The Animals That Make The Best Family Pets
If you and your family adore animals, then it’s inevitable that you’ll eventually get a pet. Their love and companionship can fill a hole that you didn’t even know was there, and give your kids plenty of happy memories to treasure forever.
Of course, when it comes to pets, it’s not a case of one size fits all. The animal that’s right for you and your family won’t be the same as the animal that’s right for someone else.
Unless you’ve got your heart set on something, in particular, you might not be sure which pet is right for you. In which case, this selection of the best family pets ought to be a useful resource.
Dogs
The most popular family pet by far, dogs could make a great addition to your home for several reasons. They’re typically mild-mannered, friendly animals who have all the energy and excitement to match that of your children. Plus, there are so many different breeds of dog out there that it’s easy to find one which works best for you, especially if you use this tool.
Obviously, compared to some pets, dogs require a lot of care and attention, so you need to be prepared for plenty of responsibility. If you don’t have the time to walk and play with them every day, they might not be the best choice. However, if that’s not an issue, then a dog could be the perfect pet to put a smile on your kids’ faces.
Cats
Usually, if an animal lover’s not a dog person, they’re a cat person. Much like canines, these pets also come in many different breeds, some of which may be more suited to your family dynamic than others.
However, they’re far more independent than man’s best friend, and therefore, they don’t require quite so much responsibility on your part. This makes them an excellent pet if you want an animal companion who’s relatively loyal and loving – some cats live for affection, others don’t – but you have a very busy life.
Although they can be vicious sometimes, and you’ll need to teach your kids not to be too playful with them, they’re definitely worth having around.
Fish
If you’re not quite ready for the full-time commitment of a dog, fish can be an excellent pet to opt for instead. You don’t have to take them for walks or worry about playing with them; you just have to feed them regularly.
Perhaps the biggest downside of having fish is the necessity to keep cleaning their tank, which can take a bit of effort. However, aside from that, they’re relatively low hassle and can provide great entertainment for children. Watching the colourful fish swim around will easily distract them, and there’s a suggestion this could benefit their mental wellbeing too.
Any parents who are new to owning fish might be overwhelmed by what to buy for these pets and how to take care of them. Don’t worry, though. You can find information on what tank filter to get, how to clean the water without harming your fish, and more at Aquarist Club UK. Consider this your ultimate resource for all things fish so that you never have any trouble being a good parent to your aquatic pet.
Guinea Pigs
Plenty of people consider hamsters to be a good first pet for kids because they’re relatively low maintenance. However, their short lifespan and nocturnal tendencies mean that they’re not necessarily the best choice for a family pet. Guinea pigs, on the other hand, are far better suited to this.
Similar to hamsters but larger and more playful, they make a great addition to most homes. They can be easily startled, so it’s important that children know not to be too boisterous around them. Plus, they love to explore, so you’ll need to be able to let them out of their cage and monitor them every day. However, as long as you’re prepared to handle this alongside the regular grooming, you and your children should thoroughly enjoy having them around.
Rabbits
Similar to guinea pigs, rabbits love to get around, though this can make them quite troublesome animals. They won’t be afraid to go places or eat things they shouldn’t if you don’t keep an eye on them, so they can be quite a handful.
However, while they might be a little mischievous, they’re also very intelligent and loving creatures. Your children can have a lot of fun playing with these animals, so long as they’re careful not to be too full-on at times. Some rabbits don’t like to be picked up, so be sure your kids understand this to avoid any unpleasantness. You can understand more about this and other rabbit welfare tips through the RSPCA website.
Families don’t need pets to be complete. However, if you and your kids are eager for an animal companion, then their presence can really bring everything together. They’re a recipe for love and happiness.
