One of the most memorable and precious gifts you can give your children is a pet. According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, pets can help develop a child's self-confidence, self-esteem, empathy, and compassion. It can also bring happiness and fun to your home, making your family closer.
However, choosing the best pet for your child is a challenging task. You need to consider your family's current lifestyle, your kid's age, and you have to check if everyone in your family is comfortable having a pet.
Don't worry because we've listed the top seven pets that are suitable for your child, along with its pros and cons below:
1. Dogs
They are not called "good boys (or girls)" for nothing. If there is an award for the best pet globally, dogs are most likely in the hall of fame.
Pros: Canines, whether big or small, are furballs of energy. They are also affectionate and loyal; that is why they make good companions. Pups can encourage your child to be active due to their playful nature.
Cons: Speaking of a dog's playful nature, they can accidentally hurt their owners or strangers, especially if they don't fancy them. Pups can be high-maintenance because they need a great deal of training, care, and companionship. Dogs also have different temperaments and behavior.
2. Cats
Another popular furry companion is cats. They are reserved and value independence but can adapt well once they have familiarized themselves with their surroundings.
Pros: If you want to avoid accidents in the house, cats are perfect around kids. They are not as energetic as dogs and require less maintenance.
Cons: However, cats can be a bit of a "diva." If they are not in the mood for play, they will ignore your child, or worse, they can be hostile to them. You can't boss them around easily. It is the other way around, and they won't hesitate to retaliate if disturbed.
3. Fishes
These colorful sea creatures can be a visual feast for your children. You can start with a small bowl and later fill an aquarium full of fishes.
Pros: Fishes only require little upkeep and care. You can also leave them with your child without worrying about being harmed.
Cons: These water critters are delicate beings that you need to change their water regularly. Your kids might have too much "fun" feeding them that may lead to their demise. And a remorseful kid, which can result in a not so good childhood memory. In addition, your kids cannot interact with the fish, so they are not hands on the pet.
4. Hamsters
It can rival the cuteness of dogs and cats. As an alternative, you can choose its relative, the guinea pig.
Pros: Hamsters need little maintenance, and you don't have to worry about pet hair since they only stay in their cages. They are also easily entertained with the help of toys.
Cons: But keep in mind that hamsters and guinea pigs have bad eyesight, which means they can accidentally bite you and your kids. Another thing is a hamster or guinea pig is nocturnal creatures. It means they are awake when your child is asleep, which pretty much defeats the purpose of having them as a pet.
5. Birds
Its vibrant colors aren't only the feature that will put you in awe but also its melodious voice. They are also intelligent species and sociable.
Pros: They don't require training, unlike dogs. Yet they have fantastic personalities and can be a loving family pet for the next 60 years.
Cons: However, it's excellent life expectancy is the downside of keeping a bird as a pet. How will it cope when your kids go to college, enter married life, and eventually have kids? Taking care of a bird is a lifetime commitment.
6. Rabbits
They are great pets for toddlers who need an introduction to pet ownership. They are also as intelligent as birds and very inquisitive too.
Pros: Once they warmed up to you, they can be too adorable and cuddly. Rabbits are also well-behaved and low-maintenance pets.
Cons: It might be a good thing that they love to socialize, but because of this, rabbits also need a constant companion to keep them entertained. That is why you should have a pair of them, which could add up to your expenses. They are also sensitive to changes in temperature that makes them uncomfortable and grumpy.
7. Turtles
Like birds, they can end up being the oldest member of your family. Yet it can retain its cuteness throughout the years.
Pros: It is harmless (except for the snapping turtle), and if annoyed, it can attack you in a very, VERY slow manner. They are independent creatures and can be a perfect apartment dweller because of its size.
Cons: However, turtles are known to transmit bacteria called salmonella, which can harm your children's health. They also need an expensive habitat and cost from $600-$1,200, according to PetHelpful.
Perfect Petzzz: The best alternative to living pets
Despite the cons mentioned above, you should not give up on searching for a pet for your child. Luckily, there is an affordable alternative to family pets such as Perfect Petzzz.
Perfect Petzzz is as great as its living counterparts because it provides the same companionship and comfort level. It doesn't need any maintenance or training.
You don't have to worry about getting allergies or bacteria. Perfect Petzzz is a realistic pet made from 100% synthetic fur and feels and breathes like a real living pet.
Besides its cute appearance, it is also well-behaved and emits little snores as it sleeps.
It doesn't need to be fed or a visit to the vet, but still offers real pet ownership. Plus, you don't have to buy expensive pet accessories since its package already comes with a collar with a pet tag, pet brush, soft bed, and even an adoption certificate!
Perfect Petzzz is available for purchase through our Amazon site. For any other inquiries, contact us here.