Animals bring many benefits to children, from teaching them empathy and responsibility to being trustworthy companions as they grow. But which animals make the best first pets for children?
Though common pets such as dogs and cats may be your first thought, these animals require a lot of attention and care which would inevitably lead to an adult taking responsibility for them. Of course, any pet you choose to bring into your family will require both financial and time commitments, so it’s important to research the cost of keeping a pet and budget appropriately.
While family pets are a wonderful addition to any child’s life, if you are looking for a pet that your child can look after a little more independently, here are three great choices.
Guinea pigs
Guinea pigs are sweet creatures that, with the proper love and care, can make affectionate friends for children. They are friendly, sociable and typically enjoy being handled – perfect for kids that want a soft, cuddly pet. Guinea pigs can also learn to recognize their caregivers, and are quite vocal around their favorite people. You’ll know you’re firm friends when your piggies ‘purr’ as you stroke them! As they are such sociable animals, they’re happiest when kept in pairs or small groups.
Like rabbits, guinea pigs thrive when kept inside. Many people opt for metal, modular cages to create a safe space for their pigs in either a bedroom or living room. Fleece blankets and puppy pads make a great flooring for these cute rodents, and they need plenty of toys, somewhere to hide, as well as special pellets, fresh fruit and leafy vegetables to stay healthy.
Geckos
While reptiles lack a certain ‘fluffy’ appeal, they can make great first pets for children. Geckos, in particular, are calm, docile animals that are relatively low-maintenance. They can learn to tolerate being handled, and some are even chilled enough to allow their humans to dress them up on festive occasions.
They come in a variety of colors and patterns, and children will love to decorate their vivariums with cute accessories. Most geckos eat a mixture of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as insects such as mealworms and crickets, so they may not be a good choice if you or your children don’t like handling bugs.
Rats
Rats are often given a bad rep, but they are actually very clean, affectionate animals. They are also surprisingly clever and can be taught tricks like responding to their name, standing on their back legs, and running obstacle courses. Once you have a good-sized set-up, domesticated rats are affordable pets, requiring little more than food and water, toys and soft bedding.
It’s important to teach your children to handle their pet rats carefully, and to give them time to get used to being held if they are babies. While nips can happen, most rats learn to love a good cuddle and often enjoy snuggling up with their people for a good snooze.
Research is paramount
The best way to ensure a smooth experience when getting a new pet for your child is to do as much research as you can. Once you’ve decided on a species, be sure to factor in the financial elements of pet ownership, the space they need, and the time and attention they require. As a rule, you shouldn’t get any animal unless you are willing to look after it if your child loses interest.