Pets are an important part of children's lives. All pets need care, love, and attention. It is very important that children are taught the responsibility of caring for pets. Before acquiring a pet, do your research.
Tropical fish are a good choice for first pets. They are very colorful and will hold a child's attention. You will need to purchase a tank. A filter is also necessary to keep the water clean. Explain to the child to put only a pinch of food into the water, as over-feeding can kill the fish. Put the fish tank on a sturdy stand so that a child cannot over-turn it.
Parakeets and cockatiels are good pets for children. If you are going to train the bird to get on your finger, be sure to buy a hand-fed baby bird. Birds that are not hand-fed can bite very deeply and painfully. You will need the correct size cage, paper for the bottom of the cage, and toys for the bird to play with.
Dogs are a favorite pet. If you buy a dog and are planning to crate train your puppy, you will need to purchase a crate or kennel that is large enough for it to grow into. Stock up on puppy pads. Have treats on hand for rewarding your puppy during training.
If you're not a dog person, odds are you like cats. Cats are the second-most popular pet. Purchase a litter box and litter before you bring your kitten home. Keep the litter box in an easy accessible area. You need to set up a feeding schedule so your pet is fed the same time each day. Kittens do not like using a dirty litter box. If you keep the litter box clean, you will have much more success training your kitten.
It's every parent's responsibility to teach children how to care for pets. Even after the child has been taught how to care for pets, parents need to monitor and help when necessary. This will help your family have many years of joy with your new pet.