No pet is truly capable of being fully taken care of by a child on their own. It takes responsibility to a certain degree to have a pet, but it is an adult’s responsibility to make sure the pet is taken care of. It’s not the pet that is a constant presence and makes the daily sacrifice, it’s the adult. Keep this in mind when getting a pet.
Start with the adult's time, not the child's enthusiasm
Consider how long you will really want your new pet before you make your decision. Your pet will want and need your care for many years. Decide how much time the adults in the family can realistically give the pet everyday. Think about the pet's care during school breaks and when your family is extra-busy.
It's also important to think about the rabbit's lifespan. The rabbit purchased for a child's seventh birthday may still be alive when the child goes to college.
Guinea pigs
They're a great choice if you have kids. They are diurnal and make noises that kids love. Guinea pigs don't usually like to be held, but will usually put up with it and aren't as aggressive as other pets.
They require a large cage and multiple companions, unlimited hay, and C vitamins in their diet. Prepare for 20 to 30 minutes of care daily, plus a deep cleaning of their cage weekly.
Rabbits
These are often purchased as child's toys, but rabbits are easy to mistreat and not appropriate for children. Rabbits often scratch or kick if held, and many dislike being picked up. It is better to have them at a lower, more reachable level. Older children that can sit on the floor may be better company for rabbits. This gives the rabbit the ability to come and go as it pleases. Young children often can not be this considerate.
They have long lives and require a big space. They also require multiple vaccinations and neutering. Because of their lifespan and commitment they require, they're better as a second pet, not a first.
Rats
An overlooked option for older children is the pet rat. Pet rats are social, intelligent, and enjoy being pet. With time and patience, rats can even be name-trained. Pet rats should be kept in groups (or at least pairs) and require a rather large cage. Like other rodents, pet rats have to be provided time outside of their cage to play.
Many children have difficulty adjusting to the relatively short lifespan of the Parrotlet, which is approximately 2-3 years.
Hamsters
Good, but not appropriate for kids under 8 years. Syrian hamsters are diurnal and can be aggressive if not properly handled. They can also be easily startled, which can result in a nip. Syrian hamsters are nocturnal, so children that aren't old enough to stay up past their bedtime should not get a Syrian hamster. Their small and fast nature makes dwarf hamsters easy to mishandle.
They require deep bedding and a very large cage that most cages sold don't provide.
Fish
A good choice for children that want to observe rather than handle. An adult will need to set-up the aquarium and change the water. Children can help by feeding the fish and watching for problems.
Goldfish are often considered the easiest pet to keep, but this is a common misconception. Goldfish grow very large and require large, filtered tanks. Bowls are way too small.
Pets better left until later
Tortoises are long-lived, and their husbandry requires the provision of a special type of artificial lighting and heat. Chinchillas are delicate, and while they can be tamed, do not enjoy being handled. All of these animals, and a number of others, make ideal family pets, once the main, usually an adult, carer has done his/her research.
Rough daily care by pet
- Guinea Pigs (2) : 20-30 minutes per day with a deep weekly clean
- Rabbits (pair): 30 minutes or more a day, plus daily flystrike checks during warm months
- Rats (single pet): Allow 30 – 60 minutes a day out of the cage for playtime.
- Hamster: 10-15 minutes a day in the evenings
- Fish Tank: Expect to spend 5 minutes a day feeding your fish, as well as 30-60 minutes a week for water changes.
Questions to ask before buying
- Who takes care of the dog when the kids get bored with it?
- Who cares for the pet when we go on a trip?
- Do our financials allow for unexpected vet bills?
- Will we have enough space for a proper enclosure (not just a cage)?
- Do any of you have allergies?
Where to get one
Trusted rescue centers and charities will pair and health check guinea pigs, rabbits, and rats before offering them for adoption. These centers will also provide unbiased information about the suitability of different pets for your family.
Teaching children to handle small pets
Have the child sit on the floor. This way the animal doesn't have far to go when it is returned to the child. The animal will eventually make its way to the child. This can help the child feel more in control. Keep sessions short. Younger children will need your supervision for this activity. Teach the child to wash his or her hands after the activity.