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9 Of The Best Pets For Kids

Image showing the three color variations of Labs. From left to right: chocolate, tan, and black. Image by: Farinosa on https://depositphotos.com/home.html
Image showing the three color variations of Labs. From left to right: chocolate, tan, and black. Image by Farinosa on Depositphotos.

Are you looking for the Best Pets for Kids? Animals have been a part of human life for centuries, and caring for them instills responsibility and empathy in children. Also, animals offer several advantages for psychological wellness by lifting moods and preventing loneliness.

Many different animals make great pets for kids. Some of the most popular include dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs, but there is more to the list. Each animal has unique characteristics that make it an excellent fit for a child’s personality and lifestyle, especially those who don’t have siblings!

Dogs, for example, are known for their loyalty and affection. They are great companions for kids and provide plenty of exercise. Cats also make great companions, often doing less work than dogs. Rabbits are playful and social animals that can bond closely with their owners. Guinea pigs are fun-loving and relatively low-maintenance pets, perfect for kids keen to learn about animal care.

It doesn’t matter which type of pet animal your child is interested in; there’s sure to be one that’s right for them. Animals can provide kids with love, laughter, and lifelong memories.

1. Dogs

Jack Russel Dogs playing in the grass
Many dogs run and play with a ball in a meadow – a cute pack of Jack Russell Terriers. Image via Depositphotos.

Dogs have been a “man’s best friend” for centuries and for all the right reasons. You can read more about this evolutionary friendship with our article on the origin of dogs. Dogs aren’t just good for entertainment; they can also be invaluable to families with young children. Dogs can help teach kids about responsibility, empathy, and patience. 

This faithful animal is excellent at providing comfort and security. All for emotional support, you can always count on them for a good cuddle when you need one. Having a dog as your pet would bring you joy and laughter (not to mention plenty of slobbery kisses).

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Dogs provide companionship and loyalty.Dogs require regular exercise and walks.
They can help improve mental health.Dogs may shed fur and require grooming.
Dogs can be trained for various tasks.They require time and effort for training and socialization.
They can enhance family bonding.Dogs can be costly to care for (food, veterinary bills, etc.).
Dogs can provide a sense of security.Some dogs may have behavioral issues that require attention.

2. Cats

Two happy cats
Happy cats caring for each other. Image via Depositphotos

Cats make great pets for numerous reasons. Much quieter than dogs, cats are less likely to cause allergies. Also, cats are relatively independent compared to dogs and stay happy independently. It can sometimes be tricky to understand what cats can and cannot eat.

Pet cats bond closely with their owners and love to snuggle and play. Cats are gentle, making them less likely to injure small children accidentally. Cats are a great choice to have as a pet for kids.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Cats are low-maintenance pets.Cats may exhibit destructive behavior.
They are independent and self-sufficient.Cats can scratch furniture and belongings.
Cats are clean animals and groom themselves.Some individuals may be allergic to cats.
They provide companionship and can be affectionate.Cats may bring in pests like mice or birds.
Cats require less space compared to dogs.Cats may have litter box odor if not properly maintained.

3. Rabbits

rabbit
Rabbits in their home. Image via Depositphotos

Children often enjoy the companionship of pets, and rabbits can make excellent additions to families. Rabbits are suitable for children because they are relatively low maintenance, quiet, and can be litter-trained. 

Also, rabbits are social creatures that enjoy human interaction, making great playmates for kids. See our list of the cutest rabbits on the internet.

Regarding care, rabbits need a clean cage, plenty of hay and fresh vegetables, and regular grooming, and it’s good to go. Rabbits need to be neutered or spayed to prevent unwanted litter. 

With proper care, rabbits can live for 8-12 years, making them long-term companions for kids as they grow up. 

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Rabbits are gentle and generally have calm dispositions.Rabbits require a significant amount of effort and care.
They can be litter-trained, making them easier to manage.Rabbits have specific dietary needs and require a balanced diet.
Rabbits can form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy human interaction.Rabbits need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy.
They are relatively quiet pets, making them suitable for apartments or shared living spaces.Rabbits have specific housing requirements, including a clean and spacious cage.
Rabbits can live for 8-12 years, providing long-term companionship for children.Rabbits may chew on furniture or cords if not provided with appropriate toys and outlets for their natural chewing behavior.

4. Guinea Pigs

Guinea pig
white yellow the Guinea pig on yellow dry autumn leaves. pet on the street. Image via Depositphotos.

Guinea pigs make excellent pets for children for various reasons. They come in a wide range of colors and fur and are low-maintenance animals that are easy to keep. These social creatures bond quickly with their human companions.

Guinea pigs are delicate and calm, making them perfect for families with small kids. Many variables must be considered when picking a creature as a pet for your family. However, a guinea pig might be an ideal decision that would suit your family.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Guinea pigs are low-maintenance pets.Guinea pigs have relatively short lifespans.
They are relatively quiet and can be easily handled.Guinea pigs require proper housing, including a clean cage with enough space to move around.
Guinea pigs are social creatures that bond quickly with their human companions.They need a balanced diet of fresh vegetables, hay, and pellets.
They can be trained to do simple tricks and can provide entertainment for children.Guinea pigs require regular grooming, including nail trims and coat brushing.
Guinea pigs are generally gentle and unlikely to bite or scratch.They may require occasional veterinary care, which can add to the cost of ownership.

5. Hamsters

hamster
The hamster is in its cage. Image via Unsplash

Hamsters are small, low-maintenance, and relatively quiet. Adorable, these cuties are super easy to care for. Hamsters can live in a small space and feed on pellets and fresh vegetables. 

Most hamsters are also content living alone. So don’t worry about finding a companion for them to socialize with. Every animal has its unique personality, so it’s essential to research before bringing a hamster home. A hamster might be perfect if you’re looking for a cute and easy-to-care-for pet!

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Hamsters are low-maintenance pets.Hamsters have relatively short lifespans.
They are small and require minimal space.Hamsters are nocturnal animals and can be active and noisy at night.
Hamsters are inexpensive to purchase and keep.They can be fragile and easily injured if mishandled.
Hamsters are relatively easy to care for and can be fed a simple diet of pellets and fresh vegetables.They require regular cleaning of their cage to maintain hygiene.
They can be entertaining to watch and can be trained to do simple tricks.Hamsters may not be the best choice for very young children, as they require gentle handling and supervision.

6. Gerbils

Close-up photo of Fat tailed gerbil (Pachyuromys duprasi
Close-up photo of Fat tailed gerbil (Pachyuromys duprasi)> Image via Depositphotos

Gerbils are a popular pet choice for families with children. They are tiny, effortless to care for, and have a delicate demeanor. Gerbils are exceptionally dynamic, which can be engaging for children. Also, gerbils are social creatures and do best when kept in pairs.

Gerbils are easy to care for and make excellent first pets for kids interested in learning about the basic needs of animals; gerbils may be a perfect choice if you are considering getting a pet for your family.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Gerbils are low-maintenance pets.Gerbils have relatively short lifespans.
They are small and require minimal space.Gerbils are nocturnal animals and can be active and vocal at night.
Gerbils are social creatures and do well when kept in pairs.They may require some time and patience to tame and handle.
Gerbils are generally gentle and unlikely to bite or scratch.They have specific dietary requirements and need a balanced diet of seeds, grains, and fresh vegetables.
Gerbils can provide entertainment and can be observed in their active and playful behaviors.They need regular cleaning of their cage to maintain cleanliness.

7. Birds

White Cockatoo leaning
White Cockatoo leaning. Image by Mikhail Nilov via Pexels

There are many reasons why birds make the best pets for kids. First, they are relatively low maintenance, requiring only a few hours of care per week. It makes birds an excellent choice for families who have working members. 

Second, birds are astute animals that can prepare to perform tricks and errands. Kids can have hours of fun teaching their new feathered friend to sing or dance. Third, birds come in various colors and sizes so kids can find the perfect match for their personalities. 

And fourth, birds typically live for 10-15 years, so kids can enjoy their pets for many years. With all these benefits, birds are one of the best pet options for kids.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Birds are relatively low-maintenance pets.Birds can be loud and noisy, which may not be suitable for all households.
They require only a few hours of care per week.Birds need regular social interaction and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.
Birds are intelligent animals and can be trained to perform tricks.They require a spacious and enriched environment to thrive.
Birds come in various colors and sizes, offering a wide range of options.They may have specific dietary needs and require a balanced diet of seeds, fruits, and vegetables.
Birds can provide companionship and be a source of entertainment with their playful and interactive behaviors.They can be messy and require regular cleaning of their cage.

8. Rats

house rat
House rat. Image by averyanova via Depositphotos

You might not think rats make good pets, but they can be ideal for kids. First, rats are intelligent and can be trained to do tricks. They also have individual personalities, so your child can bond with their pet uniquely. If you would like to learn more about how long these animals live, check out our post about how long rats live.

Additionally, rats are relatively low-maintenance and easy to take care of. They don’t need a lot of space, and they can feed a variety of diet items, including fruits, vegetables, and pellets.

Rats are best when they live in pairs, so your child will always have a playmate for their furry friend. Rats make such great pets for kids. 

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Rats are intelligent and can be trained to do tricks.Some people may have a fear or dislike of rats.
They have individual personalities and can form strong bonds with their owners.Rats have a relatively short lifespan compared to some other pets.
Rats are low-maintenance and easy to take care of.They require a clean and spacious cage with regular cleaning.
They don’t need a lot of space and can be kept in small enclosures.Rats may have specific dietary requirements and need a varied diet.
Rats can provide companionship and be affectionate pets.They may have a musky odor that some people find unpleasant

9. Turtles

A painted turtle.
A painted turtle. Image via Depositphotos.

Turtles are low maintenance, don’t need to be walked, and are fascinating to watch. Turtles can live a long time- up to 50 years in some cases- so your child could have a pet turtle their entire life! If you would like to read why these animals live so long you can check out one of our other articles.

Turtles are also relatively affordable and don’t require a lot of expensive equipment. Also, turtles are not allergic-prone, so they are a good choice for kids with allergies. 

Finally, turtles can teach kids about responsibility, as they require regular care and feeding. Consider a turtle if you’re looking for a unique and rewarding pet for your child!

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Turtles are low maintenance and require less care than some pets.Turtles can carry salmonella, which can cause illness in humans.
They don’t need to be walked and can live in a small tank.Turtles have a long lifespan, and owning one is a long-term commitment.
Turtles are fascinating to watch and can be a unique pet.They may require a specific habitat setup with heating and lighting.
They are not prone to allergies, making them suitable for kids with allergies.Turtles need a nutritious diet and proper water quality to stay healthy.
Turtles can teach kids responsibility and require regular care.Some turtles can grow quite large, requiring a larger enclosure over time.

Benefits of Having Pets For Kids

Cat licking catnip
Cat excitedly licking catnip. Image via Depositphotos

Pets can provide numerous benefits to their owners that can improve the lives of their owners in many different ways.

  Works On Mental Health

Pets can work on emotional wellness by decreasing uneasiness levels. In one study, participants who spent more time with a dog experienced lower cortisol levels, a stress-related hormone.

➢  Boosts Physical Health

Pets can also boost physical health by encouraging owners to be more active. If you take your dog for a walk, it is an easy way to exercise regularly.

➢  Help to Build Social Connections

Finally, pets can help to build social connections by providing opportunities for people to interact and share common interests. Pets allow children to learn about responsibility and dependability with adult supervision and guidance. As a bonus, some pets are so affectionate that they will reward your attention!

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