Is Your Child Ready for a Pet?

A six-year-old should be mature enough to understand the responsibility of pet ownership and will benefit greatly from the bond created by such a relationship. That said, I recommend starting small--begin with a low-maintenance pet, such as a goldfish or hamster. You can work your way up to a cat or dog as soon as your child proves to be reliable and kind with the pet.

If you choose to jump right into cat or dog companions, keep in mind that a six-year-old may not be able to handle all of the necessary tasks. Feeding, sanitation and dog walks really need to be taken care of by an adult. The child can be responsible for grooming and daily play.

I suggest that parents tell their children the new pet is theirs on a trial basis only, just in case it must be returned due to health problems or allergic reactions among family members. It's a good idea to bring a kitten or puppy to a veterinarian before bringing him home--it's very hard to return a pet once you've given him a name and he's slept all night in your six-year-old's bed.

It's the vet's job to detect any congenital deformities, such as a heart murmur, patellar luxation (trick knee), patent foramen (soft spot on cranium) or retained testicles, to name just a few. I suggest bringing your child to this initial exam so that he or she can see the importance of the pet's health and ask the vet questions about caring for the pet. Most breeders or pet shops will give you 48 hours to return the pet if he's found unfit, although some state laws (lemon laws) allow a full 14 days.

You have to be careful to choose the right pet since you wouldn't want what is probably your child's first exposure to an animal to be a negative experience. If adopting a pet from a shelter, most workers can direct you to one they know to be child-friendly. If purchasing a dog or cat, choose a breed known to be good with children--golden retrievers, pugs or shih tzus are your best bet with dogs; if you'd prefer a cat, you'll probably have the most luck with a Persian, Himalayan or Scottish fold.

Remember to supervise your child with the pet to be sure that all is going well. Don't assume that your child and the pet will treat each other respectfully. A dog or a cat will protect himself against a child who has decided to use him as target practice or a soccer goal post. Of course, it's also up to you, the parent, to display to your child the appropriate way of treating animals.

FYI
It may not surprise you to learn that studies have linked abusing animals at a young age to criminal behavior as an adult. In some elementary schools, local policemen or firemen provide seminars on kindness to animals with the long-range goal of creating law-abiding citizens.

Dr. Peter Kross, DVM, has had his own veterinary practice, the Rivergate Veterinary Clinic in New York City, since 1989. He lives in Manhattan with his three white boxers, Buchanan, Wilhelmina and Laila.