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Children and Pets

Authored by Nick Saint-Erne, DVM
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All Rights Reserved

Many studies show the benefits of family pets. They teach children responsibility, provide friendship and companionship, and may even reduce the incidence of asthma! From the classic "boy and his dog" to kittens for girls, a family room fish tank or terrarium, and a hamster in the classroom, pets are an important part of childhood.

Kids can learn a lot about biology, respect for life, and responsibility helping to care for a pet. But remember, an adult should always supervise the overall care of the pet to be sure all of its nutritional, environmental, and behavioral needs are being met.

The Right Age to Care for a Pet

Small children should be allowed to interact with pets under supervision, but should not be relied on for their care.

Somewhere around 10-12 years old (younger for kids really interested in pets, but even older for some types of pets) a child can become the primary care provider for a pet, but they still need to be supervised by an adult.

Parents should make sure that food and clean water are available all the time, and the habitat is routinely cleaned as appropriate.

Healthy and Happy Relationships

While caring for a pet is a wonderful experience for kids, there are a few precautions parents should take to ensure a healthy and happy relationship between child and pet.

There are a few diseases of animals that can affect people, but these are easily avoided with proper care. Young children are more sensitive to bacteria, especially ones like Salmonella, which can be present in pet reptiles, even without causing problems with the pet.

Be sure to teach your children to always wash their hands with soap and water after handling pets or cleaning the habitats.

Routine veterinary examinations for your pet are also a good idea to keep the pet healthy, ensure that all its needs are being met, and to make sure it doesn't have any diseases affecting it or possibly your child.

No matter what your lifestyle or space limitations for pets, there is an appropriate pet for your family. Some pets take daily interaction, such as dogs and birds, while others may only take daily feeding and periodic maintenance, like aquariums. Big or small, active or sedate, playful or independent -- there's an appropriate pet for your children. And, children who tend for pets often become more nurturing and empathetic as adults.

This pet care information is provided to pet owners through an affiliate partnership between Site4pets and PetSmart. All material is intended for educational purposes only. It not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure your pet, and it is not a substitute for veterinary care. For formal advice about health-care and medical treatments for your pets, please contact a licensed veterinarian.