By NSPCA
There is nothing more special than the love between a child and their pet. Who hasn’t “oohed and aahed” over those cute Instagram posts of a toddler with her arms wrapped tightly around the family’s Golden Retriever? Chances are that you have your own wonderful memories of growing up with a bouncy pup or cuddly cat. Sharing one’s life with a pet is one of the most rewarding experiences there is.
There are many benefits to growing up with a pet. Pets provide unconditional love and companionship, and caring for them can teach a child empathy and compassion. Pets can also encourage a more active lifestyle, as they need regular walks, grooming, and enrichment. Providing for a pet can teach children about responsibility and routine, as they are required to feed, clean, and care for their animal friend.
Should you adopt a new pet?
Your child has been pestering you for months to get them a furry friend. Is this the right decision for you?
- Do you have the time to care for your new pet? Remember that puppies (and even adult dogs) need a lot of attention and care. A child will only be able to do so much, which means that most of the responsibility will inevitably fall on you.
- Is your lifestyle and that of your kids conducive to a new pet? A cat would be more suitable than a dog if you live in a smaller home or an apartment. A busy dog is great if you have an active lifestyle.
- Are you prepared for your new pet to act like an animal? Cats and dogs have natural behaviours that they need to express for their well-being. Dogs will chew, bark, dig, and sniff. Cats will mark, roam, and hunt.
- Exotic animals are not suitable as pets. Animals like snakes, chameleons, bearded dragons, hamsters, terrapins, fish, chinchillas, hedgehogs, ring-neck parakeets, African grey parrots, or guinea pigs are not suitable as domestic pets. The NSPCA is opposed to the keeping of exotic animals as pets, as we cannot mimic the environment in which these animals thrive, and confining them compromises their welfare and well-being.
- Pets are not gifts. It is not fair to any animal or your children to spontaneously get a new pet as a birthday or Christmas gift. Looking after an animal takes up a lot of time and money, and is a lifelong commitment.
Introducing a new pet to your family
Before introducing a new pet into your family, prepare your kids for what to expect. Set up a list of “pet rules” for your home, to ensure the safety and comfort of both your kids and your new pet:
- If possible, give items of worn clothes to your pet before bringing them home. They will become familiar with your smells, which can make the transition into a new home easier for them.
- Encourage your child to put their toys away after they’ve played to prevent your pets from getting hold of them.
- Get your kids into the habit of managing their belongings and food: the golden rule is ‘if your pet can reach it, they can have it’.
- Teach your kids which human food is not suitable for pets. Remember, food like chocolate, certain nuts, and grapes are not good for dogs or cats.
- Instil in your kids a sense of respect for your new pet from the beginning. There are so many amazing resources on the Internet that help you learn to understand your pet’s behaviour. Teach your kids to recognise when your pet is uncomfortable and needs space. This will go far in preventing your pet and child from hurting or upsetting one another.
- Teach your child appropriate ways of enriching your new pet’s life. This may include coming up with exciting homemade toys they can make or finding new places to hide your pup’s favourite treats: both child and pup can enjoy a ‘treasure hunt’ together.
- Always supervise any interactions between your children and your pets. Never leave young kids alone with your pet. You want to be available to intercept any inappropriate behaviour to prevent accidental harm or stress to your pet or child.
- Be patient and positive. Make each interaction between your child and new pet positive and comfortable. It may take a while for your new pet to adjust to your household, so give them the space and time to establish a trusting relationship with their new family.
Which breed is best for your family?
Many ‘canine experts’ on the Internet will freely provide you with a list of pet breeds they suggest are ideal as companions for kids. However, we now know that while certain breeds most definitely have specific personality traits and characteristics, the temperament of a mature animal can never be guaranteed, even if it is considered ‘purebred’. The best way to find out whether a dog or cat would be a good fit for your family is to meet them and spend some time with them. Remember, an animal from a welfare organisation like the SPCA could be confused and uncomfortable with its unfamiliar surroundings, so may be quieter and more wary than normal. Give them time to warm up to you.
Pets and family
In conclusion, there are two important aspects to remember when deciding to adopt a new dog or cat. Firstly, always remember that it will still be your responsibility to provide your new pet with everything they need, including a safe environment in which to express all their natural animal behaviours.
Secondly, never forget that a pet is a lifelong commitment. Many cats and dogs can live for up to 15 years and more. If you don’t feel that you (not your kids) can provide your pet with the health care, exercise, love, and good food that they will need over the different stages of their life, perhaps reconsider whether a new pet is right for you.
A family pet can provide a lifetime of undivided love and joy. Do your best to give your new fluffy family member the life they deserve, and you and your kids will have a best friend for life. If you need help deciding whether to get a new pet or need some advice on how best to provide for your new cat or dog, have a look at our website, or chat with us on any of our social media platforms.
