Kids and pets go hand in hand. Children love to play with cats and dogs, and can spend many hours looking at their goldfish. It doesn’t matter if you already have a pet, your child is probably going to beg you for another one. Just what type of pet is right for your family?

First, you should never get a pet on a whim. Having a pet is a commitment. If you aren’t willing or able to give this pet the care it needs than you should not have one. Think carefully about whether or not you have the time to devote to a new pet (think housebreaking a dog), the space for a pet (German Shepard versus tabby cat), and if you have the money for taking care of a pet (food, supplies, medical visits, spay/neuter fees, etc.). Once you have determined that you are able to handle the responsibility of a new pet then it’s time to decide what type of pet you want to bring into your house.

You might want to consider the age of your child when deciding what type of pet you bring into the house. If you have small children you might want to avoid a very large dog. I found a great article on the Best Friends Animal Society web site that talks about kids and pets and can provide some insight to you before you make the step of getting a pet for your kids.

If your child wants a pet that isn’t a cat or a dog, you might want to do some research into that animal and its special needs before moving forward. Make sure there is a veterinary doctor in your area that provides care for this type of animal. Not every vet will treat ever kind of animal. Make sure you can provide medical care for your pet before you go ahead and bring it home.

Finally, there are so many animals in your local animal shelter that need a home. Consider adopting an animal rather than buying one at a pet store. Contact your local office of the Humane Society or American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to get the location of your local animal shelter.