How to Pick a No-Fuss Pet for Kids

Is your child begging for a pet, but you're not ready to add a puppy to the household? There are some "pets" that don't shed or take up lots of room, and can prepare your youngster for the bigger responsibility of a dog later on. Plus, these "training pets" are easy to find sitters for when you go out of town for the weekend.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Grow a frog. Kids can watch the metamorphosis from tadpole to frog.

2. Consider hamsters, gerbils, even mice! These pocket pals are easy to feed and maintain. Unfortunately, they have a short life span, but at least they are inexpensive to replace.

3. Think about adopting a cat or a hairless cat. Sphynx cats (also called "Canadian hairless") are practically bald, so they don't shed. Plus, in general, cats are very easy to care for.

4. Buy a betta fish. Once you have a bowl, water (and water treatment product to reduce chlorine) and food, that's all you need to care for it!

5. Own a Madagascar hissing cockroach. They hang out in a small tank, eat vegetables (and even dog food) and your kids' friends will love to come by to hear them do their hissing thing. Just make sure their home has a secure screened cover so that they can't escape.

6. Get a pet rock. The one pet that is easier to care for than a fish, hamster, cockroach or frog!