Most of the kids love to have pets as their companions to whom they share their feelings and even play in their free time. Also, in this digital era, it’s also a good practice to keep kids away from their screen gadgets. However, not all pets are the same or fit your kids. So, if you want the best pets for kids then you have to consider important factors which we’ll discuss in detail in this post.
Also, in this guide we’ll share with you a comprehensive list of pet names on the basis of kids’ needs, like low- maintenance, health issues, etc. So, keep reading.
What should to consider before getting a pet for your child?
If your kids are forcing you to bring a pet into the home, then it’s totally fine, as kids have a special love for them. However, before getting a pet you should have to consider the following factors in mind so you won’t face any problems afterward.
- Time commitment: The first and most important thing, unlike humans, animals, being speechless, do not ask you for food or anything else they want. So, you have to care for their feeding, cleaning, etc on a daily basis by yourself. Keep in mind that such caring demands time. Thus, before making any decision, you have to think and ask whether you or your family members have enough time to take this responsibility.
- Financial responsibility: Next, keep one thing in mind that buying a pet is just your expenses. To raise them up you have to feed them well, or do other things that all demand money. So, it’s important to consider whether you have enough budget to bear all such ongoing expenses of pets.
- Age and maturity of your child: Furthermore, besides the above factors you also have to consider whether your kids are mature enough to handle the pets. This is because younger kids may cause harm to themselves or even to pets.
- Allergies and health issues: Moreover, you also have to make sure that any of the family members has Asthma or is prone to allergic reactions. This is because some pets like cats, dogs & small rodents may trigger allergic reactions because of their saliva or urine. So, that’s also the most critical point as there is nothing important beyond a person’s health, right?
- Space and environment: Last but not least, if you want your pets to remain happy and healthy. Then you also have to provide them enough space so, that they can play or move freely.
Use parental controls to monitor the environment around your kids.
The benefits of having a pet for your kids and family
You know, having pets in your home bring about different advantages for your kids or family. So, let’s dive deeper and understand how they prove beneficial!
❖ Emotional benefits
- Stress reduction: When you interact with your pets like dogs, cats, etc, then you actually engage yourself by playing with them or caring for them. As a result you forget your daily life stress and feel relaxed.
You know that’s also proposed in a research by the News in Health (NIH). According to this study, human-pet interactions cause positive health effects on humans. Like decreases the level of cortisol (stress-causing hormone) and also reduces the blood pressure levels.
❖ Social benefits
- Improved social skills: Moreover, whenever kids interact with others in their social circles, some of them are always confused about what to talk about, right? So, having pets helps them to start talking with any of the family members or even a stranger.
A BMC Pediatrics study has also researched this, and its findings reveal that pet-human interactions really improve social skills.
❖ Physical benefits
- Increased physical activity: Also when you have pets like dogs, you can take them outside for walking and playing. Thus, in this digital era where everything, whether shopping, business, has turned indoors, such activities would improve your physical fitness.
Best pet for kids based on their needs and interests
Now, you have learned about how pets benefit your kids or family mentally, physically, and even socially. So if you have made up your mind to get a pet for your kids. Then, as mentioned earlier, you have to choose the pet according to your kids’ interests, needs, and considering space and health considerations.
Small pets for kids: ideal for smaller spaces
So, if you have a small home, dont get in trouble by having large pets that require a lot of space. You have to go for the small pets that easily fit into your home. For instance;
1. Hamsters
- Ideal for: Kids aged 6+
Hamsters are basically tiny rodents that are mostly active when it gets dark and sleep during daylight (nocturnal pets). Because of their small size, kids can easily place them in small cages in their rooms.
2. Guinea Pigs
- Ideal for: Kids aged 8+
Next, the Guinea Pigs are also small rodents (come from South America), but their size is a little larger than the hamsters. However, you can easily place them in the cages indoors.
3. Betta Fish
- Ideal for: Kids aged 5+
Furthermore, the Betta Fish, compared to the above, requires low maintenance, as you just need a small water tank. Also, the amazing thing is that they come in different colors, which captures the attention of kids.
Easy pets to take care of for kids: low-maintenance options
Moreover, if your kids are too young to take care of pets, and you remain too busy with your daily life activities. Then in this situation it’s best to go fr the pets that are easy to take care of so your kids can handle them on their own. For instance;
1. Goldfish
- Ideal for: Kids aged 5+
The very first option that comes to our mind is goldfish, as they just need feeding. Or talking about cleaning, then you can one day in a week clean the water tank.
2. Sea Monkeys
- Ideal for: Kids aged 4+
Sea Monkeys, as the name suggests, are aquatic creatures, but they are usually very small, like a few millimeters long. You know they are not actually monkeys, but their name is just for fun. They are super easy to care for as just place them in a water tank, and kids see them laying eggs and growing, making them educational too.
3. Budgerigars (Parakeets)
- Ideal for: Kids ages 7+
Budgerigars are very small ( 7inches long), colorful birds that just need a small cage, daily food/water, and some toys to stay happy. You know, the best thing is that they can even mimic the sounds, and if you give them training, they can even learn simple words.
Hypoallergenic pets for children: allergy-friendly choices
Hypoallergenic means anything that is less likely to trigger any allergic reactions. However, some pets may cause allergies to kids because of Dander (tiny flakes of dead skin), Saliva (when pets lick themselves, it spreads on their fur), and Urine (especially in small animals like rodents).
So, here I’m sharing with you some hypoallergenic pet options for kids!
1. Poodle dogs
- Ideal for: Kids ages 8+
Poodle dogs are well-known for their curly, dense fur. You know the special thing is that this dense fur prevents them from spreading the dander, thus making them allergy-free.
2. Sphynx cats
- Ideal for: Kids ages 9+
Sphynx cats are basically hairless cat breeds. You know what makes them hypoallergenic? Well! Normal cats have fur that can trap the dander ( having allergens, like Fel d 1 protein).
So, when they lick themselves, they spread it in the atmosphere. However, the sphynx cats have no fur at all, instead, they have soft peach like skin. As a result the dander containing allergens remains stuck on the skin.
3. Rabbits (Certain Breeds like Rex)
- Ideal for: Kids aged 6+
You know rex rabbits have unique fur, which makes them hypoallergenic compared to other rabbits. Also, they are very quiet and affectionate.
Best pets for kids with autism
Furthermore, some kids suffer from autism disorder, which is basically associated with kids’ development and affects how they communicate and socially interact wth others. Such kids always fear expressing their feelings and just love to live alone. So, for such kind of kids, you have to consider the following types of pets.
1. Golden Retrievers
- Ideal for: Kids aged 6+
Golden retrievers are actually the therapy dogs that are renowned for their friendly nature and golden fur. Children with a disorder can easily play with such dogs and communicate with them, making them feel safe and supported.
2. Ragdoll Cats
- Ideal for: Kids aged 7+
Similarly, just like the golden retriever dogs, ragdoll cats are also very quiet pets. Thus their soothing presence causes kids to relieve their stress and feel comforted.
3. Tortoises
- Ideal for: Kids aged 10+
Also, you can bring the tortoises for your kids suffering from autism disorder, as their slow-moving and calming nature makes them ideal for such kids.
Best pets for ADHD kids
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity) Disorder is a condition in which kids are very energetic but find it very hard to focus on things. Also, they verbally say things without thinking about their consequences.
1. Dogs (Labradors or Border Collies)
- Ideal for: Kids aged 7+
Labrador or border collie dogs are very active and playful. Thus, kids with ADHD would utilize their energy by playing with them, which keeps them physically fit. Also, their daily care makes them responsible.
2. Ferrets
- Ideal for: Kids aged 8+
Ferrets are also small creatures that have mischievous personalities. Suhc naimale love to explore and chase, thus kds always remain engaged and active.
3. Parrots (Cockatiels or Conures)
- Ideal for: Kids aged 9+
Parrots, you know, are very intelligent birds that can pick up your words. So, when kids train them, they not only keep parrots mentally active but also remain so.
Best pet for kids with anxiety
Last but not least, kids having anxiety issues can engage with pets that have a calm nature. For instance, you can get them Cats (Domestic Shorthair, Age 6+); Rabbits (Age 6+); and Guinea Pigs (Age 6+).
How can parents teach children to take care of their pets?
Taking care of pets is a big responsibility that kids must understand. So, as being parent, you have to do work to make kids understand this. So, in the table below, I’m sharing with you some tasks according to age groups that you can assign to kids.
| Suggested Pet Care Tasks | Why does it help? | |
| Ages 4–6 | Refill water bowl, help brush under supervision, carry small treats. | Builds empathy and introduces gentle handling. |
| Ages 7–9 | Measure and give food, help clean cages/litter with support, and assist in short walks. | Teaches responsibility and consistency |
| Ages 10-12 | Take pets for walks, clean cages/litter independently, and track feeding schedules. | Encourages independence and time management. |
| Teens(13+) | Take full responsibility for feeding, walking, grooming, and vet visits with guidance. | Prepares them for real-life responsibility and problem-solving. |
How can parents manage kids’ screen time with pet care?
First of all, you can make a rule that before using any of your screen media, you have to spend time with pets.
Furthermore, you can also ask your kids like it’s feeding time for your pets, so take down the mobile phones and give them food. Similarly, cleaning pets also proves beneficial as a short-term screen break activity.
Bonus for parents: ensure kids’ safety with pets outdoors
Although playing with the pets outdoors is a very engaging and healthy activity for kids, it keeps them physically fit. And at the same time, it reduces their screen time. However, outdoor play also comes with risks, right? So, to ensure your kids’ safety, here I’m sharing with you some actionable tips which you must follow!
- Supervise outdoor play: First of all, it’s very important that you have to fo along with your kids to supervise them. Otherwise, kids, based on their nature, may become overly excited with their large pets and run fast or chase them, which causes accidents. So, guide kids never do this for their own safety.
- Use of parental control tools: I know, owing to your daily hectic routine, its really difficult for most parents to physically supervise kids. But don’t worry, there are many third-party parental control apps available that can help you in this regard.
Well! If you want to live monitor what’s happening in your surroundings, then it’s best to use the FlashGet kids parental control app. Let’ see how it’s possible via this app!
- Remote camera: Owing to this app, you can live monitor your child’s environment like what they are doing with their pets, and see whether they are safe or not.
- Location tracker: Furthermore, FlashGet Kids also allows you to track your kids’ physical location. For instance, owing to its geofencing feature, you can set specific zones. And the best part is that if kids try to get out of these boundaries then this app will instantly alert you.
Wrap up
In a nutshell, to choose the best pets for kids you have to take into account your kids’ age and also whether they have any health issues. Thus by considering such factors, you wouldn’t only fulfill your kids’ wishes but give them a companion that would benefit them mentally, physically, or socially.
FAQs
When it comes to child-friendly pets, the very first names that come to your mind are cats and dogs. This is because they are very loyal and keep kids engaged in playing with them.
Leopard geckos breed reptiles are considered good for younger kids. This is because they are very small, cal,m and require no complex setups, hence kids could easily handle them.
If your kids are of 7-years old, then you can bring them Hamsters, betta fish, or guinea pigs as their first pets. Its actually because of their small size and low maintenance options.
Absolutely yes, pets can really help kids to calm down and be comforted.
Of course, you can get a pet for a child with allergies but choose carefully. Becasue you just choose those pets which are hypoallergenic, like sphynx cats, poodles & certain rabbit breeds.
