Choosing a Pet for Your Kids

Ready for the responsibility? Here’s all you need to know

Pets give children a valuable sense of responsibility and an outlet for affection. They need looking after, though, and you need to choose one to suit your child – and you.

■ Talk it over. Find out what your child wants from a pet. Stress that animals aren’t toys.

■ Wait a few months to see if the desire was more than just a whim.

■ Set a budget. Decide what expenses you can meet.

■ Consider your home. A small unit with no access to the outside is usually an unhappy environment for dogs and cats, which, in turn, can be messy and destructive.

■ Consider safety. Cats scratch. Dogs bite. Young children can cause injury to fragile creatures.

■ Do extensive homework. Study animals’ varying needs.

■ Start small. Cats and dogs are demanding of time and money. Lowermaintenance animals can provide a good introduction to caring for a furry friend.

MICE

look sweet and are inexpensive, but they require gentle handling and are generally more active at night.

GUINEA PIGS

need shelter, hiding places and an exercise area safe from predators. They are lovable and responsive: the more they are handled (gently) from the start, the tamer they become. They are extremely active, will get bored if cooped up and crave company.

RABBITS

are cuddly and sociable. They need space and companionship – from humans and other bunnies. They may be kept outdoors with a hutch and an exercise run, or can live indoors and be house

trained.

Small pets usually have short life spans. Rabbits live 5-10 years; guinea pigs 5-7 years; mice only 2-3 years. For longevity, choose a tortoise – they can live 50-100 years.