What is the best age to get a child thier first dog or cat?

Question

My husband and I are thinking of getting our daughter her first pet for christmas and she is 3.

Answer 1

Do not get a puppy!!!

Get one that is about 1 - 2 years old that already has a good personality and less likely to be too hyper. Check Petfinders!! Plenty out there. Rescues can tell you all about the pet and make sure they are a good fit for you and your family. Rescues also let you bring them back to them if it doesn't work out. That way you don't have the guilt of getting rid of them.

Answer 2

First of all, Walkinglady is right about Christmas being the worst time. I do think though if you've been considering this for a while and given it some serious thought (as well as what type of breed, where to purchase it, how to care for it, etc.) then it would be ok.

I have always had pets so my son has grown up with them. Any age is fine as long as you supervise all interaction between the child and the dog. Also, if you go to a rescue organization, all the dogs are temperament tested and they'll be able to show you dogs who have proven to tolerate little ones. At the same time, start educating your child on how to treat pets and that she needs to be gentle, that there are certain areas on a dogs body that you don't pet, etc. Your child can watch how you handle the dog, feed it, give it fresh water, clean up after it, brush it, etc and pretty soon you'll have a helper. I don't think you expect your daughter to care for it now as others thought though.

You"ll be fine as long as you have done your research and are sure this is what you want. Might want to think about maybe a dog that's already house trained. You can find lots of dogs just around a year old that need homes. Might be easier then having to worry about dog pee and kids toys on the floor. Also, you may want to wait until the festivities are over and there's no company left from the holidays before bringing the dog home. It can be one last surprise once Christmas has ended.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Christmas is the worst time to bring a new pet into the family. Things are too hectic, too many people around, not enough time to properlt look after a very young animal which will already be stressed out. It would be much better to wait until a few weeks into the new year.

As for the age, I believe that depends on you and your 3 year old. A 3 year old is much too young if you expect her to take responsibility. However, if you want the pet, and are going to take the time to teach her and help her to look after her pet, I'd say it's a great idea! My kids had dogs since they were born, the dogs were mine but they helped look after them. The relationship between a child and an animal is wonderful - I feel sorry for kids who are deprived of that experience - it adds so much to a child's life.

As long as you know that you're the primary care-giver, get your daughter a pet - she's old enough to benefit from the love you get from a cat or dog.

Answer 4

i say whenever your family is ready for the responsability of one.

I have always had pets from the day I was born, and the same goes for my daughter, I cannot imagine not having a dog in the house. You do have to surpervise constatly becuase 3 year olds can be a little rough. My DD is 2 and adores hers dogs she does try to make them be babies and cover them up with blankets (the dogs actually love it lol) they are spoiled.

I don't think Christmas is necessarily bad but be prepared to pay jacked up prices for puppies if you are adopting then that won't be a problem. Just make sure that the puppy gets the attention he or she needs, (Lots like a baby)

Answer 5

Three is way too young for a child to have a pet. At that age, they still don't understand the consequences of all their actions. It would be very easy for a child to injure a pet, or get injured themselves.

Children of that age should not be left unsupervised with pets, no matter how much you trust them!

If you wait about two years, then the child will be a little more responsible and can even help with feeding and taking care of the pet.

Answer 6

I was 2yrs old when my parents bought me my first dog. I was allowed to go to the pet store and pick out which puppy I wanted (all dogs were from the same litter). I remember I did torture my dog at times (like pull its hair and pull her by her tail), I know I was mean, but my dog put up with the abuse, lol. Just remember, depending on how big of a dog you get, will depend on how long they live for. My first dog passed away when I was 14yrs old, and it was heartbreaking for me to the point I purchased another one within a few months. A dog will be great for a younger child, becuase it gives them a playmate and the puppy will be able to keep up with the kid. They will both be exausted at the end of the day.

Answer 7

I believe that when a child is around 3 or 4 they are ready to start
learning how to be responsible for a pet.

Answer 8

Pets as Christmas presents + kids = DISASTER

If you are a serious future dog owner wait until January and look how many full blooded pups end up in the pound because the cuteness wore off 2 days after Christmas.

Puppies poop and also tend to teethe on unsupervised 3 year olds who jerk them around like stuffed animals.

Answer 9

Personally, I think that it is a little too early. I think children should be introduced to pets when they are old enough to understand that having one will be a part of their daily lives, and the responsibilities that come with a pet. They need to understand the necessity of care towards the animal and that includes cleaning, feeding and all sorts, not just the cuddly bits. I would wait until your daughter is around 5 or 6.

Answer 10

My daughter had a dog the second she was born. By then my dog was 4. Let's not forget that it happens in reverse too, and that a dog often gets a new human via the birth of a new child.