Should I get a pet before or after my baby is born?

Answer 1

Wait until after. You may not want one after realizing how much of a demand babies are!

Answer 2

100% before! If its something like a cat or a dog, you want it completely trained BEFORE the baby comes. Also, if it is still young, you can social it properly to the baby. It it get into a routine BEFORE baby it will be easier then trying to take care of a baby AND train something. It its a small pet or something that is caged, still do it before, so YOU can get into the maintenance routine. Just give yourself enough time before the baby comes. Also remember that kittens and puppies need a LOT of attention for a shorter period of time then babies. You can socialize, train and bond with your new pet in a few months, it takes a few years to do that with a baby. I'd get the pet no more then 5 mts before your due date, after that, wait until the child is about 5 years old.

A dog will not have a hard time adjusting to a baby, especially if it is under a year old. That is, unless you're irresponsible and let your dog be dominant over you and the house. That is when "dogs are aggressive with babies"... my dogs are NOT dominant and have been socialized with children of all ages since they were YOUNG. I would not recommend an adult dog around young children. This is the well being of your home and child, are you REALLY going to trust that someone else has done an adequate job? Do it yourself so your dog is socialized the way YOU want him. My big dog, a husky mix, has walked around with a 14 month old toddler holding onto his tail for support in learning to walk. WHY? Because he knows that he can not harm children. If he ran, she would have fallen. This is because I trained him how I wanted him.

If you go for a dog, don't get one that is very small, remember that the baby will eventually be a toddler and can seriously injure a small dog. Same goes for cats, but cats can usually get to a safe place out of reach.

Untrained adult cats can be equally jealous and dangerous to children as untrained adult dogs. Jealous or dominant cats can also pee all over the place to assert them dominance... rrrh!

Although many of these answers think it is ok to get a kitten or a puppy when the child is still young (1 year - 4 years) it is neglectful of the pet. You can not chase after a toddler AND train a young animal. You can do it while pregnant. Small to medium breeds of dogs as well as cats are adult size and need less attention after 5-6 months old. You can not fairly put a young animal as a distant second during this time. Also, the stress of being flopped on, poked at, hurt, bit, pulled, picked up etc by a toddler can cause your new pet to turn into a shy, scared or unpredictable animal.

Definitely before or after 5 years.

Answer 3

I have a full grown boxer, and a 2 month old boxer female. They have a pet door, they do not potty in the house or make any mess. Might chew a Barbie from time to time but that's about it.

I have always had pets. I have a huge fenced yard and I still walk them 2 times a day. I'm 18 weeks pregnant with Baby 3, and my son will walk them after I'm not able or too busy ( he's 15) .I see nothing wrong with getting a pet. but its whatever you think you can handle .

Just make sure it has good temperament, a non aggressive breed, but not a little ankle biter either.

I would wait until after to make sure its really what you want.

Answer 4

If you really want one, wait till after. best don't get a kitten or puppy. Get a dog that is a bit older and has been around babies before.
I have a six month old daughter + a dog and 2 cats. And to be really honest: Ever since my daughter was born they really annoy me. Babies are a lot of work and it takes a while to get used to being a mum and not getting much sleep. I'm still trying.
Wait a few month after your baby is born and then see how you feel.

Answer 5

Get one after the baby is born, then the pet,especially if its a dog will love the baby.

Also for children, contrarily to what many people think, a pet gives them increased immunity from many illnesses, particularly Asthma- THAT IS TRUE!

Answer 6

After. For two reasons:

1) You may decide you have your hands full after the baby arrives.

2) If you get the pet first, it may feel jealous and that the baby is an invasion to its territory. Better to let the pet bond with the baby, than the other way around.

Answer 7

You'll be the one that needs petting after a couple of sleepless nights walking the floor with junior .. so just pet your man before your baby is born so he takes his turn.

Answer 8

The past nine months have been the only time in my life I have not had an animal. I love it! I feel like I have been stripped of all responsibility....Until the baby is born atleast. My husband wants a dog but I think it is best to enjoy the baby while you can and then when they are old enough to defend themselves from a puppy or kitten then that would work! I would wait!

Answer 9

you should wait untill after the baby as having a baby is hard work and also pets love attention and if you get a pet that gets used to the attention, depending on what pet it is then they some times can attack the baby or other people because the attention is off them and there not used to it!!!

Answer 10

I would wait til after. I always want a pet before my baby is born, then lose the desire after my baby is born.

Answer 11

After.... wait and see how much time your baby occupies first. Pets become a hassle when there's a new baby in the house.