If Your Child Wants a Pet, Instead of Adopting, Here’s What To Do

Kids are quite quick to want a pet – but very few actually understand the responsibility that comes with a pet. This is usually where the parent comes in.
The unfortunate thing is – kids usually get bored quickly, the newness of the pet wears off. In some cases, it’s purely the child that wants a pet – the parents don’t even like pets. So, one of two things usually happens, the parent ends up with the pet, or the pet gets dropped off at an animal shelter.

Here’s the best solution for this:
Teach and show a child what responsibility comes with having a pet. Once a child understands the responsibility that comes with a pet – this might discourage them from wanting a pet. But – if your child is up to the task of taking care of a pet – even after teaching and showing them everything that comes with having a pet – then it’s possible that you have a fairly responsible child on your hands.

Some tips:
– If you don’t currently have a pet, take your child to a friend who does, and allow them to do things like washing water and food bowls, feeding the pet twice a day, letting them be involved in the medical care side of things – where the pet has to be taken to a vet
– On the topic of vets – allow the child to understand that it costs money to have a pet. For instance, if the pet gets sick or injured, that it sometimes can cost a bit of money to treat the pet
– On the topic of costs – show the child what it costs to feed the pet, and to take care of it and it’s wellbeing

Don’t only allow these tasks to be once off – make sure that this goes on for a month or two, so that they fully understand what it takes to look after a pet. Remember – having a pet is usually at least a 13 year commitment. The child shouldn’t only be involved in the fun aspects of owning a pet, like walking the dog or playing with the pet – this doesn’t teach responsibility.
If you do have a pet, teach all the things mentioned in the tips above – this will also teach patience, because, again – the newness of a pet does wear off at some stage – especially with a child. Also make the child understand that a pet isn’t only there to be a playmate.

Unfortunately, a lot of the time, the only reason a child wants a puppy is because of the playmate potential – an adult dog holds very little interest to a child unless it’s a very active dog that enjoys being played with. Avoid giving into this if possible, because again – the pet will grow up – and from there it will be the parents’ job to look after the pet.

As always, please always practice responsible pet ownership.

Blog Post By Your Pet Caring Friend,
Carmen Harris.