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Pets and Kids

If you plan to add a pet to your family, consider how much space, energy, time and money you are willing to invest.

Dogs and cats are the most expensive of small pets. If time is an issue, remember dogs must be walked, groomed and trained.

Here are some points to consider for the health and safety of everyone in your family:

Children: Your child could develop an allergy to your pet. If your child has pollen or food allergies or has dermatitis there’s a chance he/she may be allergic to pet dander. Check with your doctor before bringing any pet home.

Dogs: A dog may not appreciate having their hair or tail pulled. Always supervise your child with your pet. Teach your child to respect a dog's privacy while it’s eating or napping. "Let sleeping dogs lie" is actually true.

Cats: Never leave a young child alone with a kitten. Teach an older child warning signs of when a cat wants to be left alone: a twitching tail, tense muscles and flicking ears.

Guinea pigs, hamsters, mice and rabbits:
Handle these pets gently. Make sure your child always washes hi/her hands after handling the animal. Keep the cage clean.

Parakeets, cockatiels and lovebirds: These bite if not properly socialized at an early age. Hold your young bird closely to
you as you stroke and touch it.

Fish: Goldfish can live in a small bowl, but most fish need a larger tank. You can scare a fish if you tap on the glass of the aquarium.

Most pet experts say the earliest age to bring a pet into a family is when a child is three years old. At this age, the child has some idea about self-control and what "no" means.

A young pet may scratch or nip. An adult animal, which has a known history of getting along well with children, might be a better choice. Allow your child to take part in the care of their pet. Choose tasks appropriate for the age of the child.

A pet is a lifetime commitment. Teach responsible pet ownership to your child. When there are issues that threaten your relationship with your pet, don’t get rid of the pet and start again. Teach your child that pets are not disposable.