What to know before you adopt a pet
Are you thinking about adopting a new pet? If you have little ones at home, be sure you choose a pet that is both safe and age appropriate for your children. With some research and careful planning, you can bring the right pet into your home.
Questions to ask before you adopt
Caring for an animal goes far beyond providing food, water and shelter. Knowing why you’re preparing to bring a pet home will help you to determine the species and breed that will fit your lifestyle. Ask yourself the following questions before you adopt:
- Is your family ready for a pet?
- Can you financially afford to care for your pet’s health and safety?
- Are you ready for a long-term commitment?
- Will you be able to spend quality time together?
- Are you educated about what caring for an animal entails?
Age-appropriate Pets for Kids
Here are some guidelines from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to help you choose a pet that will fit in with your family:
Under 3
If your kids are still toddlers, consider waiting a few years before adopting. If you have a pet already when your baby is born, take common-sense precautions. Never leave the pet and baby alone together without supervision.
Ages 3 to 5 years
Guinea pigs are excellent first pets for children. Instead of a puppy, try a medium-sized dog over five months of age. Larger dogs often have more stable and patient temperaments and are less likely to be injured by a rambunctious toddler.
Ages 5 to 10
Elementary age kids do best with a small animal that doesn’t require a lot of care, such as a goldfish or a gerbil. Of course, you’ll still need to supervise the feeding, tank cleaning and maintenance of your newest family addition, unless you want to find poor Nemo floating upside down from lack of food.
Ages 10 to 13
The tween years are the prime time for your child to have a rabbit, dog or cat, or — if you can handle it — reptiles such as snakes or lizards. Your child can be responsible for feeding the pet, walking the dog, cleaning the rabbit cage and cleaning the cat litter. Ultimately, you will be the one responsible for making sure the animal is well cared for.
Ages 14 to 17
Odds are, your teen may become more interested in sports, extracurricular activities, and schoolwork and have little time for a pet. Consider the expected life-span of the pet, and make plans for that pet’s care when your teen leaves the home for college. Pets such as lizards and fish may be the perfect match for your teen and their busy, on-the-go lifestyle.
