Pets can teach their humans (especially the kids!) so much. Responsibility, compassion, loyalty and exercise are all among the benefits of kids who grow up with a pet. Oh, and a best friend!

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Responsibility

Looking after a pet requires you to care for them, so kids who grow up with a pet often learn to be more responsible than those who don’t. This involves walking them, cleaning up after them, feeding them, topping up water bowls and playing with them. Get your child involved in caring for their pet and they will learn how to be responsible. Hopefully, this will set your child up to be responsible for themselves and pick up their toys and put away their dishes.

Respect and compassion

While most kids want to play non-stop, pets aren’t always so inclined. Having a family pet is great for teaching your kids respect and compassion. Kids who grow up with a pet will learn when enough is enough, how to appropriately play with a dog or cat, how to be gentle and not demanding. For other pets, such as lizards or birds, it will teach them not to grab or demand things as often lizards don’t want to play chase and birds don’t want to be put on a leash!

Loyalty and trust

Pets, especially dogs, are very loyal. They love their family unconditionally and will listen and follow them around to no end. Kids who grow up with a pet can build and learn how to show their own sense of loyalty to their pet and their family. Children often trust pets and having a furry family member can be a great way to encourage kids to be more open and trusting in general.

Physical activity

While some pets, such as fish or reptiles, might not be super active, others are, such as dogs. A family dog will set your child up with a regular exercise routine and encourage them to spend more time outdoors or at the park, instead of in front of the TV.

Patience and consistency

Kids who grow up with a pet will learn to be patient with a new pet as they settle into their new home and give them the space your pet needs to feel comfortable. Training your pet will require much patience and consistent effort as well, as pets often don’t learn something first time round.

Social skills

Kids who grow up with a pet will learn to be more social and talk to other kids in the park with pets. Pets are wonderful icebreakers and can also be beneficial in calming down distressed kids as they seek comfort from a pet.

And the best reason of all is your child’s first pet will often be their best friend! If you’re thinking of getting a pet, our top five best first pets for kids is a great place to start. Or maybe you want a dog, but are unsure of what the best dog breed is for your family. Our Dog Breed Selector will match your unique lifestyle to a dog breed that’s perfect for you.