Pets are wonderful to have, they can become your best friend, they can help you in stressful situations, and having a pet when you have young children can help your child take ownership and build a structure. However, pets can be time-consuming and if it is your first time having a pet then you may not know what to choose that would be suitable for your child. Below are some suggestions on the types of pets you could consider.
Dogs
A popular choice with many families, dogs are loved the world over. Some things to consider before getting a dog though. Remember they are high maintenance. You will keep training them, feed them, take them for walks and look after their health. You will also need to consider the breed of dog as dogs have different temperaments so having one that will get on with small children is important. Before opting for a dog ensure you have the lifestyle for a dog before committing.
Cats
Another popular choice is a cat. They are so fluffy and great if you don’t have the time commitment for a dog. They are fairly self-reliant creatures as you don’t have to take them for walks. However, you still need to train them, feed them and keep on top of their health. This means getting them vaccinated and chipped just in case they wander off!
Rabbits
There are over 900,000 pet rabbits in the UK. This just goes to show how popular they are. They are often a great choice for families with children. Rabbits are so much fun and will keep your children entertained. Rabbits will need to be kept in a hutch, they will need to be cleaned regularly, and again will need to be kept healthy with regular checks at the Vets. Children love spending time with rabbits as they are happy to be held. They also love feeding them and when you feel like spoiling your rabbit friend, small treats in moderation can be fed to them. This is a great way for your children to engage with the rabbit. Rabbits are considered a great pet if this is your first venture into having a pet in the household.
Guinea Pigs
Such a cute animal, guinea pigs are a great option if you have children. It is best though to have two guinea pigs as they like company. A good tip is to ensure you don’t have a male/female pair that breed! Take them to the vet to ensure they are safe to keep together. If one is a male and the other female, your Vet may suggest you get the male neutered. You will need a large cage, bedding, and food. Guinea pigs like to play so setting aside some time during the day for this is a great way of getting your child to interact with the guinea pigs.
Hamsters
An even smaller pet, you could decide to choose hamsters as a pet in your home. They are small and are happy running around their cage. You will need to feed your hamster as well as provide bedding for their cage. While some hamsters like to interact a lot, some prefer to be left alone. Ensure you choose one that suits your household.
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My girls have been pestering me for a pet for years. I’ve said when they can keep their bedrooms tidy I will think about it. It’s never going to happen but I am starting to think that I would like a cat. x
Kim Carberry recently posted…This week my Word of the Week is: Motivated. #WotW
I like cats, we are becoming a zoo, 2 dogs, a cat and a hamster, the kids want a pair of love birds too but I am putting them off lol
Rach recently posted…Low Maintenance Animals to Consider When You Have Children