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2006-11-28 23:48:15 · 19 answers · asked by angelalovespopcorn 1 in Pets Other - Pets

19 answers

First, it depends on the child. Is your child gentle with smaller children and other people's pets? Second, I think every child needs the opportunity to be taught how to treat animals. If you've not already started, you need to hop on it! Being kind to animals (and other children!) is both "caught and taught!" Show them by example, as well as put it into words, how they should hold an animal, and how to responds when the animal bites, claws, squirms, whatever. I would also make sure to never, ever leave your child unattended with a pet at this age. I know it sounds extreme, and you can work your way up to unattended, but you have to be able to trust the reaction of both the animal and the child, and sometimes animals are unpredictable! I would NOT start with a puppy or kitten at this age. I love dogs, but I am very partial to cats and think they are great teachers of children. My recently departed 17 1/2 yr. old cat taught a great many children how to treat cats (they learned to respect her, that's for sure!) Look for an easy-going adult cat to adopt. It's much easier for a kitten to be adopted out than an adult, so you could be saving a life! Spend a lot of time with the animal first, so you get a better picture of temperament. Some breeds are more laid-back than others, as well. Males are generally more loving and gentle, but not always. Cage pets are fun for older children, but a cat or dog that really interacts with the family has the most impact. Good luck!

2006-11-29 01:02:22 · answer #1 · answered by DD 1 · 0 0

For sure, you are going to care for this pet. You should get a pet that fits YOUR lifestyle and not the child's. A small 5 or 10 gallon fish tank kit ($less than $100 all in) with fancy goldfish (cold water - no heater needed) would be great as feeding is once a day and care is monthly water change of 30% of the volume. They kinda just swim around and hang out but to watch them is very soothing for humans. I am guessing that a 3 year-old may need to settle now and then... hehehe... I have 4 kids, been there... GOOD LUCK!

2006-11-28 23:54:57 · answer #2 · answered by 6kidsANDalwaysFIXINGsomething 4 · 1 0

No pets are suitable for a 3 year olf in my opinion.

You're the one who is going to have to look after the pet.

That being said if you're intent on getting a pet, I would reccomend a fish or something the child cannot hurt. Small animals are a nono. Little children should not be in contact with them.

2006-11-29 00:40:13 · answer #3 · answered by lunar_flame 3 · 0 0

RATS...I bought my son pet rats when he was 3. For his birthday. He loves them. They are VERY social, Very affectionate and trainable. They don't bite or nip like hamsters and mice do. And are smaller and less smelly than guinea pigs.They snuggle and cuddle and are really great pets. They only live about 3 years or so, so it's not a life long commitment. They are easy to feed, easy to train, and very entertaining. They are sturdy enough for a 3 year old to hold and play with.

We are on our 2nd "batch" of rats. They ARE social, so you can't have just 1....we have 3 males. The first 3 we bought, when my son was 3, died of "old age" a few months ago....he just turned 7...so now we have 3 more baby boys, and we just love them!!

Do some research, and see how sweet they are. The "ewwww" factor goes away once you hold them and they "purr" at you!! Fancy rats are domesticated, they don't have creepy faces, they have sweet little mouse faces!! And they come in about any color you want!!

Hope this helps,
Melissa

2006-11-29 00:00:03 · answer #4 · answered by lissakitten22 2 · 0 0

A gold fish or two in a 2.5 gallon tank that is easy to take care of is a good start. I would wait until the child is 6 or 7 to get a dog or cat. Depending on how responsible the child is. And how much work you want to do.

2006-11-28 23:56:58 · answer #5 · answered by Barbiq 6 · 1 0

The only pet i would buy for a 3 year old would be a fish.

2006-11-28 23:57:51 · answer #6 · answered by Quizzler 2 · 1 0

A guineapig. Unlike a rabbit guineapigs are easier to handle as they often just sit still and don't kick with their back legs. Guineapigs also don't need as much exercise as a rabbit. A guineapig can be entertaining as it squeaks when happy and 'whistles' when hungry so this can help the child learn about needs etc. Guineapigs need cleaning out a few times a week and are most often well natured and easy to care for.
Good luck with finding a good pet :)

2006-11-28 23:52:01 · answer #7 · answered by Christian S 2 · 0 0

if your up to dealing with a dog, which would mean you actually have 2 toddlers underfoot, take your 3 yr old to a shelter and let the associates help you pick a dog that will suit your lifestyle. fish might be a good starter pet and minimal work for you.

2006-11-29 01:16:09 · answer #8 · answered by Isis Is: HOPEFULL HOUNDS RESCUE 6 · 0 0

A 2 year old!

2006-11-29 00:10:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

a dog! the child will grow up with it and it will be its best friend. later on he/she could teach it tricks and it could look after your child like a sort of guard.
i would recomend these dogs:
afghan hound
airedale terrier
american foxhound
border collie
they are all great with small children and make good guard dogs too!
bullmastiff
cavalier king charles spaniel
english foxhound
english setter
french spaniel
german shorthaired pointer
german longhaired pointer
greyhound
labrador
poodle
thai ridgeback
they are great with children and make good guard dogs too!

2006-11-29 00:05:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0 1

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