How to Convince Your Mom to Let You Get a Pet

Is a hermit crab in your future?

So you've decided that you really, really want to get a pet... but your mom really, really doesn't want you to. You know you can convince her... you're just not sure how to go about doing it. Is there any hope? There may be. Unfortunately, there's nothing that will definitely work. But there are some things you can do to improve your chances.
Think about her reasons for disallowing a pet, and then counter them with reasonable argument and points.

Instructions

1. 

   Are you willing to place a live mouse in a snake tank? Or maybe the mouse itself would make a better pet for you.

   Make a list of the kind of pets you are considering. Pets are a lot of work. Some are a lot more work than others. There is a big difference between taking care of hermit crabs, for instance, and taking care of a dog or puppy. In either case, there is a lot of responsibility involved. If your mom doesn't want you to have a pet, it's probably because she does not want to take the responsibility for having an animal.She might be worried you will not take responsibility. So make a list of the kind of pet you are willing to care for. Research each one on the Internet and learn what is involved in the care and feeding of each of the animals you listed. This will demonstrate to your mom that you have put some time and effort into this project.

2. 

   Birds are very social animals, they require a lot of attention from you.

   Think about what needs to be done each and every day, and then on a weekly basis. For instance, your pet will need to be fed and watered every day, but if it has a cage you will probably only need to change it out once a week, depending on the pet. Some pets in cages require a full cleaning every day, as with guinea pigs or rats.

   Now make a schedule for when your pet will get taken care of. If it's a puppy, it's going to need to be walked. Are you going to get up each morning before school and walk the dog? Will you walk it again right when you get home from school? Write this down on your schedule. Think of each and every little thing that might need to be done, and write down when you will do it. If you might need a little help from your mom, write this down too. Don't just overlook it if she will need to walk the dog while you have sports practice, because that will show her that you are not taking everything into consideration.

3. 

   A rabbit may be the right pet for you, or possibly a turtle.

   Research animal shelters in your area. Many animal shelters or rescue facilities deal with all kinds of pets, including birds, hamsters, cats, rabbits, dogs and snakes. So make a list of the places you will visit in order to acquire your new pet. Call the shelters and inquire about their adoption fees. Ask if the fees include any necessary veterinary care, such as vaccinations or sterilization. If they do not, take that into consideration when creating your budget.

4. 

   Kittens and cats are easy to care for and make a good first-time pet.

   Create a budget. List every single thing that your pet will need such as food, water, dishes, cage, toys,leash, collar, treats, internal and external parasite prevention, veterinary care and vaccinations. Visit PetsMart or Pet Supermarket online or in person to make a list of the items your potential pet will need. Write down how you will pay for these items, be it out of your allowance or the paycheck from a part-time job.

5. 

   A puppy is a lot of work, so consider adopting an older, already trained adult dog.

   Plan a talk with your mom and think about what you're going to say before you go talk to her. Be ready to explain your side of the story calmly. This is not the time to whine or get frustrated and upset. The goal is to show that you are mature and ready to handle a pet. Show her your schedule and the other information you researched, and be honest about what you're thinking.

6. 

   A goldfish makes a great starter pet.

   Be flexible. If you ask for a puppy or cat and your mother says no, you might reconsider what sort of pet you want. Puppies are so much more work than some other animals. Small animals like hamsters and guinea pigs, on the other hand, are a lot easier to take care of. They're not as noisy, not as messy, and not as much work. If she really won't let you get the first sort of pet you were hoping for, ask her if she would be willing to compromise on the pet issue by letting you get a smaller animal that is easier to take care of. Show her that you know exactly what is required of taking care of them, and that you are prepared to do so.

Tips & Warnings

• If your mom is just set against getting any sort of animal, you might want to think about how much responsibility you take around the house. Do you clean up your room without being asked? Do you have to be told to wash the dishes, or do you offer to help? Even if you can't get a pet now, you might be able to try a few months down the road. Showing even more responsibility will improve your chances later. Try to get other family members, such as your dad or siblings, to be on your side.

• Don't plan the talk with your mother on a day when she is in bad mood. You do not want to bring this topic up with your mother when she is having a bad day.

References

• Sacramento SPCA: Things to Consider Before Getting a Pet
• Humane Society of the U.S.: Adopt a Shelter Pet

Resources

• Petfinder: Home
• Petsmart: Home
• Pet Supermarket:Home