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Things to Consider When Choosing a Pet for Kids

Zack the zookeeper and Tiger

Choosing the perfect pet for your kids is a crucial decision for the entire family. Here’s how you can make the right decision.

perfect pet for your kids | Tiger and Tim

Have you and your family decided to get a pet? That’s great! Now your kids can have their own Tigers to watch our videos with! But choosing the right pet for your family may be a tricky one. There are different things that a family should consider before deciding on the kind of pet that will be the latest addition to your family. It’s a decision that’s more difficult to make than choosing what to watch on YouTube Kids!

However, there’s no need to fret – I will guide you in choosing the best Tiger for your kids. Save the funny videos for later because we need to get to work!

So here are some things to consider when choosing a pet for your kids and the whole family.

  1. Your child’s age

Your child’s age | Tiger and Tim

If you are getting a pet specifically for your kids, then their age would play a factor. Ideally, kids would need to be a little older, about 5 to 6 years old, so that they would have a better understanding of what it means to have their pet. Preschoolers can also take on some chores surrounding their pets. However, younger kids, especially very curious toddlers, may find it difficult to differentiate a pet from a toy, which may lead to some safety issues in the future.

A good way to gauge your kid’s readiness is to watch videos about taking care of pets and talking about what they need to do when they get their furry friend.

  1. History of allergies

History of allergies | Tiger and Tim

Having an animal companion is tons of fun – just like our funny videos for kids! But it wouldn’t be much enjoyable if your little ones are allergic to their new buddy. Pet fur and dander are common allergens that can trigger allergies, asthma, or eczema. If you think that allergies will be a concern, you can check with your child’s paediatrician or with a veterinarian first for some expert advice.

  1. Level of care of different animals

Level of care of different animals | Tiger and Tim

Different pets would require different types and levels of care. I can be pretty high maintenance (apologies, Tim!), but some animals are not. Before getting a pet, consider how much time your family has when caring for an animal. 

Dogs and cats (and Tigers, too) require daily attention such as feeding, clean-up, and exercise. On the other hand, pets such as birds, fish, turtles, guinea pigs, and hamsters would not be as demanding.  You can do some research with your kids on YouTube or other online resources to know how much care a pet would need.

  1. Family’s budget

Family’s budget | Tiger and Tim

Another thing to consider when getting a pet is your family’s budget. Some pets are more expensive than others and would also require special care. Vitamins, vaccinations, and grooming are also things to be considered when getting a pet. The pet your kids would get should also depend on the family’s finances.

  1. Pet’s age

Pet’s age | Tiger and Tim

The age of the pet you are planning to get is another thing to think about. A younger pet, like a puppy or a kitten, might be too playful or animated for younger kids, which could lead to some unintentional bites or scratches. Older pets, on the other hand, might have a gentler disposition and temperament. However, it would be best to avoid older pets raised in a household without children, as they may not be accustomed to younger humans. Pets would be more fun for kids when their personalities match. Watch videos or read up on these things before settling on your children’s animal buddy.

age of the pet you are planning to get | Tiger and Tim

A pet is not just a pet – your kids will treasure those memories with their loving companions for the rest of their lives. Therefore, choosing the right pet for your family is crucial and needs to be thought about and discussed thoroughly.

That is it for this week, cool cats! We are currently working on something really cool for our next episode so stay tuned for that. If you’ve been missing us (aww, we miss you, too!), you can watch our funny videos for kids uploaded on our YouTube channel. See you again soon, kids and grown-ups!

Tiger xoxoxo