How to Decide If Your Child is Ready for a Pet

Wondering if your child is ready for a pet? Here are the five signs of readiness that you should look for.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pet books

1. Makes frequent requests for a pet. Is this the first time that your child has asked for a pet? Then, you may want to wait and see if the requests continue.

2. Treats his toys well. Does your son frequently break his toys or treat them too roughly? Mishandling toys could translate into mishandling an animal, so it's important to make sure he's learned how to handle things with care before taking on a pet.

3. Demonstrates responsibility. Does your daughter complete her chores without a lot of nagging from you? Does she complete them to the best of her ability? Pets require a lot of care, so you'll want to be sure your child is ready to take on the responsibility.

4. Has time to devote to a pet. Does your son have time in the evenings and on the weekend to perform the necessary pet care duties?

5. Has spent time around animals. Most kids think pets are fun, but has your daughter logged actual hours around the type of pet that you're thinking about buying--or any pet at all? Make sure your child treats animals kindly, and is not frightened by them before taking on the commitment.

Tips & Warnings

• If your child wants a dog, research breeds that do well around kids before buying.
• Encourage your child to read up on the type of pet she wants. This will ensure that she knows what to expect.