Lisa Jones
It is hard to find a child that doesn’t dream of having a pet. Childhood just isn’t complete without a trusted, animal companion at your side. There is also plenty for parents to love about pets too. They can teach your children responsibility, and studies have even found that children with pets have stronger immune systems than those without.
However, choosing the perfect pet for your child can be difficult. Dogs and cats are the most common, but there are tons of other species to consider as well.
#1 Dog
Dogs are likely the most stereotypical pet for children - and there’s a reason for that. Most average-sized dogs are large enough to avoid being injured by your child, but many breeds are also calm and laidback with children.
#2 Cat
Cats are also a pretty common pet for children. They’re large enough to avoid being injured by an accident-prone toddler and also make wonderful companions. They live long lifespans and are also playful.
#3 Turtle
Turtles can make the perfect pet if you want something low maintenance and quiet. They are peaceful and calm. Though they are small, many can also handle quite a bit of handling. Turtles have notoriously long lifespans. While this means that you don’t have to worry about your child losing their childhood pet any time soon, it also means that you should be prepared to take care of this pet for a long time.
#4 Fish
Fish are often the ideal pet for small children. They require little upkeep and attention, and fish typically do not take up much room. They are quiet and can provide a listening ear for your children when you need them. If you’re looking for a pet that doesn’t require much work on your part, then this pet might be for you.
#5 Hamster
Hamsters are cute, lively, and need little maintenance. They are a great first pet for older children who have already proven that they are responsible enough to regularly care for a pet. They don’t require that much room, and you won’t have to worry about cleaning pet hair off your couch. They’re a great choice for families who want a pet but aren’t quite ready to commit to a cat or a dog.
#6 Birds
Birds are a good choice for older children who aren’t interested in having a cat or a dog. They require a bit of maintenance and care, but birds are mostly contained in their cage and do not require the training that a dog would need.