Hey there fellow clueless parents! So, you're considering bringing in that furry (or scaly, or feathered) new friend to your household mix?
Great idea, first off! Pets are such wonderful ways to show kids responsibility as well as providing company to hug when things are tough.
And honestly, who wouldn't love returning home to a cute little pet or just one of those goldfish that basically swims towards you?
Dogs and cats are the traditional favourites with most families, but what if your family is more of the guinea pig or gecko sort?
And yes, pets are wonderful, but not all animals are suited to life with tiny humans in tow. While some creatures thrive on mayhem, others are better off living their best life of serenity far from our tiny hands.
Before diving headfirst into pet parenthood, let's sort out what creatures earn the gold star in kid-friendliness, and what will have you questioning your decision altogether.
Don't worry, in this guide, I will save you from a whole lot of trial-and-error drama down the line.
So, now that we’ve covered why pets are awesome for family life, let’s talk about choosing the right one because not every pet fits every household.
A vet gave me some great tips about how to pick the best pet for your family:
First, check your schedule. If your day is packed with chasing kids and reheating the same cup of coffee, a high-maintenance dog might be too much. Cats are more low-key, and smaller pets like hamsters or rabbits still need daily attention.
Next, think about your living space. A giant dog in a tiny apartment?
It's probably not ideal. Noisy birds or barky pups might also bug your neighbours. Smaller pets or chill cats can be better for close quarters.
Then there’s your kids’ ages. Little ones might love the idea of a pet, but the reality is, that feeding and care will likely fall on you and that would not be ideal if you're a busy parent.
And don’t forget allergies! Spend time around the type of pet you’re considering before committing, just in case.
Some pets just aren’t a good fit for families with young kids. Whether they’re too fragile, require too much care, or pose safety risks, these animals might be better left off your list. Here’s what to avoid if you have little ones at home:
Sure, these “pocket pets” are cute, but they’re often terrified of humans, especially if they weren’t handled much before you brought them home.
While rare, mice and hamsters can spread infections to kids who get too close to their cages or come into contact with droppings.
"Small mammals are delicate and need careful handling, which can be tough for curious kids to master,” says my vet.
Plus, their lifespans vary widely, gerbils live about two years, while some reptiles can live 25 to 35 years.
These critters also need special care, food, cages, water dispensers, exercise wheels, and bedding that needs frequent cleaning. And since they’re nocturnal, expect nighttime squeaks and activity that might disrupt your child’s sleep.
Ferrets are playful and smart, but they can bite, which might scare or hurt young kids. They’re also escape artists and will bolt through any open door.
Training them takes time, and they’ll stash items like socks and dish towels around your house.
They may also carry illnesses, so you’ll need to stay on top of their health. If you’re not ready for the chaos ferrets bring, they’re probably not the best choice.
I honestly think that Ferrets are perfect pets for single people and not for families.
Birds are colourful, relatively cheap, and friendly, but they’re tricky for small kids to handle gently. Kids might forget to close the cage door, leading to birds flying around and hiding in hard-to-reach spots.
This could mean risky attempts to retrieve them, like climbing furniture.
Expect noise too especially early in the morning, as parakeets and parrots squawk and chatter throughout the day. Like other pets, bird cages need regular cleaning, adding to the workload.
Turtles, snakes, iguanas, and frogs are fur-free and less likely to trigger allergies, but they don’t enjoy being cuddled, which might frustrate kids. Snakes eat live prey like crickets or mice, and iguanas can grow up to six feet long and become aggressive.
“All exotic pets require specialized veterinary care,” says the vet. “Most vets aren’t trained to treat them.” Before getting one, make sure you have access to a specialist.
The biggest concern? Salmonella. The CDC advises against reptiles and amphibians for kids under five because they’re more likely to get sick from exposure to these animals or their environments.
Rabbits seem sweet, but like other small animals, they’re easily scared unless they’ve been handled consistently since birth. As prey animals, they’ll kick, squirm, or bolt if picked up against their will.
“Injuries can happen easily with rough handling by young kids,” and “In some cases, this can even be fatal.” Supervision is a must, but it’s still risky for kids to handle rabbits without help.
Now for pets that are great for kids, dogs, cats, fish, rats, and guinea pigs often top the list. Each has its benefits, but they all require care, attention, and the right environment. Here’s a breakdown of what makes these pets a good fit.
Dogs and cats are classic choices for families with kids. They bring joy, boost self-esteem, and even help reduce stress. My vet recommends breeds like Labs, Poodles, Pitbulls, King Charles Spaniels, Havanese, and Pugs for family homes.
As for cats, most breeds work well, though some, like Bengals, Savannah Cats, and Siamese, can have more spirited personalities.
Still, every cat (and dog) is unique, breed doesn’t always determine temperament.
Before bringing a pet home, spend time with them to gauge their personality and see how they interact with your family.
If adopting from a shelter, ask if you can visit multiple times. If buying from a breeder, spend a few hours playing with the animal to ensure they’re a good match.
Fish can’t be cuddled, but they’re calming to watch and teach kids responsibility since they need daily feeding. Kids as young as 3 can sprinkle food into the tank, but cleaning should be left to adults since fish tanks can carry germs like salmonella (I'm pretty sure the vet said it’s rare).
Place the tank where kids can see the fish but can’t reach in to bother or harm them. Keep in mind that fish don’t live as long as other pets, so be prepared for tough conversations about life cycles if this is the route you choose.
Rats are nocturnal, require cage maintenance, and only live a couple of years. But unlike other small pets, they’re incredibly friendly and smart. If handled gently from a young age, they can be a great choice for families with kids over 5.
Many rat owners compare their personalities to cats, they’ll sit on your shoulder, enjoy being held, and respond enthusiastically to attention. They can even learn tricks and make feeding time fun.
Guinea pigs are friendlier than rabbits, mice, or gerbils, tolerate being held, and live longer, usually 5 to 7 years. The CDC suggests they’re best for kids 5 and older. These little pets purr, love to play, and can even learn simple tricks.
Like other caged animals, their environment needs regular cleaning, which you’ll likely need to handle unless your child is exceptionally responsible. Guinea pigs are small, so remind kids to hold them gently to avoid injury.
When choosing a pet for small kids, dogs and cats are classic, loving choices, while fish, rats, and guinea pigs offer lower-maintenance options with unique benefits.
Each pet has its own care needs, so pick one that fits your family’s lifestyle and your child’s age. Spend time getting to know any pet before bringing them home, and always supervise young kids during interactions.
If you’re thinking about adopting a pet for your family, here’s my advice:
Start by being honest with yourself about the time and effort you can commit.
Dogs and cats are amazing companions, but they require more attention and space. If you’re looking for something simpler, fish or guinea pigs might be a better fit, they’re easier to manage but still teach responsibility.
Personally, I’d recommend spending time with any pet before making a decision. You want to make sure their personality meshes well with your family. And don’t forget, no matter how “easy” a pet seems, you’ll likely end up doing most of the care work yourself, at least in the beginning.
Try to involve your kids in the process, but set clear expectations about responsibilities. Pets aren’t just fun, they’re a big commitment. But if you choose wisely, they’ll bring so much love and joy into your home. Trust me, it’s worth it.
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