Using a pet join your family is among the most rewarding, powerful and exciting things you can do. But it can also be very difficult. Owning a pet is a big lifestyle change. Below, we will cover the fundamentals of a few of the most popular animals to have as pets for kids, debunk the myths and hopefully give you a little more insight into whether these animals are the ideal pet for you.
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1. Dogs
With good reason: dogs are the best! If your kids are constantly waking you up in middle of night with requests to acquire a pet , a) that’s a bit creepy, and b) we are not surprised. Now obviously dogs will be the maximum care pet on the listing, but once you know what you are getting yourself in for, acquiring a pet dog is incredible. Things to consider that will help you minimise how much upkeep a dog is are things such as breed and temperament, how much exercise and space they’ll need and if it is the ideal time for one to join your loved ones. It is a big commitment, but it is one which is definitely well worth it.
2. Cats
Another top dog when it comes to the country’s favourite pet has to be the cat! These cuddly small critters are amazing house pets. They’re a rather major commitment too, but do take less work than dogs. Depending on where you live you can elect to keep your cat indoors, or you can put in a cat flap and allow them to roam to their heart’s content. Plus food and a lot of affection, that is.
3. Rabbits
Rabbits are a very popular starter pet for families. They are a great way to introduce the joy of owning and looking after a pet to kids. Daily activities include feeding, grooming, cleaning and exercising — as well as playing along with your bunny, also. Both house and outside rabbits love to socialise, so if you just have the one, you are going to have to spend lots of time engaging together. Because of this, it’s recommended rabbits are kept in pairs. Apart from these requirements however, rabbits may be abandoned to their own devices, so make for great starter pets.
4. Guinea Pigs
Again. It is ideal to keep guinea pigs in pairs at least, as they’re very sociable creatures. If your pair are of the opposite gender, it’s a good idea to get the male neutered — otherwise you will have quite a crowd on your hand. Having a decent sized duplex full of food and bedding, plus regular playtime, guinea pigs are very rewarding pets. Guinea pigs live for around 4-8 years on average, so make sure that your children are prepared for the commitment.
5. Lizards
Lizards are astoundingly unique pets for kids and may expose your child to a thrilling new type of animal to an young age. First of, you have to decide what kind of lizard you desire. A fantastic starter lizard is a leopard gecko as they don’t need UV lighting.
Other popular choices examples are bearded dragons (but they would need need UV lighting), iguanas and chameleons — however all lizards have varying needs and behaviours. The most significant aspects of owning a lizard is supplying the proper heat and light in their own environment (that will have to adapt at different times) and feeding them live prey such as insects. If you can fulfil these conditions, then your lizard will probably be happy as Larry — which is not too shabby a name for a lizard either…
6. Hamsters
Hamsters are definitely the most common first pet for children. Living to around 2 decades, they’re another little mammal which are a fantastic way to present caring for critters into your children’s lives. With a couple different strains, it is ideal to attend a certified provider to be sure you know precisely what you’re purchasing. Some breeds are very sociable, but others want to live independently. On top of that, they require careful handling as they’re very delicate, and are also nocturnal so that must be beared in mind.
7. Fish
Keeping fish as pets can range from the simple to the complicated, and as such is a great starter pet for kids: you can start off small and enlarge your own reef aquarium into a lively community of animals, that may form a lifelong passion for fish. We’d recommend you start with a 20-gallon tank and start your collection with freshwater fish. Surprisingly, goldfish are rated as fairly difficult to manage — they create a good deal of waste, need quite regular cleaning and grow to enormous sizes. As soon as you’re kids are started, they’ll love nurturing their fresh fishy friends.
8. Rats
Rats tend to be considered unclean and even occasionally plain scary, but they’re in fact incredible as pets for children. And those notorious beliefs couldn’t be farther from the reality. Rats are extremely nicely maintained, sociable and intelligent animals that are perfect for people who are searching for a low-maintenance, rewarding pet. We had advice keeping rats in pairs as they are extremely social, providing them with lots of enrichment opportunities to feed their curious minds. A good diet and keeping on eye on their health are also key. These aspects will ensure you’ve got joyful rats which are the great starter pets for children.
9. Birds
Birds are beautiful, majestic and beautiful creatures. The real key to keeping them as pets is always picking the right one. Birds vary in so many different ways you have to do your research, since you do not want to wind up with a bird that is too big, too loud or too much effort. For instance, macaws result in popular pets but may live up to 60 years! Just make sure that you do your homework before choosing that bird you want!
