Q&A

Dr Huw Stacey, vet and director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, is here to answer all of your pet problems.

QI want to get my daughter a pet that she can learn to look after herself to teach her about responsibility. Could you please advise me on what are the lowest maintenance pets for children? She’s nine.

Siobhan, Leicester

AThere are a number of species that make great first pets but my favourite indoor pet is a golden hamster. They are easy to take care of, are a nice size to hold and easily become accustomed to being handled. The only downside is their nocturnal lifestyle – they can keep children awake at night if they live in their bedroom. If you have a garden then it’s hard to beat a pair of guinea pigs. They’re easy to handle and full of character. Get two of the same sex otherwise you’ll have a colony in no time.