How to Get Children to Live with Pets

Research shows that having kids live with pets requires parents to be involved, choose the right pet, and introduce it gradually.
Kids of different ages face different risks. Toddlers need full supervision, while school-age kids can take on more responsibility.
Good pets for little kids include fish and hamsters, while dogs and cats are better for older children.
Teaching kids to care for pets means giving them age-appropriate tasks, like feeding or brushing, and keeping an eye on their interactions.
To stop toddlers from being rough with dogs, parents should supervise, show gentle behavior, and reward kindness.
Evidence suggests that growing up with pets helps kids develop emotionally, build responsibility, and improve social skills.

Bringing a pet into a home with children can be an exciting adventure. Pets offer companionship, teach responsibility, and bring joy to the whole family. But raising children and pets together requires careful thought and preparation. From picking the right pet to teaching your child how to interact safely, this guide will walk you through the process step by step. Whether you’re eyeing a colorful beetle or a cuddly rabbit, we’ll help you ensure a happy coexistence for everyone involved.

This article draws on expert advice and reliable sources—like the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry—to provide practical, evidence-based tips. Let’s dive into how you can make the bond between children and pets thrive.

Table of Contents

Choosing the Right Pet for Your Family

Not every pet is a perfect match for every family. The key is finding one that fits your child’s age, your home environment, and your daily routine. Here’s what to consider:

Child’s Age: Toddlers might do best with low-maintenance pets like fish, while older kids can handle more interactive animals like dogs.
Lifestyle: A busy family might prefer a pet that doesn’t need constant attention, like a gecko, over one that craves daily walks, like a dog.
Space: Small apartments suit compact pets (think hamsters or fish), while larger homes can accommodate bigger companions.
Temperament: Look for pets known for being gentle and tolerant, especially if your child is young or new to pet care.

For example, a colorful beetle might captivate a preschooler with its low upkeep, while a teenager might thrive with the responsibility of a dwarf rabbit. Take your time researching—rushing into pet ownership can lead to stress for both you and the animal.

Age-Specific Tips for Children and Pets

Kids grow fast, and their ability to interact with pets changes as they do. Here’s how to tailor your approach based on their age:

Infants and Toddlers (0-2 Years)

Challenges: Little ones can’t control their movements well. A curious grab at a pet’s tail could lead to scratches or bites.
Tips: Supervise every moment they’re together. Show toddlers how to touch gently—think soft pats, not tugs—and keep pets in a safe retreat space, like a crate, when unsupervised.

Preschoolers (3-5 Years)

Challenges: They’re eager to play but might overwhelm a pet with loud noises or rough handling.
Tips: Teach them to approach slowly and quietly. Point out signs of a happy pet (a wagging tail) versus a stressed one (hiding or growling). Supervision is still a must.

School-Age Kids (6-12 Years)

Challenges: They’re ready for more responsibility but might forget tasks without reminders.
Tips: Give them simple chores, like feeding fish or brushing a rabbit, and check their work. Teach them to respect the pet’s need for rest.

Teenagers (13+ Years)

Challenges: They can manage complex care but might get distracted by school or friends.
Tips: Let them take the lead on tasks like walking a dog or cleaning a tank, but set clear expectations to keep the pet’s needs met.

Summary: Kids’ interaction with pets varies by age. Infants and toddlers need close supervision. Preschoolers should learn gentle approaches. School – age kids can do simple chores. Teens can take charge but need clear expectations.

Best Pets for Kids: A Closer Look

Wondering which pet suits your child? Here are some top picks, based on care needs, space, and fun factor, with insights from hands-on pet-keeping experience.

Insects: Beetles

Care Level: Easy
Space: A small box (2-3 liters for larvae, A4-sized for adults)
Time: A few months to 1-2 years, depending on the species
Why Kids Love Them: Watching a beetle emerge from its pupa feels like opening a surprise toy. Some even take flight like tiny helicopters!
Care Tips: Keep larvae in wood chips in a dark spot, and provide adults with wood, jelly, and a stable 20-24°C temperature¹. Buy from local breeders to avoid illegal imports.
Downside: Limited interaction—great for watching, less for cuddling.

Reptiles: Leopard Geckos or Turtles

Care Level: Medium (Geckos) / Easy (Turtles)
Space: A4-sized tank (geckos) or 6x shell size water area (turtles)
Time: 8-12 years (geckos)²; 20+ years (turtles)³
Why Kids Love Them: Geckos stare when hungry—cute!—and turtles stack like little acrobats in summer.
Care Tips: Geckos need insects and a warm tank (30°C hot spot)⁴; turtles thrive with turtle pellets, a UVB lamp, and steady water temps⁵. Avoid wild-caught turtles like grass turtles.
Downside: Geckos aren’t big on being held; turtles need regular water changes⁶.

photo of gold fishes — Photo by Elle Hughes on Pexels.com

Fish: Guppies or Goldfish

Care Level: Easy
Space: 1 liter per cm of fish length
Time: 2-3 years (guppies); 3-7 years (goldfish)
Why Kids Love Them: Guppies multiply fast, letting kids watch baby fish grow. Goldfish shimmer like living jewels.
Care Tips: Use a filter, change 1/3 of the water weekly, and keep guppies at 18-20°C (add a heater if needed)⁷. Start with hardy breeds to avoid rookie mistakes.
Downside: Purely for looking, not touching.

Birds: Budgerigars (Budgies)

Care Level: Easy
Space: At least a 40x30x50 cm cage
Time: 7-10 years
Why Kids Love Them: Their chirps and tricks (like learning commands) make them lively pals.
Care Tips: Stock a cage with perches and food, and let them chatter—though they’re not quiet pets. Keep them above 10°C in winter.
Downside: Allergies can be an issue⁸; their noise might not suit every home.

Small Mammals: Dwarf Rabbits

Care Level: Medium
Space: A 70x50x60 cm cage, plus room to hop
Time: 7-10 years
Why Kids Love Them: They’re like mini cats—quiet and manageable, with a hoppy charm.
Care Tips: Feed them hay, rabbit pellets, and water (yes, they drink!). Train them to use a litter box and spay/neuter to avoid messes.
Downside: They’re shy and need gentle handling to bond.

Teaching Kids to Care for Pets

Pet care is a hands-on lesson in responsibility. Here’s how to get your child involved:

Start Small: Toddlers can pour water, school-age kids can feed or clean, and teens can tackle grooming or vet trips.
Show, Don’t Tell: Demonstrate how to scoop fish food or brush a rabbit, then let them try under your watchful eye.
Explain Why: “We feed the gecko worms so it stays strong” helps kids connect actions to outcomes.
Watch for Cues: Teach them to spot a pet’s mood—say, a beetle flipping over needs help, or a budgie puffing up might be cold.

Keeping Toddlers and Pets Safe Together

Toddlers and pets can be a tricky mix—their enthusiasm can overwhelm even the calmest animal. Try these strategies:

Stay Close: Always be within arm’s reach to step in if play gets rough.
Model Kindness: Stroke the pet gently and say, “Nice touch!” to reinforce the habit.
Set Boundaries: Give the pet a “no-kid zone” (like a high perch or crate) for breaks.
Distract and Redirect: If your toddler grabs, offer a toy instead—keep the focus positive.

Why Pets Are Great for Kids

Growing up with pets isn’t just fun—it’s good for kids, too. Studies back this up⁹ ¹⁰:

Emotional Boost: Pets ease stress and loneliness. Research from the NIH shows petting animals lowers cortisol levels.
Life Skills: Feeding a fish or walking a rabbit builds routine and accountability.
Active Living: Chasing a budgie around (safely!) or hopping with a rabbit keeps kids moving.
Social Smarts: Caring for a pet teaches empathy—kids learn to “read” their buddy’s needs.

The Bottom Line

Helping children and pets live together takes effort, but the rewards are worth it. Pick a pet that fits your family, guide your kids through care routines, and keep interactions safe and fun. Whether it’s a beetle’s quiet crawl or a rabbit’s playful hop, the right pet can become a cherished part of your child’s world.

How to Get Children to Live with Pets

Choosing the Right Pet for Your Family