Choosing the Right Pet for Your Family

This isn't the first time I have been asked what pet should be a kid's first pet. However, usually it comes more along the lines of "I just got a [sugar glider/iguana/baby alligator/llama] for my 6 year old, but he [is not feeding it/doesn't clean the cage/is afraid of it/just dressed it in Barbie clothes and it seems REALLY angry at us/is bored of it]! What do I do?!"

So my first advice is that pets are a FAMILY affair. Taking any pet into your home, be it a dog, cat, goldfish, donkey, is taking a creature into your family, and as the parent YOU are still in charge. If your kid doesn't feed the hamster and it dies, YOU killed it. So do not take home an animal you don't intend to care for. That does NOT mean that your child should not have responsibilities, but don't endanger the animal for a "life lesson." If your daughter's job is to feed the puppy and she does not, feed the puppy yourself, and take away her Nintendo privileges. Does the punishment fit the crime? No, but at least it is punishing the pet..

A pet is part of your family. Treat it that way!

Now *stepping off soap box... a LITTLE ways* you've decided that your family needs a pet. You know that you will be helping... but you want the pet to be "theirs" as much as possible. What pets are the best for a kid to take a lot of responsibility for?

A lot depends on your situation, of course. You might want a big friendly Golden Retriever, but if you live in an apartment or are gone most of the day, well, that's not the best choice for you. Do you want something furry? Something exotic? Something loving? There is something right for your family. Here are just a few ideas.

Fuzzy: Rats

Despite their Bubonic reputation, rats are a GREAT family pet. They bond readily to kids and when played with regularly rarely bite or scratch. Rats are intelligent and can learn tricks. They are clean animals and as long as their cage is cleaned they do not smell. Also, YES, they CAN be litter trained! How great is that?! Rats love attention and will follow you around the house and yard once they get to know you.

Rats come in many different colors and patterns, and even varieties like those so-hideous-they-are-ALMOST-cute Hairless Mole Rats that your kids might know from Disney's Kim Possible, Rats do not require extensive vet care or shots. However, as with any pet, you should plan ahead and be sure you do have a vet in mind that DOES treat them, and money just in case the worst should happen.

Keep in mind rats are SOCIAL! You should get 2. (2 of the same sex!) This is great for you because when you aren't home, or are asleep they will entertain each other. Also, if you have 2 kids, they don't have to fight over names!

Rats should be kept in a big wire cage, preferably with 2 levels and Carefresh on the floor. They should be fed food made for rats, as well as fresh veggies and fruits.

Some good resources on Rats:

Rats Rule

My Pet Rat

Pet Info Packets

Scaly: Leopard Gecko

For those that have a herpetological flare, there are a LOT of fascinating snakes, lizards and turtles out there that look tempting. However those adorable baby iguanas grow up to be rather difficult adults that kids just can't handle. Keep in mind, any reptile can carry illnesses so any child too young to learn the practice of regular hand washing should NOT handle one with out supervision. But, what reptile IS the most child friendly? I would say that adorable, chubby tailed, Leopard Gecko. These little guys are more hyper as babies, but become very laid back as adults. They have no problem being handled. They come in a variety of colors, and prices vary, but they don't have to be expensive for the more normal varieties.

The darlings have fun personalities and have long lives with proper care... which is pretty simple compare to most tropical pets. They eat mealworms and crickets. They are the largest geckos, but as adults they only get to be around 9 inches, so most people can manage their cage requirements. Also, they are easy. They are silent, can be left alone for days, don't need expensive UV Bulbs like my other reptiles, and do not smell. A very low maintenance pet, but stunning to look at.

Some good resources on Leopard Geckos:

Leopard Gecko

Leopard Gecko Guide

Exotic Pets

Reptic Zone

Shelly: Hermit Crabs

The quintessential easy pet is the hermit crab. They require very little food, don't smell, have funny little personalities, and it is fun to watch them shop for outfits like little fashionistas. Now, to truly keep them happy, you really DO need more than you might think, but even then, they ARE worth it. Crabs need friends. Do not keep them solo. They need extra shells. Feed that inner Barbie doll and give them a variety. They also need humidity and BOTH fresh (DECHLORINATED) and salt water dishes, so prepare accordingly. And they LOVE to climb AND dig so deck that cage out with fun stuff to do so. But really, that just makes them MORE fun. I currently have 13 of these amiable crustaceans and they are worth the little extra trouble to get them set up to have them more active.

Some good resources on Hermit Crabs:

Crab Street Journal

Hermit Crabs

Yahoo Hermit Crab Group

Hermit Crab Association

Finny: Bettas

The classic loners, these "Siamese Fighting Fish" fight have adorned your table at a wedding but are actually hardy and beautiful pets. Unlike many fish they do not require filters and heaters, and in fact prefer still waters. They are fresh water, but can be even brighter if their water is a little bit brackish (salty). They do better in a bigger bowl than those measly dixie-cup like accommodations seen in the store, but they DO like small spaces... a gallon or 2 will do just fine.

If you have only seen the solid red or solid blue you are missing out. There is more variety than that, including different tail types, like crown and delta. There can be some really gorgeous fish if you take the time to look. In fact, some females are even stunning, though smaller than the males, and harder to find. Girl power!

Bettas only need to be fed once or twice a day and have their bowl cleaned every week or so. They are very low upkeep but high reward. With excellent care they can live up to 5 years.

Some good resources on Bettas:

Betta Fish

E-Aquarium

Feathery: Parakeet

Parakeets, or budgies, are probably the best family bird for kids. Birds, like reptiles, though, are hard to start with kids and remember to always supervise young children with animals. But if you want a bird, and aren't keen on getting your fingers bit off in the process of training, a budgie is the way to go. Unlike other small birds, most parakeets learn to LOVE to be handled and can learn to talk. In fact, one of the SMARTEST individual birds (not the smartest KIND, just the smartest individual) in the world is a parakeet named Victor. (Search him on YouTube. You will be amazed).

Parakeets need a lot of attention to become cuddly geniuses like Victor, though. They do best when handled softly and often and when they live in the room where they can hear the goings on of the family.

There are many colors and patterns, so do not limit yourself to walking into a pet store. (Plus, you will find a better PET by searching other places!)

They are not hard to care for. A moderately sized cage is fine, with food, water, and cuttle bone. Don't make the mistake of feeding your parakeet only seed, however. They need variety! And, of course, you want a smart bird which means avoiding a BORED bird. That means toys! However, sometimes the best toys are human baby toys or ones you make yourself... just make sure they are SAFE!

Some good resources on Parakeets:

Budgies

Lisa Shea

Aqualand Pets Plus

Parrot Research

Victor's Archives

Remember...

Of course, this is only a few of the many awesome animals you might choose to share your life with. Just remember that there are no disposable pets. Take stewardship for whatever you choose to take into your family. You will all enjoy it more if you are involved anyway! No matter what critter you adopt (or adopts you) consider adopting rather than buying, or look for reputable breeders. This saves you problems down the road as well as maybe saving the life of some special critter. And do not buy your 5 year old a baby alligator, no matter how much he begs.