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Parents may be amazed at the qualities children develop from owning a pet. A pet can teach children important life lessons, but parents must decide if their family has the time and devotion to raise one.
Whether it’s a fish, bird, dog or cat, pets can help children develop lifelong character traits, such as responsibility, compassion, empathy and the ability to love unconditionally. A family pet can help children develop positive self-esteem and can help them develop a sense of responsibility and confidence.
Although children are usually the receivers of care, having a pet puts the child in the position of caregiver. Children learn to recognize and respond to their pet’s needs, such as when the pet needs to be played with, fed or walked. Children can learn that pets need to be treated respectfully and that all living things have feelings. They learn that animals get hungry, thirsty and tired.
Knowing a pet depends on him or her helps develop a child’s accountability and conscience. Caring children learn to bring a pet inside when the weather is bad. They learn that their pet depends on them to fill the water and food bowls. They learn that a pet left alone all day needs to romp and run with them when they get home from school.
The declining health or death of a pet is often the first time children face the reality of mortality. The loss of a pet helps the child learn that life does end at some point, no matter how much we wish it were not true. Pets can teach children to accept life cycles as a real part of life.
The key to creating a lasting family-pet bond is choosing a pet that fits into the family’s lifestyle. Where a family lives and children’s temperaments are important factors to consider. For example, if you choose a dog, the best thing to do is speak with a good dog trainer to find out what types of breeds you should consider.
Families must commit to giving dogs an appropriate amount of exercise each day. A bare minimum of 30 minutes each day of interactive time is needed such as throwing a ball or walking around the neighborhood. Dogs will need to be taken outside and walked three or four times a day to use the bathroom. They also will need to be fed once or twice each day, groomed, bathed and combed. All these things take up time.
In addition to the time and energy of raising a pet, families should plan to spend at least $200 to $300 on health maintenance expenses during the first year of a puppy’s life. The first year is usually the most costly, with vaccinations,
deworming, preventative medications and spaying or neutering. If you’re not willing to keep up with these expenses, you really shouldn’t get a pet. It’s a commitment every year of buying heartworm prevention medications, flea and tick medications, and other expenses including food.
Cats may not require as much attention, but owners still should set aside some play time each day. Consider getting cats in pairs so they can play with each other and get out some of their energy and aggression.
Families with a lifestyle that would not allow enough time for a dog or cat should consider a low-maintenance pet such as fish, rodents, birds or reptiles. |
