Is your family thinking about getting a pet? But you can’t decide which animal is the best kind? Today, we are going to go over the most common family pets, and what you can expect when you bring it home.
Fish – this may be a great idea for a starter pet, especially for children between 4-8 years old. Taking care of a fish is easy for a child to do and will help teach them responsibility. Cleaning the fish-tank is something to keep in mind. But other than that, feeding is really the only other thing that needs to be done with a fish.
Guinea pigs/mice/hamsters – these may seem like a low maintenance pets, but the cage cleaning might deter you (which should be changed about twice a week). Children like to carry these little guys around, but they are delicate animals. Sometimes they bite, so it’s always a good idea to keep a watchful eye on them. And, always make sure the cage is shut when the little guy is in the cage! Hamsters are really good about escaping.
Dogs – dogs are the most common family pet. When considering a dog, make sure you have ample room in your yard (or a nearby dog park) so that your dog can get lots of outdoor exercise. Also, keep in mind not all dogs and children get along. You also have to consider food costs, vet costs, letting the dog out, training, among other things. But dogs are very loyal pets, and lots of fun!
Cats – cats are another very common family pet. When they’re kittens, they like to do all the kitten things, but as they get older they usually become more independent. But, they are definitely a great choice for a family pet. They are also loyal pets. With cats, you do have food costs, vet costs, and cleaning a litter box. Feeding and cleaning the litter can be an easy chore for children to do.
So, those are just a few ideas of some family pets. Before bringing one home, always make sure that your animal and children are a good fit. And when you have brought your pet home, call us so we can set up a check-up appointment for your new friend.