Kids & Pets

Many children are naturally drawn to animals unless they have been conditioned otherwise. We all love the endearing sight of a child playing or cuddling with the family pet. Ultimately, your child learns how to treat animals by watching how you treat the family pet. They will study you providing daily care. They will also pay close attention to how you react when the pet scratches furniture, barks excessively, or soils in the house. Getting rid of a pet can send the wrong message about commitment and responsibility. Please consider the following:

How old are the children? You are the best judge of your child’s overall maturity. However, in the best interest of your pets, your child should at least exhibit self-control and understand the word “no”. It may a good idea to first observe your child around a friend’s or relatives’ pet. Some animals are less tolerant, than others, so individual personality is important.

How old is the pet? Younger pets can be easy to train and more adaptable. However, puppies and kittens require extra time and are more prone to play biting and scratching. Therefore, adopting a friendly, calm adult pet with a history of doing well with children may be a good option. The best pets for kids are those who have received socialization, training and attention.

Does the child understand the reality of pet ownership? Perhaps your child has promised to “take care of” the pet, but this can be an unrealistic expectation. Children need to be taught what is involved in the daily routine maintenance of even a healthy, well-behaved animal. Children can participate in pet care tasks that are appropriate for their age. This is a great opportunity to teach responsibility, but best addressed in advance, rather than at the shelter where impulse and wagging tails may influence the decision to adopt.

Can the child be supervised around the new pet? Younger children need to be taught that even a docile pet needs space, especially when eating or resting. They need to become familiar with “warning signs” (such as hissing or growling), that indicate their pet wants to be left alone. Even certain games are safer than others – for example, fetch is preferable to tug-of-war, which may encourage dominant behavior in some animals.

Children and pets can be a great combination and the chance for success can be improved by considering these factors.