Credit: Unsplash

Dogs and Cats Are Not the Only Pets for Your Child

Children love sharing their home with a pet, and studies have shown the benefits of raising your child together with an animal. Children will learn empathy, compassion; they will develop a positive relationship with animals and engage in physical activities such as taking the pet for a run. When children ask their parents for a pet, most parents will immediately think about a dog and a cat. However, many other animals can become the perfect companion for your child.

Pet animals for your child

Besides cats and dogs, other animals can also become faithful companions for your child. Birds can be a great choice if your child enjoys melodies, colorful feathers and enjoy watching them most of the time from afar.

Fish can be a great idea for families with a busy schedule and many trips outside the house. Some children prefer fish because they give them a sense of calmness and relaxation. There are many options, and children can have more than one fish pet.

Hamsters are tiny; they do not take up much space or require much care. Children enjoy playing with hamsters and look at them running on the wheel. Other small animals you could consider are rabbits, guinea pigs, turtles, and reptiles, such as iguanas.

How can you make a decision?

Before adopting or buying a pet, it is a great idea to take your child to an adoption center or pet shop, where he can watch different animals. After several visits and a long conversation involving the needs of each pet, your child might surprise you with their pet choice. Any pet is a responsibility, and some might need more care and nourishment than others, but there are many other options besides dogs and cats.

Elizabeth G. Cole
Elizabeth used to be an English teacher, but she left her old job so she could raise her children and get more involved with saving the environment. She is passionate about the Planet and loves to cover this topic, but also enjoys to write about family and children activities.