{"id":205,"date":"2022-03-22T16:57:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-22T23:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marketplaceveterinary.com\/blog\/?p=205"},"modified":"2022-03-06T17:00:35","modified_gmt":"2022-03-07T01:00:35","slug":"the-best-pets-for-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marketplaceveterinary.com\/blog\/the-best-pets-for-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Pets for Kids"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.marketplaceveterinary.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/iStock-1313809153-2000x1333.jpg\" alt=\"Best pets for kids.\" class=\"wp-image-206\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.marketplaceveterinary.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/iStock-1313809153-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.marketplaceveterinary.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/iStock-1313809153-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.marketplaceveterinary.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/iStock-1313809153-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.marketplaceveterinary.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/iStock-1313809153-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.marketplaceveterinary.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/iStock-1313809153-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Caring for a pet is a rewarding experience that teaches children responsibility, empathy, and compassion. When choosing your child\u2019s first pet, careful consideration should be given to the amount and type of care the pet will require, and the ability of your child (and the rest of the family) to provide it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marketplaceveterinary.com\/about\/\">pet experts<\/a> at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marketplaceveterinary.com\/\">Marketplace Veterinary Hospital<\/a> have put together some tips to guide you and your child toward finding the perfect pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For Starters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Each child is an individual, with a unique personality, needs, and abilities. However, there are some universal factors everyone should think about when choosing a pet:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Is there room for everything this pet will need?&nbsp;<\/li><li>Is there enough outdoor space (for a dog)?<\/li><li>Are you willing to care for the pet if your child loses interest or leaves for college?<\/li><li>Are you financially prepared for up-front costs, routine <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marketplaceveterinary.com\/veterinary-services\/pet-wellness.html\">wellness care<\/a>, and unexpected medical costs if the animal becomes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marketplaceveterinary.com\/blog\/pet-911-do-you-know-how-to-recognize-a-veterinary-emergency\/\">sick or injured<\/a>?<\/li><li>Are there other animals in your household that might not \u201cclick\u201d with the new addition?<\/li><li>Is there appropriate nearby <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marketplaceveterinary.com\/veterinary-services\/\">veterinary care<\/a>? (This is particularly important for exotic pets).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Finding the Right Companion Pet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Low maintenance pets are best for young children or families with busy lifestyles. Older adolescents able to take on more responsibilities can explore a wider range of pet options. Here are a few family favorites:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fish<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The quintessential first pet, fish are colorful, quiet, and fun to watch. Depending upon the type of aquarium and fish, cleaning time is minimal, and feeding them is simple. Plus, there\u2019s no fur or hairballs to clean up! These easy-to-care-for pets are ideal for kids and busy families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cats are wonderfully cuddle-worthy, kid-friendly pets that don\u2019t require long walks, bathing, or trips outside to do their business. Kittens are particularly playful and enjoy a wide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marketplaceveterinary.com\/blog\/the-best-toys-for-your-pet\/\">variety of toys<\/a>. Adding felines to your family is also a great way to teach your children about the importance of pet adoption and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marketplaceveterinary.com\/blog\/tips-for-spaying-and-neutering-your-pets\/\">spaying and neutering pets<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs are a perennial favorite as a child\u2019s first pet for good reason: they\u2019re affectionate, energetic, and provide loyal companionship. Providing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marketplaceveterinary.com\/blog\/puppy-care-leads-the-way-to-lifelong-health\/\">proper care for a dog<\/a> requires adult supervision, so make sure you have time in your schedule for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marketplaceveterinary.com\/blog\/simple-steps-for-successful-housetraining\/\">housetraining<\/a>, long walks, and plenty of dog and family interaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hamsters and Guinea Pigs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re not ready for a pet that will roam the house, or if you don\u2019t think your child is ready for a cat or a dog, small, caged pets like hamsters and guinea pigs can make perfect pets. Your child can still learn the importance of feeding, watering, and interacting with an animal.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Let Us Know if We Can Help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing a child\u2019s first pet is exciting, but it\u2019s also a big step that requires careful thought. If you welcome a new cat or dog, please <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marketplaceveterinary.com\/\">contact us<\/a> to schedule a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marketplaceveterinary.com\/veterinary-services\/pet-wellness.html\">wellness visit<\/a>. It\u2019s a great way to teach children about the importance of keeping pets healthy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Caring for a pet is a rewarding experience that teaches children responsibility, empathy, and compassion. When choosing your child\u2019s first pet, careful consideration should be given to the amount and type of care the pet will require, and the ability of your child (and the rest of the family) to provide it. The pet experts [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12,17,25],"tags":[126,125,124],"class_list":["post-205","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-pet-rescue-adoption","category-puppies-kittens-oh-my","category-you-your-pet","tag-childs-first-pet","tag-easy-to-care-for-pets","tag-low-maintenance-pets"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Best Pets for Kids<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Caring for pets is a great way for kids to learn responsibility and we explore the best pets for kids, things to consider when choosing a pet, and more.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link 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