Help your child find the starter-pet that’s perfect for your family

It’s the perfect age to own a pet. But finding the right pet for your child and entire family is not an easy choice. You have to consider how much free time you generally have, how much you’re willing to clean up, how much space you have in and outside your house, how often you’re gone, and how much you’re willing to spend on your pet’s care, feeding, and maintenance.  

Before diving in, do your research: speak to a vet, an animal breeder, and friends who own pets before deciding on a particular animal. If you are thinking about getting a dog or cat, the Petcare Information and Advisory Service will advise you on the breed best suited for your family and lifestyle.

Here are some popular beginner pets.

Goldfish

Sure, they swim around in their own waste and live immersed in germs—but it all happens behind glass. 

The humble goldfish is ideal for kids who are brand-new to pet ownership. A popular “starter pet,” the hardy goldfish can live in cold water with no heater or filter.  The only catch is that fish are one of those pets you spend a lot of time and energy on just trying to keep them alive.

Small mammals

These pets won’t break the bank and don’t require much more maintenance than your child can manage. They need no walking, minimal cleaning and can live quite happily on family food scraps.  Ideal for families who want a pet but aren’t ready for a cat or dog. They are especially good in homes where everyone is gone during the day.  Hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, rats, gerbils and rabbits are all good choices.

Dog

This is for the child who wants a more interactive pet and develops strong bonds. The canine-human relationship is particularly intense.  Remember though, dogs require the most care of any domestic animal. It would be unrealistic to expect even your well-intentioned child to always remember to fill the bowl or walk the dog.  Breeds most temperamentally suited for children are the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Great Dane, Labrador Retriever, Maltese/ ShihTzu cross,  Pug, and Whippet.

Cat

Cats are good companions and perfect for the child who doesn’t mind being snubbed occasionally. “When selecting a cat, look for one that purrs and lets you hold him,” says Nancy Frensley, an animal behaviorist and trainer for the Berkeley East Bay Humane Society, in Berkeley, California. Be wary of cats or kittens that bite or hiss. Consider Abyssinian, Birman, Burmese, Manx, Persian, Ragdoll and Somali.

Bird

They trash cages like a rock star in a hotel room, but  true animal enthusiasts will love these colorful and active pets.  Birds can be very social, but it takes time and patience to train them, so they’re not right for all kids. 

Be sure you select a bird by temperament rather than color, because personality varies widely by species. And prepare for a real commitment: Birds can live a long time. Canaries, finches, parakeets, cockatiels, pyrrhura conures, parrots and love birds are reasonably priced, reasonably sized, and just plain reasonable to live with.

*Because most, if not all, reptiles carry salmonella in their digestive tracks, they are generally not recommended for homes with children under age 5 or with family members with serious health conditions.

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