Most kids want a pet, whether it is a cute kitten or an adorable puppy, a parakeet or a goldfish. Before dashing out to the nearest pet store or animal shelter, though, it is wise to think about some of the realities of pet ownership.
The first thing to remember is that the pet will be another member of the family. Don’t adopt a dog to be a watchdog, tied to a chain in the backyard or a kitten to be a come-and-go cat. Canaries are beautiful and may sing, but each bird has its own personality and even choosing a goldfish – or other fish – is not as easy as it seems.
Next, keep in mind that pets require care. If the kids aren’t old enough or responsible enough to see to the daily needs of the family pet, it’s a sure bet that Mom or Dad will be doing duty. Consider if you have time in your schedule to house-train a pup or litter box train that kitten. Is there a block of time for cleaning the aquarium or re-lining the bird cage each day? Pets of all types need food, water, and interaction on a daily basis. If a busy schedule doesn’t permit, it might be better to pass on a pet.
If you travel, remember that a pet will need to be taken along (which creates its own set of complications) or that care must be arranged. Whether it’s boarding the dog at a local facility or asking a neighbor to feed the fish, travelers with pets need to plan ahead.
Last but not least, consider if the child truly wants a pet or if he or she may tire of the pet after a few days (like toys in the closet).
Think first!
