Pets and children are a delightful recipe that ideally make for a superb fit. Caring and tending of the correct pet can usually be the highlight of loving memories from a childhood. A family pet is entertaining provided you provide adequate pet health care.

1. Care given with ease. Children whom have attained a certain age are more apt to be more responsible in the care of their pets. Younger children on the other hand may have to be supervised with regard to the safe and humane welfare of their pets, such as dogs so that they don't get dog bites when a new dog arrives at home. 
2. Handling and the pets acceptance. Although children love to handle their pets, smaller animals, such as parrots or chicken as pets can behave differently. They may differ widely as to how they accept and receive this.

Infants and Toddlers

Infants and pets must be paid close attention to by an adult due to an infant's innocence.

Children of this age group are normally attracted to small animals yet they cannot distinguish between a living creature and a toy. They have no conception of the pain they may innocently inflict upon the pet when pulling, grabbing and examining. Any attempt by the pet to free themselves from an infants grasp often provokes a tighter grasp. Understandably the pet will then wish to stay as far from the toddler as possible.

Two year olds

Two years old is usually when a child can tell the difference between their own toys and their pets toys.

If a child does not put their own toys away and the pet chews on them,  the toys can be kept from the child until the 'protective care' of them is learned.  By the same token, the child will learn to leave the pets toys to their pets – and similarly it teaches the child to leave a siblings toys alone as well.

Three year olds

Three year olds and all children under that age should never be left without supervision when with an animal. There are many pets for kids of this age. Children older than three years should prove they have sufficient judgment before being left unsupervised with a pet. At this age they are usually capable of playing simple games with their pets. Involvement to the extent of fetch, chase and retrieving a ball may be accomplished by use of their voice and various rewarding treats. Refilling their pets water and food bowls is very much within a three year olds realm of pet responsibilities.

While careful parental oversight is still observed, 3 year olds can also learn when to accord the pet some boundaries especially when for instance, if you have a cat as pet and the cat is eating or a pet dog is enjoying gnawing on its chewing treat or bone. Be mindful of the differences between your child's mentality and the pets. The child will not understand when a pet has destroyed something in normal zeal and may resent and punish the animal thinking the deed was deliberate.

Eight year olds

Eight year olds are fully aware that animals are individual entities each with their own personalities, traits, feelings and thoughts.

They learned this through:  
Trial and error – immediate response from a pet when it growls, turns tail and runs, scratches, licks, purrs or cuddles responding to the behavior of the child.
Observing the interaction of adults and children with pets and absorbing these experiences.
Understanding that the pet is a member of the family and respecting this as such.
Media representation of pets- realistic or otherwise.
Books, schools, aquariums and zoos – all play a role in education about their pets.

Teenagers

Do not leave the care of a pet – even leashed - with a child outside the home whom is under the age of 13.

Similarly do not expect a teen under the age of 15 to be capable of defusing a possibly dangerous situation as with an aggressive pack of dogs while walking the families beloved pet. Dogs and children of this age group get along well but they must be supervised nevertheless.

Since teens often seek the solace of their pets when beset with problems with-in their age group, sometimes the contrary reaction can occur – anger towards their pets. For instance a teen may react absurdly if the pet ruins something important to them. Also teens may veer away totally from their pets as they become absorbed in issues to do with their friends or outside circumstances. Consequently they may later feel deep remorse if a new home for their pet had to be found. 

Dog as pets are very popular among teens. But, it is important to choose the right dog for instance, if you want a pet for your kid. Often rescue pets are trained and friendly. You can give them a happy life by adopting them as well. Check our site at our pet finder section for regular information on pets that are just right for kids.

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