Children and pets just seem to naturally go together. But furry, feathered, or finned friends can offer much more than just companionship. Children who help care for their family pets develop positive character traits that last a lifetime. These include responsibility, compassion, empathy, accountability, resourcefulness, and most importantly, the ability to love unconditionally.
But parents should be realistic about what will set their children up for success in caring for pets. Expecting too little defeats the purpose while expecting too much can overwhelm a child. Plus, it’s also important to make sure that your pet has the temperament to be patient with a little helper. So, it’s vital that whatever pet you choose to bring home is receptive and patient with kids.
Care Routines Should Be Age Appropriate
Because children model their behavior by watching their parents, they are never too young to witness you caring for a fur baby. They’ll learn from you that it’s never okay to pull pets’ tails or be rough with them. But, at what point can children actually become hands-on with pet care? It’s actually much younger than you might think.
Preschool-aged children are at the ideal age to give a pet a treat and to pet them gently from head to tail. They can also help hold the end of the leash as long as Mom and Dad also have a hand on it for better control and to make sure your pet (if large enough) doesn’t pull the little one off of his or her feet.
Kids in elementary school can step up into more of a caregiver role. From ages 6 to 8, they’re ready teach simple commands, play fetch, and brush their cat or dog. At this page, they are also able to walk small dogs. Those ages 8 to 11 can walk a pet, groom them, bathe them, feed them, and even clean litter boxes independently. By the time kids reach middle and high school, they are able to become their pet’s primary caregiver.
Primary Ways Kids Can Help with Pet Care
Feeding: Kids of all ages can help with feeding, including prepping food, filling bowls and getting treats. Plus, teaching your child that pets need a routine can be helpful in their own development and teaches them that they must be a dedicated pet owner for the welfare of the animal they love.
Water: All pets need constant access to fresh, clean water. Kids of all ages can help by making sure water dishes are full, even if it’s just to tell Mom or Dad when they’re low. Having them check watering stations at the same time each day, for instance right after school, also drives home the point that pets are a daily commitment.
Elimination areas: While no one really relishes cleaning out a litter box or picking up dog waste from the backyard, it is a vital part of pet care. Let your kids help with this task where and when appropriate, and teach them the importance good hand hygiene after the task is done.
Grooming: Brushing a pet is typically an enjoyable experience for both the groomer and the pet. In addition to brushing, many pets also need their nails trimmed and teeth brushed. While nail trimming and teeth brushing might be best reserved for older children, kids as young as five can learn to brush a pet gently and thoroughly.
Exercise and playtime: How many times have we looked at our children and wished we had their energy? Put that energy to good use by having them set aside time each day to exercise your pet. Dogs love a good romp in the backyard and a couple of ball tosses, while cats can benefit from chasing some feathers on a string attached to a stick. This exercise benefits both the child and the pet!
Training: Children and pets are more successful with short training sessions of about two to five minutes each day. This teaches children the importance of positive reinforcement and is something they will very likely carry over into their roles as adult pet owners and parents.
Creative scenarios: We’ve all seen images of the orange tabby who sits calmly at a child’s tea party or the basset hound who likes to be dressed up for Halloween. Let your children interact with their pets in ways that get both of their minds working. This can include anything from setting up an obstacle course around the house to playing hide and seek. The most important lesson to learn here is the difference between a pet’s playful mood and when they become agitated. That ensures all creative playtime memories are happy ones.
Let Your Child Attend a Veterinarian Visit
Teaching your child from an early age the importance of keeping a pet healthy is paramount to your child in them becoming a successful pet owner in the future. Invite them to join you and your pet for a routine vet visit. They’ll be able to watch a wellness examination, see their pet get their pet shots (explain why that’s important) and see the vet praise your pet for being a good patient. This only applies if your pet doesn’t have extreme anxiety during a vet visit. If so, sometimes having children present can heighten their discomfort. Also, start with routine visits, versus bringing kids along in cases of illness or injury — especially for younger children.
At the Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics, we can help guide you on ways your child can help with pet care to ensure they both benefit from a wonderful relationship.
