5 Types Of Pets For Kids – With Pros & Cons

Although most of us think of puppies or kittens when we imagine potential pets for kids, there are many more options than just those! So today we’ll be going over several of them, and discussing the pros and cons of each option. Hopefully by the end, you’ll have found a pet that works for your family.

1. Dogs

Starting off with perhaps the most popular type of pets for kids, we have dogs. I’ve personally had many dogs throughout my lifetime, including three after my children were born (a shih tzu, a walker hound, and a beagle). All of which we’ve loved immensely. But as with any pet, there are pros and cons to adopting a dog when you have kids.

Pros

• There’s a large variety to choose from. There are so many breeds of dogs that it’s easy to find one that fits your individual needs. Retrievers and Labradors, for instance, are very popular with kids.

• They’re loyal and make great companions. “Dogs are a man’s best friend” and they can be a child’s as well. In fact, the bond between a person and their childhood dog is often unmatched. Especially since dogs are well known for being loyal.

• You can train them. Dogs are highly trainable if you go about it the right way, and this can present a variety of benefits for people with kids. Including the ability for the dog to travel with the family, behave on a day to day basis, and be gentle with small children.

Cons

• They require a lot of attention. To raise a healthy, happy dog that will enrich your family life, you’ll have to put a lot of work in every single day. If your family life is already busy, or you have very small kids, this can be a challenge.

• There’s potential for injury. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying it’s unsafe to have a dog in a home with children. However, if the dog is improperly trained, the children don’t know how to behave appropriately around dogs, there is a risk of bites or scratches, and in extreme cases, more severe injuries.

• They can be loud. As I said earlier, we have a beagle and she can make a lot of noise. But beagles are far from the only breed prone to barking. So just keep that in mind, especially when you live in close quarters with other people.

2. Cats

Now, transitioning right into the other type of popular pets for kids, we have cats. I never had cats when I was growing up, and neither did my girls. But in recent years, my oldest has adopted three of them and my husband and I have also adopted several that needed emergency homes. And I must say, they’re very special animals.

Pros

• They’re relatively low maintenance. Cats, just like any other animal, still require attention and care. But overall, they require less work than dogs. Plus there’s no need for a yard and they can be happy in small homes versus dogs who need a lot of space.

• They don’t need to be trained. Even though an animal being trainable is technically a good thing, it does require a lot of effort. Cats are sort of the best of both worlds — they don’t require a lot of training and are pretty well behaved without it.

• They have a lot of personality. Every cat is different and this can be both endearing and fun. Many of them are affectionate and sweet, and can bring a lot of comfort to kids and adults alike.

Cons

• They can’t be trained in the same way as dogs. Remember how I said the fact cats don’t need training is a positive? Well, predictably, it’s also somewhat of a negative. Cats often have a mind of their own, which can present challenges.

• They require litter boxes. Litter boxes are a necessary part of owning a cat, but they can be stinky (although there are ways around this), they take up space, and small children could get into them and become sick without supervision.

• It’s hard to nail down their temperament. Cats rarely fit into the stereotypes of their breed if they have one, so it’s hard to know how your cat will behave until you spend time with it. Some cats aren’t cuddly while others are. Some like kids and some don’t. So do your due diligence by talking to the people you’re getting the cat from or by spending personal time with the cat before you adopt it — unless you’re ready to accept the cat regardless of personality.

3. Rabbits

Another somewhat popular type of pet for kids is the rabbit or bunny. Although they can be very special, unique, and rewarding pets, they need very specific care in order to stay healthy and happy, which many people underestimate. It’s important to understand the pros and cons of this pet to avoid making a choice you might regret.

Pros

• They’re very smart and can be affectionate. Rabbits are intelligent animals that can be trained to learn tricks. Plus, they can be loving and cuddly if raised in the right environment.

• They’re quiet. Rabbits don’t make much noise, so they’re ideal for families who live in close quarters with others, such as those renting apartments.

• They don’t eat meat. Rabbits are vegan animals, so if your family is vegan or vegetarian, they might be a good option if you prefer not to feed your pet animal products.

Cons

• They’re fragile. Rabbits are sensitive and physically delicate. If you have younger kids who might carry them roughly or drop them by accident, rabbits may not be the best choice until your children understand how to handle such a fragile creature.

• They need specific care. Rabbits need to be handled a certain way, fed a specific diet, and have access to enrichment activities and spaces to thrive. A lot of research and planning is required, as well as ongoing effort to keep them healthy.

• They can be expensive. Rabbits are social creatures, so it’s necessary to get them in pairs to give them the best life. That means double the supplies. Plus, they are prone to medical conditions, so expect vet bills.

4. Fish

Fish are another popular pet with a variety of options, much like dogs. They can’t be handled or cuddled, but present benefits other pets might not. Popular fish include goldfish, bettas, and tetras.

Pros

• They’re low maintenance. Fish are some of the most low maintenance pets, especially depending on the type you get. This makes it simple to teach kids how to care for them. They won’t take up much time and can reduce stress.

• They’re stress relieving. Studies show that watching fish swim can reduce stress and anxiety. So even though fish aren’t cuddly, kids can still benefit from having one.

• They’re a great learning opportunity. Fish offer a fun way to teach kids about aquatic life and science.

Cons

• There’s less interaction. Children can’t bond with fish the way they can with furry, cuddly pets. That can be a drawback if you don’t have other pets.

• They have short life spans. Fish live shorter lives than many pets. Simple mistakes like overfeeding or poor environment can cause early death. Be prepared to help your children grieve.

• They can be costly. Setting up an aquarium properly can be expensive at first. The stereotype of putting a fish in a bowl is unhealthy for the pet.

5. Guinea Pigs

Lastly, guinea pigs are a common pet for kids and often confused with hamsters. While similar, guinea pigs are hardier and more social, making them a better choice for children.

Pros

• They’re very social. Guinea pigs are friendly and can form strong bonds with owners. They also make vocal sounds like chirps when excited, which is endearing.

• They have unique personalities. Like dogs or cats, guinea pigs have distinct personalities that make bonding fun.

• They’re relatively low maintenance. They require care, but are easier to care for than dogs or rabbits. Feeding, play, and a clean environment are key.

Cons

• They do better in pairs. Like rabbits, guinea pigs thrive with a companion, so it’s best to adopt two. This means more work and cost.

• They can create odor and mess. Keeping their enclosure clean helps, but they produce a lot of waste. Some males mark territory with urine, which can smell.

• They’re somewhat fragile. While hardier than hamsters, guinea pigs are still small and need gentle handling. Best suited for kids who understand how to interact safely.

Final Thoughts

There are many more pets for kids I could discuss, but I don’t want to overload you with information. I might write a follow-up article about less popular pets later.

I hope you enjoyed reading about the pros and cons of these pets and that it helped you find one that fits your family’s needs.

Lastly, if you’re serious about introducing a pet to your child’s life, check out my article on preparing your child for their first pet.