Bringing home your child’s first pet is not a decision to be taken lightly. Providing proper care for a pet can be almost as demanding as caring for a child, especially if you adopt a puppy or kitten. A common question families have when considering pet adoption is “what’s the right age for a child to have their first pet?” The answer can vary depending on your family. The following factors will help you decide if it’s the right time to bring home a furry new member of the family.
Know Your Child’s Energy Level
Children develop at different rates and have unique personalities, so it’s important to assess your own child’s maturity, energy level, and ability to follow instructions. Highly energetic children may overwhelm and overstimulate pets, making it hard to keep the peace at home. You might consider a test run to see how your child interacts with animals by bringing them to friends’ or family members’ homes with pets—ideally ones with calm, well-trained pets.
Choose the Right Pet
Before adopting a pet, think about what a good fit for your household would be. For example, if you want to adopt a dog, you should be sure that you can commit to daily walks. It’s also important to consider the personalities and energy levels of different breeds. Choosing a high-energy breed like a Border Collie or Australian Cattle Dog may cause too much chaos in a home with young children.
Consider Your Schedule
While kids may take on some pet care chores, parents should expect to take on the majority of the work when bringing home a new pet. So, it’s important to consider your own schedule. If you have an infant or toddler at home, you may not have the time or energy to take on a new pet.
Your local veterinarian can be a great resource for helping you understand the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. As soon as you bring home a new pet, schedule a veterinary consultation to get your family on the right track with your pet’s care.