You always remember your first family pet. As a young child, they were one of your best friends. It’s only fair that your own children get to experience the unconditional love of a pet. Here are five animals that make wonderful first pets for kids.
Guinea pigs
Guinea pigs are cute cuddly bundles of love. They’re easy to cuddle and handle and love to chat.
You don’t need a big backyard for these pets, just an appropriately sized hutch and a safe space to let them run around in every now and then.
If you have young children, it’s easy to get them involved in guinea pig care. Ask them to help you refill the guinea pigs’ water bottles and food or brush them. They can even help with the messier parts like scooping out soiled bedding.
Remember to keep your kids’ guinea pig in a safe enclosure as they can be nervous animals that need a retreat.
Turtles
Some of the most unique and unconventional pets available for families are turtles. They’re interesting pets that can teach children about more uncommon types of animals.
Kids will find caring for turtles fun, though will need a bit of help from you as they require more complex equipment and have specific dietary needs to be met.
Turtles can also live for a long time and generally grow significantly over a lifetime.
Before you go jumping to get a turtle, research what you need to do to obtain a reptile license in your state, if turtles are permitted as pets at all. In most states, you must hold a license from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (e.g. in NSW) to keep a turtle, and in some states (e.g. WA) it is entirely banned.
Fish
Fish are among the most popular pets for kids. These bright little animals are , come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours, and are intriguing for kids to watch. It’s easy to find a tank and fish species that will fit into your home.
While they do need a specialised tank set up and regular care – namely feeding and changing of water – these activities are easy to do and can teach kids responsibility and care.
Bearded dragon
Bearded dragons have a gentle nature and are great first pets for kids. The name comes from the rough spiny skin under their throats, which can look like a beard.
Bearded dragons are desert animals, so require a specialised set up with a warm, dry habitat. They have a mixed diet of live insects (such as crickets or wood roaches, available in-store at Petbarn) and vegetables.
Bearded dragons can be handled but require some extra care to ensure handlers’ hands are clean before and after touching the reptile.
As with turtles, remember to check the reptile licensing conditions in your state before welcoming a bearded dragon into your home.
Budgerigars
Budgies make great best mates. When tamed they are well tempered, playful, intelligent, and enjoy spending one-on-one time with their pet parents. If kids are dedicated, they can even teach budgies to talk!
Birds do need some veterinary care and their cages need regular thorough clean-outs, so parents of kids with a budgie may need to lend a hand caring for pet birds.
For all the support and advice you need, visit your nearest Petbarn store before bringing home a new pet!