Archive for the ‘General’ Category

There are several animals that have no homes or people to care for them. Some had homes but were mistreated and neglected so badly that they probably got scared for life. Animals also have feelings especially common household pets such as cats, dogs, hamsters, horses, guinea pigs and many others. Adopt a pet and give it a good home is an honorable thing to do.

Lots of us have always dreamed of having a pet like a dog especially since we didn't have one when we were growing up. This however does not mean we are prepared to adopt a pet. Getting a pet from a pet store or animal shelter is easy but once you get home you probably wished you had planned first. That is why you should prepare yourself first before embarking into the world of adopting a pet.

Pets need love and care as we do and if you adopt one since its childhood it will grow up believing you are its only family. This especially happens with cats, dogs and several other animals they get attached so much and if you actually leave them alone even for a day they miss you.

Treat your adopted pet with love and care and it will return the same to you. Keep it health and feed and especially if it is a dog will protect you with all the power it has. There are several kinds of pets you can adopt but choose what is right for you. Some people prefer to adopt exotic pets but this usually depends if you can handle them such animals include snakes, tigers for some people, monkeys or chimpanzees, hawks, lion cubs, turtles and many more. You will have to get a special license for these animals.

Peter Gitundu Creates Interesting And Thought Provoking Content on Pet Adoption. For More Information, Read More Of His Articles Here PET ADOPTION If You Enjoyed This Article, Make Sure You SUBSCRIBE TO MY RSS FEED!

Pet supplies are something that every pet owner has to buy at some point. The topic is large and includes everything from food to bedding and toys. A lot of options are available and there are a lot of pet stores in the UK these days so you should easily be able to find something for your furry friend.

Doing your research is important for a purchase like this and you'll need to ensure that you know your pet well before you buy anything. You'll need to know what your pet needs and how you can best make them healthy and happy.

Pet supplies can include food and bedding and these are probably the most important things that you'll need to think about. If you own a dog or a cat then feeding your pet will be quite expensive when compared to something like a hamster or guinea pig. Rabbits are actually more expensive to keep that people think so you'll need to keep this in mind.

If you own a cat or a dog then you'll need to consider the varieties of food available and you may need to try a few different options until you find something that your pet likes. A lot of dogs and cats are very picky when it comes to food so you may need to buy small quantities of each brand and see which they like best before you buy in bulk.

Most of the time, smaller animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters eat a fairly simple diet which is cheap to buy. However, rabbits are actually a lot more hard work than people think. They require a large amount of hay each day as well as fresh vegetables and possibly a nugget based food which is high in fiber.

A lot of people mistreat rabbits without even realising it because they require more than people realise. However, when it comes to most animals, you should find that it's relatively easy to buy what they need and you can always seek advice from your vet if you need to.

Pet supplies are available from a wide range of places both online and offline. The most popular and well known store offline is a place called Pets At Home. They stock a huge range of pet items such as food, toys, bedding, health products and more.

Online, you should be able to find all these items at slightly lower prices, depending on what you need. It's a good idea to have a good look around online and set yourself a budget based on prices you see so that you don't overspend.

Always make sure that you are buying the appropriate food and bedding for your pet. You will be able to learn more about what pet supplies you need to buy by asking your vet or perhaps by looking online and finding out information. It can also be a good idea to buy a book about caring for your pet. Most pets are easy to look after but it requires a bit of common sense as well as money!

Writer Poppy J Mills talks about going for pet supplies for your furry friend. http://www.pawsaway.co.uk has great information on dog toys and other pet supplies, you'll surely be able to purchase what you require.

Here are 10 Essential Reality Checks for YOU to consider when 'others' are considering the addition of a new pet to your family or household.

So you want a pet or at least your kids want a pet, well there is nothing unnatural about that, the whole idea will sound great...but wait a minute, stop and think.... there are some great positives about this idea....there are also some essential reality checks that need thinking about....a quick read through my checklists below will help you make a more realistic decision.
Remember the old saying "A pet is not just for Christmas". Someone will have to clear the 'pooh' up at the end of it .... all.

Essential Reality Check No. 1 -
The Type of Pet

The type of pets for kids you can take into your household will depend on a whole host of things such as follows:

The ages of your kids - a two year old child will probably not be able to handle a pet gently and certainly won't be able to care for the pet.....

How much will the pet costs be - not just to buy - but to care for on a daily basis?

What size of pet does your child want? - What space will be needed? A hamster does not take up much space but guinea pigs, ferrets and rats need much larger cages.

How much time do your kids and you as a family have to give to the pet?

Will your family be safe with the pet? Will the pet be safe with your family?

If you have a larger pet such as a dog, cat, or goat what effects will it have on your family, friends and neighbours?

How will your pet be cared for during your holidays.

Will your family be able to cope with the eventual death of a pet?

Some pets will sleep most of the day and be awake at night. Hamsters can be very noisy at night!

If your child wants a dog you will need to look into the breed, size and exercise needs of the dog.

Do you already have another pet, what effect will it have on that pet. For instance will your dog be ok with a cat or rabbit or bird?

Essential Reality Check No. 2 -
Ages of your Kids

You will need to decide on a pet that is suitable for the age of your kids.

For instance in most cases it would not be wise to buy a hamster for a two year old child who is still adapting to the world around them and may not know or be able to handle the hamster gently.

Do you want to give your kids some responsibility in caring for an animal. Some kids are very responsible and will be able to manage this. Other kids, well the sight of a baby animal is just too appealing, after all who can resist a cute puppy or kitten or baby hamster?

At first you may need to help your kids, as caring for a pet is a very responsible job. As a parent or carer you will always need to oversee a pet's care.

As the parent or carer you will need to decide if your child is old enough to handle and care for a pet. How often have parents heard the cry "oh but we promise we'll take it for walks everyday"
Or "we'll clean it out mum, we promise". How will you feel in a years time when you find yourself caring for the pets because the kids are busy with friends or away on a school trip or inundated with homework or just plain bored with the poor thing.

Essential Reality Check No. 3 -
True Costs of Pets for Kids

Some pets are very cheap to buy for instance hamsters, guinea pigs, goldfish. gerbils, fancy rats, fancy mice and rabbits and even ferrets.

You will still need to consider:
The cage set up (this can be very expensive when looking at the cage sizes that most pets need) in fact they need the largest cage you can manage

Food costs per week
Bedding
Vets bills if your pets become ill.
e.g. Ferrets need a yearly injection against canine distemper.
Holiday care - you will need to pay for this of course if you cannot rely on friends and family.

Bigger pets for kids such as goats, and dogs and pedigree cats are far more expensive to buy initially, some costing hundreds of pounds.
You will need to consider:
Bedding and a cage (if buying one for your dog or cat)
Leads and collars for dogs.
Food bills
Vets bills (dogs should have yearly check ups with a vets)
Toys
Holiday care (kennels can be very expensive)
Flea treatment
Ongoing veterinary costs if your pets becomes chronically ill.

Essential Reality Check No. 4 -
The Space Required

Even small pets for kids such as guinea pigs, fancy rats and ferrets need a lot of cage space for a happy life. They will need the biggest cages you can find space for. These pets also need space to exercise out of the cage.

Cats take up very little space, as do small breeds of dogs.
Dogs will need a decent sized garden as well as walks to keep them well exercised.

Essential Reality Check No. 5 -
Time for your Pets

Do you and the family have time for a pet.

For smaller pets you will need to have them out of the cage and being handled daily for at least 2 hours a day.

Do you have time to clean out your pet at least once or twice a week, or even daily?

Some pets will certainly need the toilet corner of their cage cleaned more often to avoid a foul smelling cage and pet.

Water bottles and food bowls will need cleaning and refilling every day.

Will you be able to walk your dog at least once a day? - dependent on the breed some need more!

Are you willing to look after your pets for kids for the many years some can live?
(From 18 months to 2 years for a mouse up to 15 years for a dog)

If you are out at work all day and the kids are at school all day your pets will need and will demand attention when you return home

Essential Reality Check No. 6 -
Your Pet and Family Safety

You will always need to ensure your kids safety when they are spending time with any pets.
Even little pets can bite and leave a wound.

Dogs should not be left unattended with your kids as they are unpredictable. Even a faithful dog will bite and even attack a child if they are in pain or afraid. It happens rarely - but it does happen.

You will also need to ensure your pets safety:Is your child able to handle a pet safely without hurting it.

Is your pet safe with any other pets in the home? - if you have young children and a dog .... you will need to make sure the dog cannot escape because a door is accidentally left open.

If you have a dog you need to ensure visitors safety as you can be sued if your dog bites someone on your property (or even off your property)

Make sure that when pets for kids are having free time out of cages that:
Other pets cannot hurt them
They cannot chew electrical leads
They cannot fall into toilets or baths of water.
They cannot escape through gaps in walls or floors
They cannot get outside without supervision

Essential Reality Check No. 7 -
Effects on Family and Neighbours

The whole family needs to be in agreement if you are getting pets. Pets can be noisy and messy having an effect on family living.

What effect will a pet such as a dog have on Granny who suffers with an allergy - will that mean she cannot come to visit anymore?

If you get a dog will it bark and howl when you leave them for any length of time and will this annoy your neighbours.
Will the dog bark when your neighbours are in their own garden.
How will your neighbours take to having your pet cat mess in their garden?

You will need to keep your yard free of dog mess to ensure it does not smell -particularly in summer months.

Essential Reality Check No. 8 -

Holidays and Care for Pets for kids

If you have pets for kids what will happen to them during your holiday times.

Do you have family or friends who can care for your pets while you are away.

If not you will have to pay for your pets care.

This will be expensive for dogs, cats and larger animals.

Even for little pets, holiday care can be expensive.

Essential Reality Check No. 9 -
Loss of a Pet and Grief

Some children are really sensitive and will be distraught when their beloved pet eventually passes away, or is lost in some way.

This is especially distressing if the pet has died as a result of an accident or illness.

How will you manage this?

The kids will need to grieve, grieving is a healthy part of a loss reaction. We can suffer losses every day in a small way such as not getting something we want, this causes a loss reaction and part of the healing for this is grief. If your child or other family member struggles with the grieving then look at the following and see if it applies. The grieving process has seven stepping stones through which people move. Your family member may not go through them in order or spend long on any one.

The stepping stones are:
Shock, Denial, Guilt, Anger, Depression Bargaining, Acceptance
Your child may want another pet this is called bargaining and is one of the stepping stones through the grief process.
If your child cannot have another pet, break down the hidden losses that the death of their pet has caused.
Could there be a loss of your child's self worth or self esteem.
Have they lost their only companion.
Has your child lost the only one who listened to them.
By chatting try to find out how your child is feeling and help them to work out their losses and then work through to acceptance by doing some healthy bargaining.
Would your child be able to regain their sense of worth or self esteem another way? Perhaps helping out with a friends pet for instance.

For some children it may be helpful to have a burial service, so they can say goodbye properly.

(My son kept some hair from his beloved dog)

Our kids have managed the deaths of their pets really well and have gone on to have other pets, for other kids though it has more of an effect so you will need to decide when or if to replace your child's pet.

Essential Reality Check No. 10 -
Pets for Kids are GREAT!

For the most part pets for kids are good fun. They are often good company for your kids especially if the kids are lonely.

Our autistic daughter has changed a lot since we got her guinea pigs to look after. She has gained some imaginative play, we think this is because she talks to her guinea pigs.
We do have to oversee her with them though.

Kids can learn a lot from caring for pets for kids and by having pets even when they are lost naturally.

Dogs can encourage the family out to get exercise as they walk the dog.

All our kids love their pets.

Lesley Munnings is mum of four with numerous pets. She and her husband are authors of parenting-our-kids.com For more information about pets visit best pets for kids

All of us adore animals of some kind. This is pretty much in our nature as human beings. Why else would so many individuals and families alike always be on the lookout for animals for sale? People tend to want some sort of pet to love and care for. Maybe they will keep the dog, cat, ferret, bunny or bird in an outdoor environment, and maybe they will house their precious pet inside. It's usually up to the person or family caring for the animal. Now, if you currently lack a wonderful pet, and wish to find great animals for sale, then it's high time you search in the most likely places such as your local humane society or shelter.

You probably won't have a great deal of difficulty selecting from the vast array of animals for sale. I say this simply because you probably already have a particular species of mammal, bird or reptile in mind. It certainly seems that most people go for domestic dogs or cats. These are the two most popular pets in the USA. Birds, gerbils, guinea pigs, fish, hamsters, mice, lizards and snakes are also all popular household pets in this country. One thing to consider when you are searching high and low for animals for sale is care. How much care can you give your precious pet? It's imperative to remember that some will require more attention than others. For example, a dog is a wonderful example of a domestic animal that requires oodles of attention and care. Therefore if you lack the time and energy to play with, walk and take your dog out to use the bathroom daily, then you are probably seeking out other animals for sale. a fish on the other hand is about as low maintenance as animals for sale come. Sure you have to keep their tank regulated and feed them twice a day, but that is it. Fish are very low maintenance in comparison to most other pets.

If you do not know of a pet store that offers animals for sale in your area, then it's wise to access the Internet for further details. Online you can find out just what animal shelters, pet stores and humane societies are near you. Keep in mind that a pet store is pretty much the most expensive place to purchase animals for sale. If you are seeking a cat or dog, I suggest the humane society of a local animal shelter. It is quite affordable and some of these shelters gives out these pets for free for people willing to care for these animals.

Pet lover Rowena J is an expert in online writing. She enjoys spending time with animals of all types and has several pets. She is a contributor of informative articles on Pets at the Article Marketing News Blog http://www.articlemarketingnews.com/articles/category/pets/ where pet lovers can post articles and get links to their pet sites. She writes about her experiences and also contributes to the blog with articles about Children

If you have kids, you should seriously consider getting them pets. That being said, which ones should you choose?

So you've finally broken down and decided to get your kids a pet! Before you welcome Rover or Spot into your house, you need to decide what pet is best for your children. Not all pets are created equal and in fact, many animals which are commonly bought for children do not make good pets at all. Here is a look at some of the better pets for kids.

Dogs can be playful and affectionate. They come in all sizes so you should be able to find one that fits your space limitations. Dogs can be quite different in temperament and you need to research the different breeds before selecting your pet. Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog in America. They are great with children and are easily trained. Golden Retrievers are very devoted dogs. They are good for people of all ages and are great if your family likes to hunt. German Shepherds are wonderful family dogs. They adore children and love to be active. Beagles are smart and gentle dogs. You will need to give them a lot of exercise though. Any of these dogs make a great choice for kids. Cats are also a good choice, although you will want to spend a little time with the cat to see how it reacts to children.

Want something smaller? Forget about the hamster or gerbil. A rat makes a much better pet because they love to be held. If rats are not your thing, try a guinea pig. They are one of the top pets for kids. They are easy to take care of and they love to be picked up. They will let your children hold them and they even purr! You will rarely have problems with them scratching or biting.

You will often see iguanas or turtles in pet stores and often someone will try to convince you that they make good pets for kids. The reality is that they are not good pets for kids at all. Iguanas can grow quite large and become aggressive as they get older. Turtles are hard to take care of and they are pretty boring for kids. The better choice is a leopard gecko. They like to be held and they are not hard to look after.

There are many other pets that are good for children as well. The thing to keep in mind is that you want to find the pet that fits your particular children. You will want to consider their personalities and what they hope to gain from pet ownership. Some kids will be happy just looking at a goldfish while others want a pony. You will just have to figure out what works for your family.

Hal Storm is with www.petstoreyeti.com - your free resource for local pet stores, services and pet information.

So you've adopted or purchased a new pet -- a dog, cat, hamster, fish, snake, parakeet or maybe a hermit crab. What's next? Of course you'll need to provide a good home -- cage, aquarium, etc., and all the necessary supplies. But there's still something missing -- your pet will need a good name.

Maybe you're drawing a blank when it comes to naming ideas. Or maybe you're overwhelmed by the sheer number of possible names. Hopefully this article will give you some ideas if you're stuck, and give you a little direction if you're feeling overwhelmed.

What color or colors is your pet? Many people like to name their pet based on coloring.

Names for a black pet -- Midnight, Blackie, Jet, Inky, Shadow, Ebony, Pepper, Charcoal or Char

Is your pet white? Here are some possibilities -- Snowy, Snowflake, Snowball, Frosty, Ice, Sugar, Winter, Ivory

Is your pet brown? Here are some suggestions -- Brownie, Eartha, Clay, Coffee, Java, Sienna, Bear, Cub

Is your pet multi--colored? Try these -- Patches, Freckles, Autumn, Calico or Callie, Confetti

Another factor to consider when trying to come up with a name is your pet's personality or behavior. Here are some suggestions:

The pet that likes to jump -- Cricket, Grasshopper, Hopper, Kanga or Roo

The aggressive or Alpha animal -- Bandit, Bandito, Sergeant, Chief, Cleopatra or Cleo, Blanche, Queen or Queenie, King, Prince, Princess

Dog names taken from the entertainment field:

Benji -- the title character of a series of movies.

Lassie -- the title character of a television series and movies.

Astro -- the family dog in the television show - the Jetsons.

Tramp -- the lead male dog character in Disney's "Lady and the Tramp" movie.

Lady -- the lead female dog character in Disney's "Lady and the Tramp" movie.

Snoopy -- the dog character in the "Peanuts" comics and movies.

Pluto -- famous "Walt Disney" dog.

Goofy -- famous "Walt Disney" dog.

Dynomutt -- a cartoon superhero dog.

Bruno -- the dog character in the Disney movie - "Cinderella."

Cat names taken from the entertainment field:

Felix -- the title character of comic strips and films.

Garfield -- the title character of comic strips, television and movies.

Simba -- the main lion character in Disney's "The Lion King" movie.

Mufasa -- Simba's Father in Disney's "The Lion King" movie.

Sarabi -- Simba's Mother in Disney's "The Lion King" movie.

Scar -- the villainous lion in Disney's "The Lion King" movie.

Tom -- The cat in the "Tom and Jerry" cartoons and comics.

Sylvester -- The cat in the "Sylvester and Tweety" cartoons.

Tigger -- The tiger character in the "Winnie the Pooh" books and movies.

Rodent, Hamster or Mouse names taken from the entertainment field:

Fievel -- the lead mouse character in Disney's "American Tail" movies.

Bernard -- A major mouse character in Disney's "The Rescuers."

Mickey -- Disney's comic and movie star male mouse.

Minnie -- Disney's comic and movie star female mouse.

Jerry -- The mouse character in the "Tom and Jerry" cartoons.

Mighty Mouse -- A mouse superhero in comics and film.

Remy -- the lead mouse character in Disney's "Ratatouille."

Emile -- Remy's brother from the Disney "Ratatouille" movie.

Django -- Remy's Father from the Disney "Ratatouille" movie

Roddy -- the lead mouse character in the movie "Flushed Away."

Sid -- the sewer rat character in the movie "Flushed Away. "

Rita -- the scavenger rat in the movie "Flushed Away. "

I know that I haven't covered all types of pets that people have, but hopefully I've given you at least a little inspiration in your journey for the perfect pet name.

Get even more Pet Names at http://www.petcarejournal.com - a website designed to provide you with pet care articles and resources that will help you get the most out of your pet keeping experience, no matter what type of pet you own.

Looking for a furry friend for your kids? Or maybe a slimy one? Before you bring a pet into your family find out which animals makes the best... and worst pets for little ones. (You might be surprised at which animals fail the test!)

Fancy Rat - Best

Fancy Rats make great pets for kids... that is if parents can get past their "eek" factor. While they require a large caging area, if kept in a busy room of the home the rat will bond with the family and become a member of your clan in no time. Fancy Rats also enjoy being held and are actually highly intelligent.

Fun Fact: In Victorian times rich women would often take attic rats as pets and domesticate them. They would even dress them up!

Fish - Best and Worst

Goldfish can live up to 25 years... but usually they don't. A fish is a great starter pet for kids because they are easy to manage and require little cost to keep. However, goldfish are notorious for going "belly up"... so if you have a sensitive child they could be a crying session waiting to happen.

Turtle - Worst

Turtles are among the most desired pets to children. They are adorable and easy to handle. However, they pose a hidden danger that many parents aren't aware of. Turtles actually carry semolina. Cleaning the cage of a turtle or handling one without proper sanitation can lead to a doctor visit.

Dog - Best

Dogs are perhaps the favorite pet of families around the world. Not only do they have a generally long lifespan they also make fast friends with their owners.

While dogs are wonderful pets some are better for kids than others. Small dogs are often not a good choice for children as they require delicate handling. Their tiny bodies are also easily tripped on as children run and play. This can be dangerous not only for the dog but also for the children.

Golden Retrievers make excellent family dogs and English Bulldogs are another great addition. They are very loyal and good with children - however, they are very protective if strangers enter the picture.

Ponies - Worst

While ponies are great fun they are very difficult to manage. They require lots of space to run, a daily routine and they have a high cost of feed and maintenance.

Goats - Best and Worst

Goats are very intelligent. In fact, many goat owners argue that they are even more loyal than dogs. You can teach them tricks... and as a bonus they mow your grass and provide you with milk. However, the thing about a goat that requires a second thought is the fact that they are little escape artists and they do require a daily routine.

Lizards - Worst

Lizards are very difficult for kids to handle. Not because they cannot be handled but because they are VERY fast. Lizards also require the feeding of bugs and the use of heat lamps so the upkeep can be rather intensive. Heat lamps are also a cause of concern for some parents who fear they will get too hot and set fire.

Guinea Pigs - Best

While they smell to Timbuktu Guinea Pigs are actually a great pet for kids. They enjoy being held, have a 2 to 5 year lifespan and aren't known to bite as often as hamsters. Guinea Pigs are also easier to handle as they don't require as delicate a touch as mice and hamsters.

Ferrets - Worst

Ferrets are cute... but they give off a musky scent and even worse they can give you a very bad bite. This is especially worrisome to parents of small children. Bites can easily become infected by little hands. So while ferrets are adorable and we loved them in Rikki Tikki Tavi... until kids are older we'd steer clear.

When it comes to pets only you and your family can decide what pet is right for you. While a dog might be a great choice for one family, a snake might suit another just fine.

Sit down with your family and decide what kind of responsibility you can comfortably take on, plan for bumps in the road and whatever you choose... choose to love it for life. When you do it will pay you back by loving you for a lifetime.

David Beart is the owner of the Professors House [http://www.professorshouse.com]. Our site covers pet related topics from low carb dog food [http://www.professorshouse.com/pets/dogs/low-carb-dog-food.aspx] and pet trivia to raising cats and caring for birds.

In this World, we are always searching for companionship, love and loyalty. These three things are extremely hard to find because it all takes so much work. One thing people do not realize is that you do not need humans to find this kind of love. Pets are a great thing to have because they are always there with you and they have no real complaints. Pets are there when other people are not and they are such a treat because they are so playful, adorable and sweet. Animals are beautiful and spending your life around them will help you remember that natural beauty.

My favorite pet is a cat. Cats are beautiful creatures and they are elegant as well as playful. In fact, cats know how to live. They keep people and other cats close enough, but know when they really need to depend on themselves. Cats are amazing because not only are they extremely intelligent but they also know how to take care of themselves. When you have cats, there is not need to constantly give them showers or walk them and train them. Cats automatically know how to go to the bathroom and they are very neat and clean about it all.

If you are looking for something with a more rough and playful nature and you want or do not mind a pet that requires a lot of work, then dogs are the thing for you. Dogs are extremely loyal and loving and they will do anything for their companion. Dogs are intelligent, adorable and also just really carefree. Dogs are trained pretty easily and dog obedience training is not hard to do. Actually, with the right mindset and a lot of love you can do dog obedience training for your dog on your own, there is no need for professional help.

A cute and sensitive pet you can have is a rabbit. Rabbits are actually very different from their stereotype. Rabbits absolutely do not like to be touched and they just like to spend time by themselves. Rabbits, although not very social, are extremely adorable and are fun to watch. They love to eat an hop around and sleep. My rabbit dashes across the yard from corner to corner training himself for an attacker. He loves lazing around and just chilling in the shade. Rabbits have weak hearts, so you must be very careful when you get one. Put it in a place with little noise.

And finally, if you want a small easy pet you should think about getting different types of rodents. If you want something cute an tiny, a hamster is the thing for you. Hamsters are easy to take care of and extremely fun to watch. If you want to get a pet that is a little bigger and easier to handle, you should get a guinea pigs. Guinea pigs come in all sizes and fur types and personalities. You will have so much fun just watching a guinea pig make its little squeaky noises. If you need something small and easy to manage, a rodent is perfect for you.

If you need to learn how to train that loyal and cheerful companion, get some tips here on Dog Obedience Training.

Many parents want their kids to have a pet of some kind. It makes us feel like we are providing a joy for our kids, while at the same time teaching them some responsibility about caring for another living thing. Dogs and cats are the most popular pets but not everyone wants to keep their entire house pet safe and sometimes in can be too costly to own the dog or cat that you would like. One way to allow your child to have a pet and not have to ready your whole home is to get a small animal.

Any pet you choose will take responsibility on your child's part and you will probably still have to remind him or her to feed the pet or get the cage cleaned but sometimes a smaller animal is easier for a child to bond with. They relate to them better than a large dog. We will go over some good pets for children here but do some more research or check out some books from the local library before making a commitment.

Hamsters

Hamsters are a common small animal pet. They don't take up much space and are very inexpensive to take care of. They are quite small though and can be easily injured by rough play, being dropped, or squeezed too hard. Their small size also makes them easy to loose track of when they are out of their cage. Hamsters take some time to get used to their owner and can be defensive until they are comfortable being handled by your child. They are also nocturnal, making their time of activity late at night or early in the morning.

Guinea Pigs

Guinea Pigs are not quite as common as hamsters but still a good choice for children. They are larger than hamsters so they are a little easier to handle and play with without getting injured. They are still small so rough play should be avoided. These pets will need a slightly bigger cage than a hamster but nothing overwhelming and a good small animal cage is easy to clean. Guinea pigs socialize with their owners more quickly than hamsters, as well. They will need Vitamin C supplements in their diet or water to remain healthy but these supplements aren't very expensive and once the routine is set it's not hard to remember.

Rats

Rats aren't often thought of as a good pet for children. The fact of the matter is that rats make great pets for children of all ages. They socialize with their owner quickly and are quite docile animals. Rats are easier to care for if they have a medium sized cage and they do enjoy having a playmate in their cage so consider getting two if you decide on a rat. Two rats in one cage doesn't take much more effort than one rat. Rats are more durable than hamsters and guinea pigs and aren't known to bite as much as the other small animals. Pet rats create a good bond with their human owners, as well. Just make sure you get a rat bred for being a pet and not just pick one up out of the gutter.

There are several small animals that make good pets for children. As always, the parents know what is best and know which animal would be a good match for their child. Do your research and help your child know the joy and responsibility of being a pet owner.

Derrick is an avid pet owner and an expert in pet cages. Visit Derrick's website to find deals on pets cages.

The Benefits of Pets for Children and Families

Everyone loves a cute fuzzy animal. As adults, we also recognize the stress reducing health benefits pets bring to our lives, but did you know that children will also benefit socially and developmentally? Learning to care for animal teaches a child patience and kindness - social skills he or she will then use when dealing with other people. The process of teaching a child to care for a pet needs to be supervised as children will innocently be careless with their vulnerable little friends and this can be very unhealthy for everyone involved.

Before you rush to the pet store at your child's request and pick up a "starter pet" like a hamster, guinea pig, or gold fish - first consider your family's lifestyle and the age of your child.

Am I ready for a pet?

It is common misconception that through caring for a pet a child will learn responsibility. This is actually not true. Children learn by modeling their parents' behavior. Before you bring a pet into your home, plan to spend your own personal time acting as a pet care role model. This means that no matter what, the animal that you adopt is your pet, not your child's. You will be responsible for monitoring your children and making sure necessary care tasks are completed. Children will become distracted and forget to do basic pet chores - it is your job to gently remind them and if worst comes to worst, do the task yourself. This is why it is important to choose a pet that everyone in the family is happy and excited about, not just one's child, as responsibilities always end up being shared.

Is my child ready for a pet?

Any child under the age of four will still be too young to control their impulses. For this reason they must be supervised closely when interacting with any kind of pet. If your child is still too young to understand "No!" then it would be a good idea to wait.

A child under ten will not be able to care for a large animal like a cat or dog. All care tasks will need to be supervised.

Four Things You Need to Teach Your Child About Animals

         Just like people, animals need personal space and they do not always want to be picked up.
         Too much petting and play can aggravate even the sweetest pet.
         Any injured or sick pet can bite or scratch.
         Just because your child's pet knows and trusts them it doesn't mean other peoples' animals will too.

What Your Pet Needs From You

         Time to get used to new surroundings. Do not let your child handle any new pet for at least a couple days until he or she becomes used to your home.
         Space away from children and people. Pets need alone time too. Do not place your pet's cage in any room that you cannot restrict access to.

Younger animals are easier to care for, right?

Wrong. Many people buy puppies or kittens for their children assuming these animals will be safer and more agreeable that older pets. This is not always the case. Younger animals are more delicate and injured easier. Younger animals will also have less control over their own impulses as be more likely to bite, scratch, or urinate while being held. Adult animals can be much calmer and tolerant and some will even already be well socialized with children.

Pets to Avoid

Any animal that is complicated to care for, not completely domesticated, and does not enjoy being handled. Examples could include:

         Reptiles - Reptiles carry salmonella bacteria and this just will not work well with young children who still have vulnerable immune systems. Iguanas can quickly grow from an easy to handle six inches to as much as six feet! Fully mature iguanas require incredibly large cages, as well as special lighting and heat.
         Amphibians
         Rabbits - Rabbits are easily frightened and will bite or scratch in reaction.
         Parrots

What are common pets for children under ten?

         Guinea pigs - Guinea pigs are very social creatures who love to be handled - biting and scratching is quite rare. Guinea pigs are also known for making adorable sounds and being very loving.
         Hamsters/Gerbils - Usually chosen because they are cute and inexpensive. What parents don't know is that these animals are primarily nocturnal. This means they will not enjoy being woken up to be played with during the day, and sometimes will bite. Hamsters and gerbils are also very small and quite good at escaping their cages and/or the grip of a child and hiding in many small crevices. The small size of these rodents makes it harder for a child to handle them carefully.
         Rats - Contrary to popular belief rats are incredibly clean, intelligent, social animals. Rats are larger and easier to handle, although this means they will also need larger cages.
         Fish - Good for children too young to handle animals safely. Depending on the type you buy they may require special conditions or more aquarium maintenance.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this article where I will focus on children and guinea pigs!

Heather is a guinea pig expert. For more great information visit the Guinea Pig Resource Center for more information and don't forget to sign up for Heather's free newsletter!