Should I Get a Pet For My Kids?
We are a family of five: Me, my husband, Cassie, 3, Vivi, 1, and Elliot, 2 months. Right now our lives are pretty busy (as you can imagine) and a pet is the last thing we are considering in these early years. But as the kids get older, we have discussed whether or not we actually want to get a pet for them, and if so, what type of pet.
Growing up with three brothers my parents let us pick our own pet at the age of about 8 (no dogs!). That meant our house was a mixture of guinea pigs, rabbits and cats. Chaotic, but great! We were put in charge of the chores – feeding the animals, cleaning out their cages and so forth, but I know mum picked up a lot of our slack. A few years later, we were lucky enough to get a family dog, who was a loved member for the next decade.
So, what exactly are the pros and cons of getting a pet for your kids?
The Pros
Teaching Child Responsibility
Whether it’s a goldfish or a dog, a pet needs to be looked after. They need to be fed, some need to be walked and house trained, and some need their cages cleaned. Having a pet is a great way to teach your child responsibility and put them in charge of an area of their life. It’s a great skill they will carry with them.
Allergies
A number of studies over the years have shown that introducing your kids to pets early on in life can help prevent them from developing allergies later on. However, none of this research is conclusive and there is plenty of conflicting information about it out there, so I wouldn’t use this as a basis alone to run out and get a pet.
Companionship
Just like us adults, kids long for companionship and often animals can be their first friends. Someone to confide in when they have had a rough day at preschool/school, someone who is always there for them each and every day. Whenever I was feeling annoyed or upset with my siblings or my parents, I would escape and sit with my dog, pet him and feel loved again. It was great to be able to get my feelings out rather than leave them bottled up.
The Cons
Parent Responsibility
Let’s not forget, kids will be kids, so as a parent, you will have to be on hand to help them out and pick up their slack as well. If you already have too much on your plate, you don’t want to over commit, as it will lead to frustration and won’t be a positive experience for you or your kids.
Costs
There is not only the costs of keeping them fed and looked after, but also the costs that come with Vet bills when something goes wrong, boarding fees when you go travelling, toys, beds, huts, kennels and so forth. All this needs to be factored in when you make a decision.
Travel
That brings up travel. Having a pet can certainly make things more difficult. You can’t just pack up and head away for the weekend if you have a dog – you will need to make arrangements for them, which adds an extra layer of stress to your holiday plans. Even smaller animals need to be cared for, whether you ask a neighbour to drop by and feed them, or get a house sitter who can be in charge, it’s an extra life admin that needs to be factored in.
So where does that leave us? Should we be getting our kids a pet?
Honestly, it comes down to your family situation. For us, it’s a decision we will play by ear as the kids get older and start showing an interest in one. Knowing all the pros and cons to the decision will help us weigh it up when the time comes and make a decision we are happy with. For the most part, I rarely hear anyone who regrets getting a pet for their kids – they really do become an extra family member that you fall in love with.
Bio: Felicity is mum to her two daughters, Cassandra (3.5) and Vivienne (21 months) and her son Elliot (2 months). Her passion is the parenting industry and creating a community where everyone feels welcome no matter how they choose to parent. It is this passion that led to the creation of The Baby Vine.
As a family we have always had pets. We had a budgie ,hamsters ,rabbits and two dogs oh must not forget the goldfish which were in a tank we had tropical fish as well two ponds in different houses. We loved them all but the biggest love of all were our two Labradors who were an addition to our family and we loved them so much. It’s good to have pets but children must be aware that they need looking after.
i think the pros far outweigh the cons. We have two dogs and they give so much. Think I’d wait till your kids are a bit older, though, for dogs #AnythingGoes
Pets are great but a big responsibility too, I agree it is down to family situation in the end. #GlobalBlogging
Great post and you’re right it’s a big decision and I love that you’ve already drawn up the pros and cons list. Very wise! #TwinklyTuesday xx
We’ve had an assortment of dogs and rabbits over the years and they have added a lot of love and joy to our family. Even so, they do tie you down and require continual and faithful care.
I think pets are a fantastic idea for children providing that the parents are aware of the commitment and costs of a pet. As an ex veterinary nurse I’ve seen parents bring in pets where they wouldn’t pay for a hamster with a possible broken leg to have an X-ray as it was cheaper to get a new one. A 4 month old rabbit was requested to be put to sleep as the kids no longer played with it. It’s a living being not a toy!! That does not teach your children to respect animals. Luckily one of the vets took on the rabbit. I do think overall people should really think of taking on a pet regardless whether it’s for themselves or their children. That’s my rant over for the day 😂
#TwinklyTuesday
We’ve literally just decided to get a cat in our house! Going through the motions of adopting one from the RSPCA and so excited 🙂 #bloggerclubuk
We have a dog and cat who we’re here before the baby was. The baby is now nearly two and is slightly obsessed with the cat. The cat on the other hand is not keen on the baby.
I would have preferred to get them all around the same time so you have a puppy and/or kitten growing as your child does.
Also, as much as our dog is a big softy I’m always very aware that he could cause a lot of damage and teach my daughter not to harass either cat or dog.
Basically Headspace – teen mental health service – suggests getting a dog or a horse, because while the tenn might hate everyone in the house, they’ll love (and feel loved) by the dog or horse. As a dog is cheaper and smaller, it seems the way to go….#Stayclassymama
My boys are very keen to get a dog for many of the pro reasons you mentioned. We’ve decided that they need to wait until out littlest is a little older and can cope with dog walks without his push chair! #StayClassyMama
Having pets when you have children definitely adds another element of stress but balanced out, I can’t imagine our children growing up without them. Thanks for linking up #twinklytuesday
I think it is so important for children to have a pet to learn about love and responsibility but there are negatives such as grief and the relentlessness of that same responsibility. Thanks for linking up with #stayclassymama
Getting a pet is a great way to teach kids responsibility but pets can also make a wonderful addition to the family – I definitely wouldn’t be without my two cats! #adventurecalling
Our two mutts are such a huge part of our family. But as you say, the time has to be right for you.
#AdventureCalling
I think pets are a great addition to the family, but they come with hard work and responsibility. We’ve just got some fish-which is enough for now, but I think we may get Finn a pet when he’s older as it’s a great way to teach him responsibility. Until then he’ll have to make do with trips to Pets at Home to see the animals! Thanks for linking up with us #AdventureCalling