Getting a Pet

Cats and turtles are the easiest animals to care for. If you need to go away, it doesn't bother a turtle. As long as you leave out food, have one of those self-watering bowls, and a nice big litter tray, (scoopable prefered) a cat won't have much problems either. The best cat to get is a female, because they don't mark territory. Doesn't matter for the turtle. Make sure you get a short haired cat, so there's no grooming problem. Cats and turtles are very independant. Train the children how to properly handle the animal and wash their hands. You should have no problem.

Hey, T.----
Haven't read all the responses, but here's my two cents:
WAIT!!!
Any pet you get "for the kids" is basically YOUR pet, especially if your husband isn't crazy about the idea. Your children are too young to care for an animal. I would also steer clear of rodents---when my kiddo was 6, I thought getting a guinea pig to be in his room with him would be a good "starter" pet that he could feed, at least. Big mistake. Besides the fact that small kids don't have a sense of how to properly hold and care for small animals, Guinea pigs are social animals and need a companion, so I got two...well, one of them turned out to be pregnant and we wound up owning 4 pigs. I have taken care of all feeding, cage cleaning, vet visits, burials (two have since died)...and the kiddo couldn't care less about them.
When he turned 9, we got him a dog that he'd been asking for since he was 7. Same story. I walk the dog, take it to the vet, feed it...
These pets are MY pets, that's the bottom line.
Next time I'm getting a cat. Cats are clean and independent and don't require daily walks. Sure, I'll have to clean the kitty litter box once a week, but that takes 5 minutes...and I will get the joy of having a purrball on my lap.
So, the bottom line is: It'll be YOUR pet, so figure out what YOU want and how much time you're willing to spend caring for it!

T., I don't find having a cat to be much work. Certainly it is way less than with a dog. I have rabbits and we've had guinea pigs and they can be great pets. Hamsters are not always friendly but guinea pigs are and they do not require a lot of maintenance, you just have to clean the cage a couple of times a week. But when the kids are young and you get a pet, you do have to expect to do all of the pet care yourself.

Good luck.

Hi T.,

We have 1 dog and 2 cats (all of which we had prior to the birth of our son)... If I had it my way I'd have more. :)
I also think it's wonderful for kids to grow up with pets of any kind for reasons already discussed. Our 3 y/o LOVES his furry family members. It's definitely a challenge sometimes because he's still learning how to treat them and it's not always nicely! But for the most part we all live peacefully together. Our son loves to help out with filling food and water bowls. And also helps us walk the dog.

As far as taking care of dogs and cats... yes, of course it's a lot of work. But I think the rewards far outweigh the work of it. And when you get your children involved and know that they are learning lifelong lessons on how to treat and respect animals it makes it a lot more fun and bearable.

There are so many varieties of cats and dogs that don't shed as much and are less allergenic. Both our cats are short-haired and our dog is a whippet who has very very short hair and barely sheds at all. She is very laid-back, gets along with the cats great and is tolerable of our son's antics. I think some others mentioned adopting an older pet.. or "borrowing" one on a trial basis... which I think is a fabulous idea. Good luck with your perfect pet search... keep us posted!

Hi T.,
Check out your local animal adoption centers. They generally do have responsible people who can help you with suggestions. I do some traveling and leave my cats (2) at home. They do all right alone with a big bowl of dry food, 2 litter boxes and a big bowl of water for about 2-3 days. If I am gone longer than that I get my neighbor to look in on them and add food and water. Since they are not cat people I don't ask them to clean out the litter box. I have been gone as long as 9 days and they have been fine. I also recommend that you adopt a cat (or two so they are playmates) that are neutered and about age 1-2. At that age they are past the teething age and may even been just friendly lap cats. By the way, cats are probably the cleanest animal you can have as pets and most are terrific with kids.
Good luck with convincing your husband.
L.

i have 2 cats and they ADORE my 11 month old son. i introduced them to each other slowly and they play together now....animals are a lot of fun, dont focus on the negative, hair etc...there really isnt that much cleaning involved with cats. i have all hardwood floors and i swiffer every other day and clean my floors once a week and thats only because my one cat is a long haired cat and sheds more than the short haired one. cats are easy to take care of, dump the litter box once a day, i have automatic feeders so i dont even have to fill their food/water bowls every day,only once a week. dont stress, just go and get yourself a cute and cuddly kitty :)

i believe that having children grow up with pets is a great experience. but they are a lot of work, so you need to decide how much work you can handle right now since you will most likely be the one caring for the pet. i also work at an animal shelter and see so many pets abandoned because families decide they no longer have time to care for them. they see animals as disposable objects, which they are not. these animals come to the shelter very depressed and missing their famiiies. its very sad. so be sure you are willing to commit to a pet for life. i have an 11 month old boy and several cats. i do not find that cats are hard to care for with a child in diapers. all they require is fresh food and water daily, daily scooping of the litter box, love and attention, and washing of the litter box every week or so (can easily be hosed down outside with soap). they can be left alone overnight if need be, and if you're gone for a week vacation its easy to find catsitters to come daily to feed them. dogs require more attention, walks several times a day, and cannot be left alone nearly as long as a cat. so i would say wait til the kids are older before getting a dog. as for the other pets you mentioned, guinea pigs are more kid friendly than rabbits and hamsters. but their cages do need to be cleaned out every few days, and they require timothy hay and fresh vegetables to be healthy. personally i find caring for cats to be simpler. if you do decide to get a pet, please check out your local shelter first as there are many great animals waiting for new families to find them. most are dropped off through no fault of their own. a good shelter will work with you to find the perfect family/child friendly pet. good luck!

in my life i have had dogs, cats, birds, fish, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pig, and a rabbit.
dogs esp, but even cats require alot of maintenance and money(food, vets, cat litter, training). we ended up giving our dog to my father as we were in temp housing, and then moved, had a baby, with no fence. since the long time period, we felt bad taking her back as they fell in love with her. at the same time, our cat had to be put to sleep. to be honest, our life is much easier. with a toddler and new baby, the animals do require your time daily, and dogs demand attention as well.
rabbits, guinea pis, hamsters, ect require handling daily or they may bite or become timid. their pee smells so strong, the cage must be cleaned often. alot of rodents are noctyou can always get fish. you would be surprised how amazed children are with themurnal so may be loud at night. they do bite at times. they are small and can get hurt easily.
you yourself want a pet, than do it, but i wouldnt advise to get the pet now for the kids. they are young and will love it, but at the same time, often get bored at times just like with toys. and you will have to watch them at all times as kids dont mean to, but they arent aware how easy a pet can get hurt. and matter what you get, you will have to clean up more poop than you do now, lol.
that being said, a dog requires alot of work, but is the best pet you can have. they become part of your family. i would say that would be the best choice, but only after you do extensive research on temperaments. you have to find a breed good with kids, and a good breeder(dont go to a pet store). also, the bigger the dog, the more shedding, poop, vet and food bills, damage if chews, ect. and with dogs, you really cant leave them too long. cats would be second, i love cats and they are so easy to care for. its just some do and some dont like kids, you never know. good luck

eta- research turtles and salmonella, wouldnt do it

If I were you, I'd make sure I REALLY wanted a pet before trying to convince my husband to get one. Not only is a dog or cat a big extra expense, they take a lot of extra time, too. I have two girls, 5 and 2, and a cat and very small dog, and I have to tell you, most of the time they feel like just one more thing to take care of and pick up after. With cats, you are cleaning the litter box (just what you wanted to do, right - clean up someone ELSE'S poop!), and with dogs, you have to walk them a lot, and clean up their poop, too, whether they are going in your yard or someone elses. And we haven't even gotten into the fact that they make messes of your house and destroy a good bit of stuff before they're trained - dogs chew up stuff, bring more dirt and mud into the house, get into the garbage, steal food off the table, bark and wake up your napping kids, and cats pee on things if not litter trained very well, claw up and destroy carpets and furniture (and no, those stupid scratching posts do NOT work as a substitute, ask anyone with a cat!), and track kitty litter all over your house! Pets can be great, but you have to realize that the novelty of it will soon wear off (like, as soon as they are not a puppy/kitty anymore), and YOU will be stuck being the one taking care of it, especially if your husband didn't want one in the first place (can't you just hear it - "YOU are the one who wanted one in the first place..."). Anyhow, just something to think about.

Hi T.,
I'm kind of in the same boat as you...only we're sticking with the fish - a pink one named Ruby...

They have pink and blue Tetras...maybe your kids would be happy with their own "pet"...you could put the little tank on their bedroom dresser.

Our kids love their pet...it's their responsibility to feed Ruby breakfast and dinner...they alternate feeding schedules so it's fair.

I'd love to get a dog, but I dont' need any more responsibility at the moment, our kids are 5 almost 4 and 1.
Til then, the fish do just fine.

Best "fishes"
J.

Dogs require a lot of time and energy, they deserve it, and unless you know you can walk them daily, train a puppy (yikes) and know your house will never be clean again then do it. But there are very few moms who have the time to properly care for a dog. It makes me sad when I see a family who with all good intentions got a dog, but then neglect it.

Be careful of allergies with little ones. Especially the cat.

Pets are a great learning tool for children. They learn responsibility, respect and love. I had all kinds of pets growing up (rabbits, dogs, cats, turkeys, chickens, horses, etc) . I learned to care for them, cleaning their cages and giving them love. I do agree with others that you will be cleaning up after the pet, whichever you choose, at least for now, until your children are old enough to take on the responsibility.

I have a little girl who's due in less than a month, and she'll be welcomed by my three dogs, three cats, a ferret and several hedgehogs. I can't wait to see her interact with them, and hopefully she'll be as much as an animal lover as I am.

As far as what type of animal is best for children, its really hard to say. It depends on your lifestyle, how much you travel, etc. Dogs are great but they take the most care....especially if you decide to travel. Cats are great -- they can be left when you take a vacation....but they can they can "tear up your house" if you're not used to having cats around (all you'd need to do is kitty-proof your house). Small things like gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs are ok in my mind, but they are not always the most friendly or exciting animals. But, they may be good for a start. They only live a few years, and they are simple creatures to care for. Rabbits are on the same level (I owned over 100 at one time), but they can be let out to run around, as long as they are litter trained, and they are watched intently so that they aren't chewing wires or other things you don't want ruined. Hedgehogs are fun pets to have too -- they stay in their cage a lot of the time, and they can be litter trained and also enjoy running around the house, without fear of chewing wires....and also enjoy cuddling on the couch (they are nocturnal animals).

Whatever you choose, make sure you are prepared for the work....and also the enjoyment of the animal. I do agree with you that all kids should grow up with a pet. If you aren't sure what to get, ask to "borrow" a family member's pet. :)

Don't get a dog! They are a ton of work, make your house a mess with hair, you have to contantly pick up their duty so the kids can play in the yard, find a place to board them when you want to go on vacation (it's costly and you can't be spontaneous about going away). I think cats are much easier and you can have someone come & check on them/feed them when you go away. We love our dog but I seriously can't wait to be done with the responsibility! I know I've got atleast 4-6yrs to go.

Good Luck!

Wait 'til they are older. Adding a pet to the family is like adding another child, especially if it is a dog or a cat. So ask yourself, can you handle another child? Dogs, for a fact require lots of attention and depending on the breed if they don't get that attention, they become destructive. By attention of course I mean proper excercise and walking. High energy dogs require this and may destroy furniture, floors, anything they can get their teeth on. Pet shops or breeders, for the most part will not allow you to purchase a tiny dog, if that was your thought, because they are to small and their lives would be in danger (if you can believe that!) with such young children in your home. I know this because this was my thought when I first wanted a dog for the kids. My son was 4 at the time and I wanted a maltese and all breeders and pet shops would not sell me one. Then there's Bathing, grooming, neutering, feeding and let us not forget the vet bills that can get pricey. I have 2 jack russells and they're vet bills can be as high as 300. Cats handle themselves for the most part, but then they are huge allergen risks and if you have a little one in diapers all over the floor, this is not a good idea. Some cats like to be let out and this will only trigger more allergens to be brought into the house. They will tear up a piece of furniture with their claws or perhaps you'd like to declaw him at about $200 and never let him out. Trust me....from a mom that has had all kinds of pets from fish to hermit crabs and dogs at the same time, this is something that can certainly wait until the kids are older and can handle the responsibility. Whether the pet is tiny, like a fish or big, like a dog, the responsibility is enormous and eventually mom, you are the one that will have to handle it. Cleaning the tank, filters, drops for the water...puppy training, wee wee pads, whimpering in the night.....kitten's sharp nails, changing the litter box, cleaning the litter box.....it's a lot of work. So consider your childrens ages before you commit to a pet if you are going to want them to help in any way with the pet you choose. My son is 18, my 2 daughters are 19 and 11 and I know I can at least count on one of the 2 older ones to walk the "girls" if I cannot. Also, be aware, that if your husband is not with you on this project, he will tend to conveniently disappear when needed to assist with the dog or pet or may be quick to say I told you so. Hope I didn't overwhelm you but I hope all this info helps, good luck.

I started with a guinnea pig when my youngest was 5 years old. They have been great with playing with her, feeding her and cleaning her cage! I now am going thru an adoption process to get a dog! My kids are now 7,9 and 11.

I actually "borrowed" my sister's dog on the weekends to have in the house to see how we would do and and it was the best thing I could've done! The kids were great with her, took her for walks, played with her and fed her!

I just heard from Mansfield Animal Shelter and they are processing my application to adopt a beautiful, adorable terrier!!

I am so glad I waited for my kids to be alittle older.

I hope this was helpful!

Pets are wonderful, a great way to teach children compassion and responsibility. With that said, ask yourself...and be honest, are YOU willing to take on the responsibility of a pet? At your children's current ages, any pet will be YOUR responsibility. We waited with "personal" pets, until our children were old enough to take on the care and cleaning necessary. With ours, that was about 9years old. By then hamsters are easy, not alot of care, and once a week cage cleaning. We have two large dogs, but these are viewed as "family" pets, plus my husband has a parrot. The family pets' care tends to be translated as the mom's job. Unless you are considering a small dog, like a Bischon or the like, which can be trained to use a litter box, this will mean rain or snow, you like the mailman will be out walking the dog. Pets do constrict options-like a spur of the moment weekend trip, but in our case, the positives outweigh the negatives.

Your kids are VERY young, and it you are getting any kind of pet because you think you should, it's for the wrong reason. No matter how responsible your children may be when they are older, they are really never responsible enough to do the total care, and often the pet suffers. Why not wait til they are older and can have some input of their own. See what type of pet interests them, and keep in mind--you will need not only commitment, but love for the animal itself on your part before it will work out well.

We have a cat and a 2 1/2 yr old daughter, and no problems so far! We have taught her to be gentle with the cat, and we vacuum to combat the shedding. My husband handles the litter box, and we have taught her to stay away from it, that it is the cat's "potty", so it's yucky. When we go on vacation, we have a trusted neighbor who is willing to feed him; if she isn't available, we board him with his vet. In my opinion, as much as I like them, dogs need more attention than a cat does...we both work, so we're out of the house most of the day, which isn't good for a dog that needs to go out several times a day.

As to whether to get one now or wait...that depends on your kids and especially your husband. It might be better to wait until everybody's in agreement.

Hi T.,

When our cats died I wanted to get my son a low maintenance pet. He begged for a snake--NOT!!! Feeding dead or live mice to another animal didn't appeal somehow. Sooo... we got a parakeet aka budgie named Bert (when he looks in the mirror he sees Ernie). Basically very easy to care for and so funny!
We got him very young--just weaned--and were able to teach him to talk and cuddle with us. Go online to Tristate Budgerigar Society and read a bit--they are so entertaining!
They can be left for 2 days on their own and need minimal cleaning daily--a little bottom of the cage shake out and fresh water and food. Your son can help with the water and food changes. No shots! no walking, just a little out of the cage time to stretch their wings. Bert slays me sometimes with his antics, and he's out of the cage most of the time I am home(little bird poops need to be cleaned off surfaces but don't stain and lift up easily). Just be aware that if you get a bird you will probably not be getting a cat when the kid(s) are old enough to be responsible for pet care. Altho I've seen cats and birds in the same household it requires a lot of special precautions to make sure birdie doesn't become a kitty toy or snack.
A.

Of all the options, I highly recommend getting an outdoor cat if possible. This eliminates the need to clean out kitty litter as well as avoiding possible problems with the kids getting into the litter box, eating "cat candy" and so on. Although initially it seems like having a cat would be a lot of work, they're very independent and need only extra food and water if you'll be away for the weekend, whereas a dog needs food each day (they don't control themselves and will eat 100% of what you leave instead of just what they need like a cat), has to be walked, etc.

I definitely recommend AGAINST hamsters, rabbits and other caged animals. They require a lot of work to keep the cage and house clean (you would be surprised what a mess they make), as well as causing allergies in a lot of kids. The most important point, though, is that your kids will get much more enjoyment out of a dog or cat than they will out of a ferret or similar caged animal.

In terms of the work required vs. potential benefit, I would highly recommend a cat to start with. Also, you might want to mention to your husband that, compared with 2 kids, the effort required to take care of any pet is marginal.

Hi!

I just wanted to tell you that from experience having a dog is wonderful! Our daughter is 22 months old, and the way those two get along is absolutley adorable. We had our dog first, for a few years before the baby came along and I was so afraid that he would not take too well to the new baby in the house, especially because he's a male...but the result has been fantastic. It's got it's negative side also, but the positive outweights that. Like when he starts to bark at NOTHING after she's in bed, or wants to play when we're trying to wind things down...but it doesn't matter. You work it out, and deal with it. Plus I like the idea of her growing up with a dog and therefore, not having the fear of dogs. Also we take a vacation every year and we put the dog in a kennel. He LOVES going there! (I know becuase I call eveyrday to check on him while we are away.) Sure you have to be home more often, but it's all worth it. Plus at the same time you are teaching your children about responsibility. I don't knwo if my story has helped, but I wanted to tell it to let you knwo it's not that bad. Good luck with whatever you decide.

hi T.,

Animals are wonderful. Get a furry pet that your kids can touch! Cats, in my opinion, are easiest (and I have yet to have a need or desire to de-claw them). Fish are good too but they cannot be cuddled. I have always had animals and they were GREAT with my children when they were babies. I think all species know what a baby is and, generally, they are gentle -- there are always exceptions, of course -- best to get a pet when they are young and give them lots of love, talk to them, and don't mistreat them.

As for going on vacations -- yes, it does cost money to board pets and requires trust to have someone come to your home to stay with and care for them -- but, regardless of cost or inconvenience, it is worth it. Humans are not the only species on the planet; being the most intelligent, we have a responsibility to care for, understand, and protect other life.

Pets give more than they take

Warm Regards,
C.

*
(: have an awesome day :)
*

Caring for a pet is a wonderful learning experience for children. Your 4 yr old will benefit greatly from the interaction. You can get non-shedding dogs (and I believe cats too) in a variety of breeds, thanks to the crossing of Poodles with other breeds. All poodle mixes are 'hair' dogs, and non-shedding. They are easy to train...poodles were the original police dogs...and very easy to care for.
Kennels or professional dog-sitters can be used to take care of them while you are away. If you get a Toy or Miniaure breed, you can take tham along most places.

We have a Labradoodle(standard poodle and Lab mix), a Shia-Poo(Shhitzu and Toy Poodle mix) and a Cockatiel parrot, and they are a true extension of our family. My 9 yr and 13 yr old kids feed them, help groom them and love playing with them.

K.

I'm a cat person so my kids have always had at least 2 or 3 of them wandering around. We were going to get a dog but I didn't want the added responsibility that comes from owning one.

I'd say to get whatever you want but be sure you are going to have the time to devote to caring for a new pet (not to mention the patience to clean up any accidents for a while). With 2 little ones to care for you have a lot of responsibility already. Definately make sure your hubby is on board with whatever you decide to get; it'll make it much easier.

Having a pet...If you and your family are always on the go, having a pet is not in the adgenda. Pet's especially a dog is a large responsibility. I have 2. I have to come home to let them out or find someone to watch them when I travel or place them in a kennel which can be costly. Don't get me wrong, my dog's are great pet's if your willing to activitly play with them 2x's a day! A cat on the other hand if you were to get a pet is extremely independant, doesn't need to much up keep. A possible going out to do their thing. Half the time you don't even know they're around. If you want something a bit smaller, my brother's kids have raised guinea pigs, their vegetarian's, you're able to hold them, they don't take up to much room...and you could also get a friend to watch the guinea pig while your away. Just make sure you either get one and if you get two make sure they're paired up with the same sex...don't want any little one's running around!
Good Luck
Sue T

We waited until our kids were almost 6 and 8 before getting a dog. I had never been responsible for a puppy before. It is a huge undertaking. We got our beagle at 7 weeks old and he could not be left alone for more than 2 hours at a time for the first couple of weeks. It took a few months to train him to go to the bathroom outside. He's wonderful abut going outside, but now I also have to pick up in the yard becase this is where my children play. Anytime that we are gone for the day (i.e., family trip, kid's field trip, or vacation) we have to make arrangments for him or bring him with us.
That being said, he is an amazing addition to our family. We all love him and he has brought us laughter, joy and love and I wouldn't give him up for anything (although I do occasionally want to bury him in the yard). The kids being older are also really helpful with the dog.
Friends of mine had a rabbit, which worked better than fish becuase the kids could play with it. However, rabbit cages smell and require a lot of cleaning. You alsostill need to arrange for someone to cae for them if you'll be away for an extended period of time.
We spent about a year deciding on our dog. It is a life changing decision, as you will get a baby that never eally grows up. It's a wonderful thing, but you really must be ready to make the sacrifices of having this responsibility.
Good luck with your decision.

Hi,
I also wanted some kind of pet. We got a rabbit last year and had to give it away to the rabbit rescue. It was loud in the cage thomping all night loing and pooped everywhere. I ended up hating it. We were told it was a dward bunny and it grew so big we would have had to get another cage.
We recently got a hampster and at first I was reluctant but now have grown to love it. It is manageable for the kids to help clean the cage and my daughters are very happy to have a pet. I want a dog as do they but my husband says no way. We live in an apartment.
Good luck,
E. - mom of 7 and 9 yr old girls.

I think you should get a dog well it is little and now. So it can grow with your kids.

Deb

Hi T.,
I agree that pets are a wonderful asset to a family and can teach children wonderful life rules about responsiblities etc.
Getting a dog or a cat or any animal is a HUGE responsibility that many take too lightly or don't thoroughly think out. I hope you take your time and do so. Esp. dogs or cats, they require much more attention than most pets and all pets are for life, at least that is my thought. I have had animals my whole life, and for the past several years volunteered at a local animal shelter. (A VERY eye opening experience to our society's whims) So many people carelessly decide to get an animal without thoroughly researching, yes researching which pet would be best suited for their family,and there are so many abandoned, abused and neglected animals out there because of this. Also one needs to conscider the needs of the pet, esp a dog, it needs to have walks at least three times a day with able play time in between. I do hope that you find a pet that will suit your family when everyone is ready. It is important to have everyone on board. (your husband)
good luck,
MCM

I grew up taking care of all the dogs my sister or brother ever brought home and I loved doing it. Now that I am in my own home with kids there is no way I am getting a pet. I can't stand to see my own hair on the bathroom floor after taking a shower. There is no way I can take pet hair in my house or my clothes. My kids get their pet fix by taking care of neighbours' and uncle's cats when they are away. It is nice to play with them and take care of them and then go back to our peaceful clean house. My kids don't want pets of their own anyway because they like to not have to look out for poop in the back yard.

Whatever you do, REALLY think about your decision before doing it (getting a cat or dog). I am a total animal lover and I currently have 2 adopted retired racing greyhounds. There were my "first" kids. I love them SO much. My 2 legger (daughter) came along and she is now 11 months old and they are wonderful together. I still really love my dogs, but life has gotten much more difficult. If you don't have a fully fenced yard to let them out in (we're in the process of moving, so we no longer have one) you run into the logistics of the kiddo is sleeping...the dogs have to go out...now what? And it's true...rain,snow, whatever, you're out there! Luckily, I have family around right now to help me out, but otherwise, it would be really tough. I would never give them up, but we won't be getting any more pets (other than maybe fish, hamsters, etc.) for quite a while after my dogs pass on. Boarding them if we travel is heartbreaking AND costly (our upcoming one week trip to the shore will cost us almost $1000 to board the dogs! More than our share of the beach-house!) Vet bills can and do add up for any pet.
I grew up with a cat, and then a dog and it was great, but I ended up with severe allergies to cats and some to dogs too. Now, cat-lovers don't bash me on this. I work in medicine and it's a fact...growing up with cats at a young age can make you more likely to suffer allergic reactions to things, especially the cats themselves, and may increase the risk of asthma. So have a plan if the kid (s) show any reaction to the pet, whatever it may be. Let them know ahead of time what the deal is. I refused to let my family give up my cat or dog despite my severe reactions, and so if I ever get a pet for my child she will know that it is on the contingency that if there is a severe allergy, the pet must be rehomed.

Good luck in your decision, and remember, adding a pet is like adding a child. They are not disposable and are a committment, albeit a wonderful one, for life.

Oh...here's a P.S. I know it might sound gross...but a lot of people have said that rats are REALLY great pets. They are clean, like to cuddle, and can be trained almost like a dog! I might consider that down the road.

Funny enough I am watching the today show right now. There is a segment on about adopting an older dog/cat. One family has 4 kids and were reluctant to bring a kitten/puppy in to the chaos. They ended up adopting a 6 year old dog who fit in perfectly to the family and was quiet and gentle.SO they gave a usually un-adoptable pet a good home and they got love with no added chaos.
good luck on your search. we adopted a 1 year old shepherd/husky mix when my kids were 6 months( boy) and 5 1/2 years old ( girl) she is a great dog and is now 10 years old.

Hi T.,

I'm all for getting family pets. I grew up with a variety of cats and dogs and it has been one of the great joys in my life. I do want to warn you off of rabbits though. I have three of them and although they are wonderful companions, they are a ton of work. I have a 9 month old and I find that it's difficult to manage all of them. Rabbits require a lot more care than people think. Although they can be litter box trained, some rabbits are better at it than others. Their digestive systems are very sensitive and they must have lots of hay & fresh veggies to eat. They also need time to run around and play. They are social creatures so they do better when they have a rabbit friend to live/play with however you want to be sure that you're getting a male/female or female/female combo because males tend to fight a lot. If you're short on time (and who isn't these days?), I would wait until the kids are a bit older and can help care for the adopted pet. Sorry to go on about the rabbits but lots of people get rabbits thinking they are easy pets and then are surprised to find out how much work goes into them. Good luck with whatever you choose!!

I didn't read all your responses, but I agree with most of them in different ways. Yes, pets are very rewarding, but noone should ever lose sight of the work and money they they require. Personally I could never imagine life without cats or a dog in the house, but i work at an animal hospital as a veterinary technician and often see people who have pets and are not able to afford even the basic health care they need. Exam and vaccines yearly for cats, more than that for dogs.
If you do get a cat, please don't let it outside as i saw in one response. They are at risk for a few dangerous viruses from stray cats, they are at risk for getting in a fight with other animals or with a car... and those are all costly things to fix or treat. They can also pick up intestinal parasites just from walking on the grass, which can be brought into your home... same with dogs... and those can potentionally be transmited to people, especially children... so you'd have to invest in some year round deworming products.
Please do not ever get a dog from a pet store... even though there is the RARE pet store that actually is reputable... most of them do not get these animals from good places (usually puppy mills of some form or another) and there are SOOO many dogs (even purebreds) at shelters and rescue organizations that are looking for good homes. There is pretty much a rescue organization for any breed you would want. I know many people are nervous about the background of the animal and temperment, but you can even get young puppies from them often. Just research for one on the internet.
On the other side, pets are so much fun for children (I can't imagine my childhood without our dog and 2 cats) and are proven to decrease the stress level in a home. Petting an animal can actually decrease blood pressure. Plus, even though usually the bulk of responsiblilty is on the parents, it is a good way to begin teaching responsibility. My step daughter cleans the litter pans and feeds the cats when she's at our house. They are such an important part of my world i couldn't imagine life without them, just make sure you make as informed a decision as possible.

My husband and I are going through the same issue as well. We're looking at birds. The parrot is a great pet for kids. Try www.petplace.com and type in "best birds for kids" in the search engine. Click the first item on the list for more information. If birds aren't your thing, this site can give you information on other recommended pets for kids.
Good luck. We're going for the budgie.
M.

Since my father was allergic to dogs and cats, I had to make do with hamsters, gerbils, froga and newts. Interesting, but not the same as a dog or cat. As an adult, I now have 3 cats and I love it. The little cat is my baby's self-appointed protector and the other 2 just ignore the baby, no animosity. I say go to a shelter, adopt a dog or cat and teach your children compassion and give them the opportunity to have a pet growing up. They are excellent tension relievers and bring a lot of joy into the home!! Also, good for giving responsibility to the 4 year old!! Good luck!

Don't let Angeles T's advice overwhelm you - they are worth it! Costs are minimal, in terms of what you get out of it!

Having worked at a petstore for the past 10 years and now having a two year old puts me in a good place to help you with this question. At this point in time, your kids are too young to have a pet to call their own, BUT they aren't too young to help out with a "family" pet. My son loves to help feed/give treats to the Guinea Pigs/bunny/dog - he overfeeds the fish if we aren't careful.

Cleaning the cage/tank, bowls etc... will be the adult's responsibility at this time. My son loves hugging/snuggling the cats (when he can catch them or they're feeling lazy), and playing with the dog (always supervised as sometimes they both need a break from one and other).

A Guinea pig or two make friendly pets though they need more room than a small tank. They enjoy being interacted with and will recognize their owners and call to them for treats.

Hamsters are nocturnal and have a tendency to bite- SOME can be gentle (if looking for a hamster I'd strongly recommend "Chinese Dwarf Hamsters" they're very gentle, not likely to bite - and easy to handle). Gerbils are friendly but can be too fast for small hands, but fun to watch.

Rabbits require the largest cage of these pets, but can be litter box trained. Many are very friendly and will enjoy being pet. They even have leashes and harness for G-Pigs and rabbits so that they may be taken outside (non-chemical treated lawns), for a snack time on fresh dandelions or clover.

If you want to ask me more, you may e-mail me for further details.

-J.

T.,
I am a firm believer that all kids need pets. We have 4 cats (2 that visit when my son comes home from college), 2 ferrets who also come home on weekends, or whenever my daughter is home from college, and 2 dogs, one of which I delivered when I was pregnant with my son. The 3 older ones got to see the pups born (I am a breeder of Samoyeds) and learned a valuable lesson about the whole process. While I don't think breeding is an option for everyone I do think a dog and or cat teaches the kids responsibilities and loyalty. My son who I was pregnant with has grown up with Vixen, they are exactly 3 months apart to the day. Both my German Shephard and Samoyed follow the kids around all the time. Also I am a nursing student and as you know that takes a lot of time away from the home, but the kids all have responsibilities for the animals. My youngest (9 year old) for example has to feed the dogs every morning and evening and help with cleaning up the yard after the dogs every week with his older brother. We all take turns feeding the cats and cleaning the litter boxes. As for going on vacation, we don't go very often because of the cost of kenneling, but now that the older ones are adults they can stay home and take care of the animals or like in your case you can get family or friends to come pet sit.
My mother never allowed us to have cats and she wouldn't let my father bring the dogs home, so I was determined to give my kids the opportunity to grow up around animals and I am glad I did.
One other thing, if a dog or cat grows up with your kids it is much nicer that way. The animals learn early how to behave around the babies as well. Also don't go with a small dog if you can avoid it, they tend to be nippy around babies. I hope I was of some help.
Hugs,
T.

Carefully think about how much extra work you want before getting any animal. They are a many year comittment and need the same things your small children need. As for a hampster, or other small caged animal there is always cleaning the cage, feeding, watering and loving. it is all indoor mess and the little ones will have to be very careful in touching then.
A cat is a lond term committment too! A cat is also an indoor litter box mess and needs TLC, food, water, shots and meds for flea and ticks even if they are indoor only. The fleas can "hitch hike" into the house in other ways.
A dog can be a 10 - 15+ year committment. They need TLC, food, water, shots, brushing but the one HUGE advantage is they can do there "stuff" outside. Depending on where you live will depend on if they have a yard to play in or need to be walked multiple times a day and if you need to clean up the "stuff" after they go.
I have 1 large (100lb) dog but I live in the country and have a yard, with a run for him and he is awesome. He barks too much, sheds a ton and loves us dearly. He has been wonderful with my 2 children. He is 9 yo now and my kids are 7 yo and 22 months. He is getting older with some health trouble and artritis but I wouldn't give him up for the world! He is nanny and friend to us all! We had 2 big dogs and one died in Sept 2006. He was the best! They can teach children so much and share so much love. My 1st choice would be a medium sized dog (no more giant ones for me!)
I would advise that you and your husband discuss it carefully. I am a huge supporter of getting a pet but more so please be informed before you make a selection. Both animal and children will need to be watched and trained together. A pet can be a wonderful addition to a family or a huge problem. Good Luck and have fun! A.

Hi T.,
I would suggest waiting a few years before getting a dog. We had a dog for many years before we had children. He passed away in July. My kids are now 4 1/2 and 2 years. You can never trust any dog to be alone w/ small children. The dog needs a lot of attention just like young children. Even if you have a fenced in yard you still need to take the dog for walks. Would this be difficult for you and your family? especially in foul weather. Then there's the issue of other kids being in your home . . .will they be nice to the dog? will they be afraid of the dog? will you be putting the dog in another room all the time? A dog is a big responsibility and I just wanted to give you an idea of issues that may come up. You want the dog to be in a happy situation and not have to be a burden to anyone. I love dogs and plan on getting another one when my children get older. Right now I feel that my kids are too young. Good luck w/ your decision and be sure to think it thru before you decide.