10 Great First Pets

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If you’re looking for a pet to introduce to your family, there are plenty of great options available. Here are 10 great first pets:

1. Fish – Low maintenance and easy to care for, fish are a great option for families with busy schedules.

2. Hamsters – Cute and cuddly, hamsters are social animals that love to play.

3. Guinea pigs – Friendly and sociable, guinea pigs make great pets for children.

4. Rabbits – Soft and cuddly, rabbits are social animals that thrive on interaction with their owners.

5. Cats – Independent and low maintenance, cats make great companions for busy families.

6. Dogs – Loyal and loving, dogs make great pets for families with active lifestyles.

7. Birds – Colorful and entertaining, birds are great pets for families with plenty of space.

8. Hermit crabs – Low maintenance and easy to care for, hermit crabs are a unique pet option.

9. Snakes – While not for everyone, snakes can make great pets for families who are comfortable with them.

10. Lizards – Low maintenance and fascinating to watch, lizards are a great pet option for families with older children.

Pets

Pet Image Gallery If you’re considering getting a pet for your family for the first time, it’s important to look into the many different family-friendly animals available. Check out more pet pictures here.
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Parents with young children are likely to hear the familiar plea, “Can we get a [cat/dog/hamster/elephant]? Please, please, pretty please?” While the thought of taking care of a pet can be daunting, it can also be a rewarding experience for both child and parent. Owning a pet can teach children about responsibility and the importance of caring for others. Additionally, pets can provide a fulfilling bond for the entire family.

However, choosing the right pet is crucial. It’s a decision that should not be taken lightly. Whether it’s adoption fees, vet bills, food, toys, grooming, or cleanup, owning a pet requires a significant amount of responsibility and financial commitment.

Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of 10 great first pets to help you make an informed decision.

10: Hermit Crabs

Many children are fascinated by the way a hermit crab changes its shell.
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Hermit crabs make for interesting and low-maintenance pets. They are named for the shells they inhabit, which leaves only their front claws and eyes exposed. These crustaceans require fresh food and water daily, and a misting of water to keep them moist. A tank with gravel for the bottom is sufficient for housing. Children will need to pay attention to their behavior, as they molt regularly and require progressively larger shells as they grow. Hermit crabs are a great way to introduce children to responsible pet ownership.

9: Small Lizard

Consider a smaller type of lizard for your first pet.
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Small lizards can also make for interesting pets, but not all types of lizards are suitable for novice pet owners. Iguanas and Savannah monitors start out small and cute, but they grow into several feet in length and can inflict painful bites.

Instead, consider a leopard gecko or bearded dragon. These reptiles are good starter pets due to their docile nature, low-maintenance lifestyle, and small size. Although they are fragile as infants, they become hardy and resilient creatures once they reach adulthood.

8: Small Bird

Owning a small bird and cleaning its cage can teach a child responsibility.
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There are several types of small birds that can make for a good introduction to the world of pet care. Canaries, for example, don’t require a lot of attention and a pair of society finches can keep each other company.

All birds require regular cage cleaning and fresh food and water, as well as a spacious cage for flying and toys for entertainment. Small birds prefer calm and older children as sudden movements or loud noises can be stressful for them.

7: Gerbil, Hamster, or Mouse

Having a few mice in a cage is a typical example of a child’s initial pet. These three members of the rodent family are all considered classic pets for children. They are generally well-tempered, and their main necessities in life are food, water, a clean and comfortable cage, and a wheel for exercise. Most small rodents can be sufficiently socialized with at least five minutes of handling per day. Additionally, they are adorable. However, it is important to note that all three animals can easily escape through small holes, run quickly, and gnaw through certain types of cages, especially gerbils. So, it is essential to be vigilant when taking care of them.

6: Guinea Pig

Often overlooked in favor of their smaller relatives, these gentle rodents actually make excellent pets for kids. They rarely bite, enjoy playing hide and seek, and get excited when their humans are around. Since they prefer living in groups, it is recommended to adopt two female guinea pigs. Two males will fight, unless they come from the same litter, and a male/female pair will result in many offspring. Guinea pigs are also ideal for learning responsible pet ownership, especially if you are considering getting a bigger pet in the future. Longer-haired varieties are a good preview for dog or cat ownership since they require daily grooming to prevent tangles.

5: Rat

Domesticated rats are often overlooked, but they make great pets for kids. They are intelligent, affectionate, and self-cleaning. Fancy rats can easily learn tricks, enjoy playing with their humans, and are meticulous about grooming themselves. Like guinea pigs, they are very social, so getting a pair is the best option. Older kids can play with their pet rats unsupervised while younger kids should be attended, although rats rarely bite. They are low-maintenance and only require cage upkeep and daily feeding, along with regular playtime outside of the cage.

4: Betta Fish

Fish are another classic first pet if you choose the right one. Goldfish are a common choice, but they are fragile and require a complex tank-and-filter setup. Betta fish, on the other hand, are an excellent option. They are easy to care for and only require a small tank, making them perfect for kids. Decorating their bowl is almost as fun as watching them swim.

Betta fish are best kept in small bowls without a filter, and are known for their vibrant colors and flowing fins. Regular cleaning and water changes are necessary, and adding an aquatic snail can help control algae. It’s important to only keep one betta in a bowl, as they will fight to the death. Older dogs and cats from animal shelters are great starter pets, as they are typically more tolerant of children and already trained. Ant farms are a fun and educational way for kids to learn about ant life and society, although they do require some maintenance. Smaller nonvenomous snakes, such as corn snakes, can also make great pets for kids as long as they are properly housed and fed.

Additional Information

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5 Tips for Camping with Your Dog
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How to Choose Safe Rest Stops

Sources

Ant-Farms.com. “How to Care for Your Ants.” (March 4, 2011)http://www.ant-farms.com/taking-care-of-your-ants.html
ASPCA. “Caring for Guinea Pigs.” (March 1, 2011)http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/guinea-pig-care.aspx
Bertrand, Lynne. “First Pets for Kids: The Guinea Pig.” Wondertime.Com. (February 28, 2011)http://wondertime.go.com/life-at-home/article/first-pets-guinea-pig.html
Best Pet Lizard.com. “Choosing the Right Pet Reptile.” (March 1, 2011)http://bestpetlizard.com/
Cornett, Brandon. “Reptiles as Pets for Children: Tips for Parents.” (March 3, 2011)http://www.reptileknowledge.com/articles/article21.php
Davis, Ken. “10 Reasons to Adopt an Older Cat.” Canadian Federation of Humane Societies. February 2002. (February 28, 2011)http://cfhs.ca/athome/ten_reasons_to_adopt_an_older_cat/
Discover-Pet-Rats.com. “Simple Guide to Pet Rat Care!” (March 2, 2011)http://www.discover-pet-rats.com/pet-rat-care.html
Kauffmann, Melissa. “Top Pet Birds for Kids.” BirdChannel.com. (February 28, 2011)http://www.birdchannel.com/kids-bird-club/great-birds-for-kids/best-pet-birds-for-kids.aspx
Kennedy, Alix. “First Pets: Rats!” (March 2, 2011)http://wondertime.go.com/life-at-home/article/first-pets-rats.html
RASA Rescue. “Caring for Hamsters, Mice, and Gerbils.” (February 28, 2011)http://www.rasarescue.org/photos/hamstercare.pdf
The F.U.N. Place. “Hermit Crabs: A Guide.” (February 27, 2011)http://www.thefunplace.com/house/pets/hermit.html
Watkins, Anne Culbreath. “All About Betta Fish.” ChildrenToday.com. (March 3, 2011)http://www.childrentoday.com/articles/pets/the-beautiful-betta-fish-1824/

FAQ

1. What are some good first pets for children?

For children, itвЂ™s important to choose a pet that is low-maintenance and easy to care for. Some great options include fish, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits.

2. Are cats or dogs good first pets?

Cats and dogs require a lot of attention and care, so they may not be the best choice for a first pet. However, if your family is ready for the commitment, they can be wonderful companions.

3. What are some beginner-friendly reptiles?

If youвЂ™re interested in getting a reptile, some good options for beginners include leopard geckos, bearded dragons, and corn snakes. They are relatively easy to care for and donвЂ™t require a lot of space.

4. Are birds good first pets?

Birds can make great pets, but they do require a lot of attention and can be expensive to care for. If youвЂ™re interested in getting a bird, make sure you do your research and choose a species that is appropriate for your lifestyle.

5. What are some low-maintenance pets?

If you donвЂ™t have a lot of time to devote to pet care, some low-maintenance options include fish, hermit crabs, and tarantulas. These pets require minimal attention and can be a great way to introduce children to pet ownership.

6. Can you keep a snake as a first pet?

While snakes can make great pets, they may not be the best choice for a first-time pet owner. They require specialized care and handling, and some species can grow quite large.

7. What are some good pet options for apartments?

If you live in an apartment, you may want to consider a smaller pet that doesnвЂ™t require a lot of space. Some good options include fish, hamsters, and cats (if your building allows them).

8. Are rodents good pets?

Rodents can make great pets, especially for children. They are easy to care for and can be very social and affectionate. Some good options include rats, mice, and guinea pigs.

9. What are some good pet options for people with allergies?

If you or someone in your household has allergies, you may want to consider a hypoallergenic pet. Some good options include certain breeds of dogs (such as poodles and schnauzers) and hairless cats.

10. What are some exotic pet options?

If youвЂ™re interested in something a little more unusual, some exotic pet options include sugar gliders, hedgehogs, and chinchillas. However, itвЂ™s important to do your research and make sure you can provide the specialized care these animals require.