are also additional costs that could be worth thinking about. 

Some Animals Need Company

Finally, it is important to acknowledge that certain animals rely on the company of others. There are different types of birds, and small creatures like guinea pigs thrive when they are in groups of the same species. 

This means that they have an increased chance of becoming ill or even depressed if they are kept alone. They can also become aggressive towards their owners in some instances.

When it comes to researching specific details about a potential pet for your child, remember to check if there are any risks to getting one on their own. 

Summary 

There are many things to consider when it comes to finding the right pet for your child. It is important to carefully research how much space each species needs, the necessary maintenance, and the kind of environment which they thrive within. 

Getting your child’s first pet is a huge commitment, and it can provide them with a sense of responsibility. Encouraging them to nurture something smaller than themselves, and consider the needs of another creature, can provide excellent enrichment for your child. 

Remember that there is a great deal of input that you may need to carry out, depending on how old your child is. 

Conclusion