There are many reasons to bring a pet into your home. Pets make a great addition to the family. Pet care teaches your child about responsibility, and caring for something else, like a pet, builds empathy in children. But planning before rushing off to the nearest adoption center is essential. Bringing home your child’s first pet takes careful planning and organization.
Planning and research ensure your pet adoption will go more smoothly! Planning will also lessen the chance that your little one’s first pet might have to be returned or given away.
Choosing Your Child’s First Pet
You know your child wants a pet and is ready for a pet, but what type of pet should you get? Assuming your child’s been begging you for a pet, you already know what they want; you must also consider whether the pet they want fits with your lifestyle. If it doesn’t, are you willing to make the necessary changes?
My children have asked me for a dog for years. While I would love to get them one to make them happy, I grew up with dogs and am simply not a dog person. We also travel a lot, do sports, and theater, and have a hectic lifestyle at times; it’s not a lifestyle that works well for a dog.
Instead, I have an aquarium full of fish. They’re pretty to look at, relatively low-maintenance, and can be left with a self-feeder for up to two weeks at a time. It’s crucial to consider the level of commitment your child’s desired pet requires.
Look at the chart comparing average pet care costs and time commitments. Please keep in mind that these are averages, and specifics will vary based on your pet’s age, breed, and specific health and situation.
Pets, like children, come with unexpected surprises and costs. Many pets also have a considerable start-up cost. A dog, for example, can come with over $1000 in adoption or purchase fees and supplies before your pup walks through the door! Reptiles, hamsters, fish, etc., require things like cages or aquariums, lights, feeding, bedding, water chemicals, filters, and so on.
Another consideration is the time to acclimate or train a new pet. Puppies require a lot of time, attention, and training. Do you have time to bring a new pet home right now? Even adult and adopted dogs might need training classes and hours of your time when you first bring them home to help them settle.
You must also consider boarding or pet-sitter costs if you take an annual vacation or travel frequently on weekends. While it might seem daunting, careful planning and consideration will ensure you’re prepared for the costs and care your child’s first pet requires!
Pet Adoption Tips:
While advice can change based on whether you’re adopting a dog versus a cat or a hamster versus a goat, here are some general tips on successfully preparing for your child’s first pet.
- Avoid giving pets to your children for holidays or birthdays. The excitement of the event can sometimes overshadow the excitement and responsibility of having a pet.
- Talk with your kids about animal safety. Pets are domestic, but they are still animals who can bite, scratch, make noises, or behave strangely when startled or scared.
- Before bringing home a pet, have family discussions about expectations and responsibilities. Make sure everyone knows their role and what’s expected of them. If you want your child to help and be responsible for part of the pet care, ensure they know.
- At first, supervise your new pet with your children. Don’t assume the pet or your children know how to behave around one another.
- Make a pet budget before deciding to bring an animal into your home. Pets can be expensive. You might not realize how many things a dog, bunny, or chameleon actually needs before promising one as a pet!
- Consider where your pet will sleep and play. For example, do you have a fenced-in yard if you’re adopting a dog? Is there a dog park nearby? Is your home large enough to accommodate your pet?
- Consider the time, if any, it takes to train your new pet. Something like a fish or a bunny doesn’t require as much time as settling in an adopted dog or bringing home a puppy.
- Search for a local vet prior to your adoption or bring-home date. Some adoption centers require you to name your vet on your adoption form. But it’s also good to know where you’ll call if there is an emergency or your pet becomes sick before you need it.
There are so many amazing things about giving your child their first pet. Having a pet can be an amazing bond for a child and provide opportunities for joy and delight. Take the time to consider how adopting a pet will change your life and its effect on your home and family. Your careful planning will benefit you, your child, and your new family member, too!
May 7, 2025, By. L. Elizabeth Forry
