So, you want a pet for your household? When you have children, finding the right pet for them should be your top priority. You need to make sure that whatever animal you get will fit your lifestyle and your family. You also need to consider what pet your kids are ready to have. Some animals take much more care and attention than others, and so you need to keep that in mind. Here is some easy to understand advice that will help you make your decision.
Ask your kids what they want
Okay, you might not want to ask your children what they want directly, but you need to find out what animals they like the most. If you straight up ask your kids what pet they would like, it will get their hopes up. Then, if you decide that you can’t get a pet for some reason, you will have to disappoint your children. Instead, start asking your kids about what animals they like the best. You could go through a book of household animals and see which catches their attention. This idea is subtle way to find out which pet they would prefer.
Check your child for allergies
If your kids have allergies, you need to know about them. Many young children have issues with dog and cat hair. The only way to find out whether your kids suffer from these allergies is to expose them to different animals. If some of your friends have pets, you should take your children around to their home. If your kids get red eyes or start to sneeze, it means that they could be having an allergic reaction to the animals. You should take your children to the doctors to confirm whether your kids have any issues.
Make a list of pros and cons
Before you get any pet, you need to make a list of pros and cons. There are advantages and disadvantages of owning a pet, and you need to know about them. For example, having a pet will mean that your family bond with one another more than you do right now. That in itself is a massive bonus. A disadvantage, though, is that you will need to deal with things like pet fleas. Spend some time making your list so that you know what to expect once you get your new pet.
Think about your lifestyle
If you are a super busy mom, you might not have time to look after a pet as well. Some people have too many things going on, and so don’t have any free time at all. If you are always busy with your children, you might find that you need a low-maintenance pet, such as a fish. Alternately, if you are an active family that goes on many long walks at the weekend, a dog would be the perfect family companion.
Make a budget before you get a pet
Before you get a pet, you need to make a budget. Some animals, like dogs and cats, cost a load of money to look after and feed. Other animals, such as stick insects, cost practically nothing to care for, and so might be a cheap option. If your finances are already tight, you might need to opt for an affordable pet so that you don’t make things hard for yourself.
Getting a pet is a journey in itself. As you look after the animal, you will learn new things about it. Children love having something to care for, and it teaches them about responsibility when they have a pet. Start thinking what you would like right now and figure out what pet you want!
Imagery by Michael Gil
Rebecca x
BlogLovin’ | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
*Post contains affiliate links
Have you guys got a pet? What did you choose?
They have guniea pigs at Max’s nursery he is obsessed – so had to be that! x
I have always had cats and dogs but this post made interesting reading makes you think about all aspects of buying your child a pet.
Would love to have the space and be relaxed enough to have cats, dogs and a horse!!
we got our dog from a rescue centre she had been abandoned in a layby scarred aand frightened-she adores us and we adore her now and is a perfect wonderful dog dog
some great advice here…did you choose one in the end? we have cats ourselves