“Kids who get support from their animal companions were rated by their parents as less anxious and withdrawn,” says Gail F. Melson, Ph.D. and Professor Emeritus of Developmental Studies at Purdue University in Indiana. In addition to providing comfort, pets can also help kids build self-esteem, provide companionship, and even help build family bonds.
Your child’s first pet experience, however, can be daunting — from deciding which kind of pet is best to implementing a successful care routine. By considering sensible pet options and methods that will help successfully introduce your child to pet ownership (and how you can prepare your home), there are several ways that you can guarantee a great experience.
Preparing your home
For families that have never had a pet, preparing your home is essential — especially if you’re planning to adopt a cat or dog. Creating designated spaces for your pet is a great way to get your home ready while involving your child in the process of choosing supplies and setting them up will make for an engaging and exciting way to prepare. This should include setting up areas within your home such as a designated sleeping spot (where a bed should be placed), a spot for the litter box or leashes, and a spot for food and water bowls. A designated area for essential pet supplies can be particularly beneficial for families that plan to adopt a dog that will need to go outside on a regular basis for walks and playtime. “There’s nothing worse than running around the house looking for leashes, treats, poop bags, and the right harness before a walk,” says Abbie Harrison, the associate editorial director of Daily Paws. Harrison goes on to suggest keeping the essentials (including a collapsible water bowl to harness and leash, etc.) in a single designated spot in your home, such as the front door for easy and convenient access every day.
It’s imperative to keep in mind that preparing your home for your child’s first pet extends well beyond the interior of your house — especially if you’re planning to adopt a pet that will require plenty of outdoor playtime. Whether you’re planning to move in the future or are planning to stay in your current home for years to come, there are several elements that make up a pet-friendly home both indoors and out. A secure garden or yard is essential for a pet-friendly outdoor space and will provide a safe environment for playtime. An outdoor shelter as well as a food and water station are must-haves in a pet-friendly outdoor space while checking plants and grasses beforehand will guarantee that there isn’t anything present that poses a health risk to your new pet.
Considering the responsibility involved
For many, adopting a dog can be a major undertaking — especially for those who have younger children who won’t be able to take on many of the responsibilities that come along with pet ownership themselves. Regular walks, consistent feeding times, and routine playtime can become overwhelming for parents who already manage busy schedules. However, this doesn’t have to rule out pet ownership for your child as there are several low-maintenance pets out there that are far easier to care for on a regular basis. One Parents article highlights several small pet options that are ideal for a first pet, from the classic hamster to guinea pigs and even gerbils. “Gerbils are easy to take care of but not very hands-on,” notes Katherine Quesenberry, DVM, chief medical officer at New York City’s Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. “They’re fine for kids who don’t want to be that involved.”
Fish, hermit crabs, turtles, and rabbits are additional choices that involve less care than that of a dog, though doing your research beforehand is crucial in choosing the right pet for your child. Involving your child in the process will help them to understand the level of responsibility involved while setting realistic expectations, regardless as to the pet you choose. In addition to considerations such as care needs and heavier topics like life expectancy, it’s important to educate your child on the time and attention that all pets require — whether their first pet is a fish or a dog. Stressing the fact that a pet will become a part of daily life is just one way to prepare your child for the responsibility to come. The American Kennel Club (AKC) highlights several signs that can help gauge whether your child is ready for a pet, with understanding what a pet needs (both for survival and happiness) being essential. Other signs include whether your child shows a genuine interest in caring for a pet and whether they’re physically able and mentally willing to handle age-appropriate chores at home.
Pet care and daily routines
Involving your child in the everyday care of your new family pet is imperative in order to foster a loving bond while teaching the value of responsibility along the way. The Animal Humane Society notes that through daily activities (such as cleaning cages, filling water dishes, etc.), your child can gain a better understanding of the amount of time and dedication that pets need on a daily basis. “Activities like daily brushing, walks, or playtime outside can also help foster a loving bond between your child and your pet.” The care of a new pet can be exciting and overwhelming for your child at first, though incorporating care tasks into your family’s daily routine can facilitate a seamless transition.
It’s essential to consider your child’s age when determining how they can best help care for their new pet. For example, children under the age of five can assist with tasks such as feeding the pet every day, though it’s important to realize that you’ll likely take up most of the care tasks as the parent (especially when it comes to larger tasks like cleaning out a large cage or bathing a large dog). One article from the Michigan State University (MSU) Extension notes that children under the age of four should be monitored with pets at all times, and those under the age of 10 should not be expected to take care of a dog or cat completely on their own.
For older kids, a basic chore chart can come in handy for reminding your child to feed their pet before school. Checklists are another option, while stickers or other small prizes can help incentivize a productive routine. Making care tasks fun is another way to help keep your child engaged and motivated in regard to pet care — for example, challenging them to create an obstacle course or helping them make a homemade cat toy can strengthen the bond between your child and their pet while prioritizing needs like playtime. By seamlessly working pet care tasks into your child’s daily routine, caring for a pet can become second nature in no time.
Getting your child their first pet is an exciting experience, though there are a number of considerations to keep in mind in order to set them on the path of becoming a successful pet owner. By researching the options together, pet-proofing your home, and considering ways to make daily pet care more engaging, you can help your child become a great pet owner.
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