My first pet a dog called Roots….followed by a dog called Spike…..with current pampered pooch going by the name of Baloo.

I rescued Baloo before I fell pregnant with my little boy and as I didn’t have any kids I wasn’t really looking for a dog that was good with kids. Thankfully Baloo is great with Kian and all kids for that matter, however, choosing a pet that’s right for you you’re family is not easy, so in case your considering the leap to getting a pet I’ve done some investigating on the internet for tips on what type of animal will suit your family. The best advice site I’ve found is Pets and Kids and it’s definitely worth a read. They have a great section about how to pick a pet which I’ve used, along with some of my own ‘in-depth pet knowledge,’ to give a few pointers.

Cats

Great for families who like a bit of quality time with their pet without having to devote hours to looking after their them. Cats are usually very patient animals and stroking them is very theraputic.

Feeding is relatively easy although you may find unexpected ‘presents’ of dead animals in your kitchen! Cats are quite selfish creatures and will seek attention when they want it…hmmm now who does that remind you of? The cost of keeping a cat isn’t too high, but needs to be considered.

Dogs

 

Is it too cheesey to say a man’s best friend? Well it’s true! For all the responsibility and mess that comes with a dog, they really are a loyal pet. They’re great for a cuddle and a cheer up and are also a good way to keep fit and teach your kids about resonsibility. Before getting a dog you really need to consider if they will fit into your lifestyle - do you have the time to take them out for walks and train them? The costs of keeping a dog are high - vets bills, food and toys will zap your money in no time. Carefully consider if you can give a dog the loving home it needs and deserves before buying one - especially if your kids (and you!) are the kind to get bored with something quickly.

Birds

Not many people seem to keep birds these days but when I was younger a lot of my friends had pet budgies. They’re great to watch and listen to and will suit families who aren’t interested in the ‘hands on’ playing side of keeping a pet. Don’t forget about the noise though, birds like to sing. And not just when you want them to! It’s also worth considering that birds can live for a long time - up to 30 years in fact - and also need to have their cage cleaned regularly.

Fish
Ah the humble fish. Cheap and cheerful and lovely to just watch. Again they’re great if your kids don’t want a pet which they can pick up and stroke. Low maintenance, low cost and with minimal mess factor, fish are the ultimate no-nonsense pet.

Guinea pigs, rats and rabbits

In my opinion these types of small animal are perfect for kids (and adults). They’re cute, entertaining to watch and don’t involve the responsibility of a larger animal like a dog or cat. Someone will need to be responsible for cleaning their cage out though, which can be a messy (and cold) job but doesn’t take too much time. These type of animals need a run in the garden to stretch their legs, lots of fresh veg to eat and in most cases, trips to the vets for nail and teeth trimming.

Hamsters, mice and gerbils

These sociable little critters are also great for kids. With a little patience you and your children can stroke and pick up your pets, or just watching them go about their daily routine can be quite fascinating. One thing to remember though - as their cages are indoors you need to keep on top of the cleaning, or they will start to smell. Don’t forget also that mice and hamsters are nocturnal creatures (and gerbils pick and choose when they sleep) and love to whiz about their cages just when you’re trying to catch 40 winks - so keeping them in a bedroom is not advisable.

Reptiles

Definitely the more unusual pet! Reptiles can either be intriguing or petrifying to children, so it’s a good idea to find which category your child is in before making a purchase! Reptile pets make a great conversation piece and are also ideal for those with a fur allergy - but don’t forget that many of them require live insects as food. The cost and responsibility of keeping a reptile are reasonabley low, so if you think you can handle an unusual pet - go for it!
There are so many things to talk about when thinking about pets and your children, so these are just a few things to consider when initially making a purchase. The most important thing to consider is your own lifestyle - the pet will need to fit around that, otherwise you will find yourself neglecting them. And remember…a pet is not just for Christmas, it’s for life!

If you have any other tips then please let me know and I can add them in.