ive got a 5 year lod and 3 year old and they r chewing my ear off about a pet, wot pet would be best for them and obviously quite friendly
2006-11-07 04:20:19 · 55 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
i would start them off with a couple of goldfish. very easy to look after and clean out.
2006-11-07 04:23:35 · answer #1 · answered by david429835 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Well firstly no pet should be in the responsibility of the children. You will be the one who feeds them, cleans them...etc. So it is up to YOU. Is that what you want? I would encourage children to be brought up around animals because they are likely to like animals when they are older and pass their love of animals onto their kids. Having animals around is just lovely! I have lived with animals all my life and I'm really pleased that my parents have brought me up that way. They DO teach kids how to become reponsible (I'm 16 now and have 11 guinea pigs, a rabbit and a hedgehog). If you do decide to go ahead and get them a pet - you need to supervise them at all times. I know a 4 year old and a 2 year old and the mum just lets them play rough with the puppy - and you can see it is scared of them. You need to protect the pets from the kids and make sure they are gentle with them.
Now for the type of pet I would personally say either a dog or guinea pig. These are my two favourite pets. I have a rabbit and they just HATE to be held. The only downsides are dogs have to be walked and are in need of a lot of attention and guinea pigs are skittish at first (but most become tame and friendly). Oh and guinea pigs don't bite (well I've had over 40 in my lifetime and never been bitten!)
2006-11-07 04:45:40 · answer #2 · answered by Trina 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Normally I would say a rat because they are adorable and if they are treated right will never bite and love humans. But 5 is generally the minimum age for a small animal or rodent. I also would not go with a dog or a cat because they will cause a lot of work for you. I'd have to say a fish because they can't get at it to hurt it, and they will probably accidentally hurt any other animal. If they think that fish are boring, then I'd go back to a rodent. Maybe a Guinea pig, because they are almost as smart and friendly as rats and are much larger and less delicate.
Good luck!
2006-11-08 05:05:37 · answer #3 · answered by Emily 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A dog. A nice loyal companion who you can take on walks, down the park and they're always loads of fun. Although dont get one if you're out for long times or go away often.
I recommend re-homing one from Guide Dogs for the Blind (costs about £200) - you can get a younger dog (generally a Golden Labrador, or Retriever) who is quite trained, but just missed out on becoming a guide dog because they get distracted easily or are scared of something etc.
Secondly you re-home an older dog that has retired from being a guide dog - they're obviously very well trained.
If you've got the time and the comittment i'd definately get the dog, but otherwise maybe a hamster.
Hope this helps.
2006-11-07 04:30:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has to be the right time for you despite their moaning. You have to be able to take care of a pet because they will not commit to everyday care no matter how much they promise you. Personally I am against rabbits, guinea pigs etc as I don't believe in caging animals and I can assure you, the children will lose interst in a couple of weeks. This is a fact - I have heard it time and time again! A cat is lower maintenance than a dog as it can be left for much longer time than a dog. They can be really loving and a joy as they sit on your lap, purr, play etc. But bear in mind the vets bills. A pet is extra money. Having said all that, a pet is a lovely thing to have especially with young children. I have a cat and two dogs and two young children.
2006-11-07 06:19:17 · answer #5 · answered by helen p 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The choice of animal depends on your family. A hampster is good ( we have two) as although they require a lot of handeling to start with they reqire little care and spend most of there time in there cage and sleep all day.
A dog would be good if you are an active family, dont mind walking it in all weathers, and dont mind picking up poo. We also have a dog and the kids have a lot of respect for him and there for really enjoy the trials and tribulations that come with owning a dog.
What ever choice you go with think it through carefully and then you will love it and in return it will love you and your family. Hope it all works out for you and your family are happy with there new pet.
2006-11-07 08:58:05 · answer #6 · answered by madhouse 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely NOT a Guinea Pig. They are not children's pets no matter how many pet store owners or people try to convinse you otherwise. Guinea Pigs are much more difficult to care for properly than most people realise AND they can live up to 8 yrs if taken care of properly. This is not a short term pet, this is a long term commitment that takes diligent effort.
2006-11-07 15:54:47 · answer #7 · answered by everly_dawn 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
first pet for little people, how about fish or a turtle? i don't reccomend a dog that the 3 yr old is going to get too rough with and get bitten, and a cat will scratch them. if the children were older that would be different, but i'd bet your pretty busy trying to keep track of your kids. you can't watch them every single second. and on that note, do you need a dog that will need walking and cleaning up after? and dogs and cats leave hair besides. fish are alot of fun to watch. not to mention relaxing. alot of people seem to enjoy having turtles, although i've never had one. and your 5 yr old could bring it for show and tell.
2006-11-07 04:58:31 · answer #8 · answered by Isis Is: HOPEFULL HOUNDS RESCUE 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When my daughter was 4 yrs. old she wanted a pet. So, we got her a gold fish. Why? Because it was low maintenance but it was her responsibiltiy to make sure it was fed on time, given the right amount and to clean it, with my supervision. When she proved to us that she could care for a pet, which was about 6 mos. later, we relinquished and got her a kitten. It was still her responsibility and she did really well with it. She started to balk a littel about cleaning the litter box but we explained to her that the kitty likes to have a clean place to go potty just like she does. It worked. She is now a huge pet lover and she is 33 yrs. old. Good luck!!
2006-11-07 05:05:52 · answer #9 · answered by Bren 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dog if you have front yard and back yard for it and time to train it! Don't let the pet be the babysitter!
I think the two kids are still to young for a pet dog or cat. I think you should wait 2 more years. Just tell them you cannot afford a pet right now. And can you afford a pet right now anyways?
Don't want to get a pet and then deal with allergies kids might get, more cash needed.
Just take them to the zoo each month.
2006-11-07 04:32:32 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Hi Gillian,
A goldfish, is always the best starter pet for any kid. And it really depeneds on what you want in your house if you were going to go further with a dog, or cat maybe? Hampsters are also great pets if they want one that they can pick up and cuddle, this builds up their responsabily for things usually, but yea goldfish and hampsters are the best starter pet-if that all goes well then it would really be up to you waht else you would have in your house. But Good Luck with whatever you do!
~Cameron~
2006-11-07 05:16:19 · answer #11 · answered by § gαввαηα § 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋