The decision to welcome a pet into your family is never an easy one to make. A difference of opinion on what type of animal the family should adopt is a very common argument. Also, parents of small children may be reluctant to get their child a pet because they worry that responsibility of the animal will be put upon them due to the child’s age and capability of caring for the animal.
An animal is a full-time commitment for the lifetime of that pet, so if your family is considering adopting a pet, take into consideration how a pet will fit into your household dynamic and lifestyle.
You may pine for a large golden retriever, but if you reside in a small apartment, perhaps a smaller, mellow breed would be more your speed.
Perhaps your child would like a dog, but if you travel a lot or attend numerous sports or school events for your child, you won’t have the time to dedicate to a dog in regard to activity or taking them outside to use the bathroom frequently. If this is the case, consider adopting a cat, which will relish in the attention you can give but are, for the most part, self-reliant and can get by with a litter box and automatic water and food bowls.
Keep in mind, however, that if you are going on an extended trip, you will need to hire a pet sitter or take your pet to be boarded at a facility to ensure they are being adequately taken care of in your absence, or if they need veterinary care while you are gone.
Remember that dogs and cats require regular veterinary care, so you will want to consider if you have the time or means to comply with this obligation.
Perhaps you want to allow your child to have a pet, but you suffer from allergies? Look into a hypoallergenic breed, such as poodles, or poodle-crosses if you are set on a dog, or a Siberian or Rex if you prefer cats.
Other kinds of pets
Small critters or fish are great for children who long for a pet but are not ready for a dog or cat. Goldfish are a popular starter pet for kids, as they can live up to several years with little maintenance.
You can also consider getting your child a “pocket pet” (hamster, guinea pig and gerbil). These pets are endearing and thrive in small living spaces. These pets can be a good start for young children, as these pets will teach them to be responsible for daily feedings, weekly enclosure cleanings and proper handling.
Animals that are confined to a bowl or cage are a good fit for families who are on the go constantly during the day.
If you are interested in bringing home a bird, research the different types before choosing. Parakeets may be a good option for a first-time bird owner. Birds can be excellent pets and are very intelligent, but they are more demanding than a guinea pig or fish. All birds require daily attention just like a dog, cat or small animal would.
In case your family is not ready for a pet — whether you feel your child is too young or your lifestyle is just too busy — contemplate having your child volunteer at a local shelter or rescue organization to get their dog or cat fix. This is a great way to also help give those animals some one-on-one time and give your children hands-on pet-care basics without committing to an animal at home. (You will need to contact the facility’s management beforehand to learn of any age requirements for volunteers.)
Family time
Owning a pet can be very rewarding for a child and can help teach them valuable life lessons as they care for a living creature. If you have young children and decide to adopt an animal but are concerned they will not fully take on responsibility, you can create a chore chart on which they can place stickers on it once they have completed a task. Not only will this give you peace of mind that the animal has been attended to, you can also delegate the chores among siblings by providing them with different stickers to use specifically and putting their names in a different color and time slot.
A well-chosen pet can bring many years of joy to your family. Having a family pet can help promote closeness, especially if you go on family walks at night with the dog, have joint play time with the cat or prepare fresh fruits and vegetables for a “pocket pet” together.
MEGAN L. FOUCH is the office manager at the Madison Park Veterinary Hospital (www.madisonparkvet.com). To comment on this column, write to MPTimes@nwlink.com.