If you're kids are begging for a new pet, chances are, you're going to cave at some point. So, why not prepare now for the inevitable? There's no harm in doing a little research to find our what the best pets for kids are so that when the time comes you can give your children some ideas about what are good pets for kids that they can choose from.
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Whether your priority is finding the best first pets for kids or the most low-maintenance pets for kids are, we're saving you some time and energy, by sharing 15 good pets for kids right here so you at least have a starting point to work from when those adorable little faces start making their pleas for a pet of their very own.
Just remember, even easy-to-care for pets are a big responsibility, so be sure to only give your kids pet options that you're sue will work well for your family. And of course, any parent agreeing to buying or adopting a pet for their children, should go into the situation that regardless of what their kids say, the grown ups will at some point have to chip in on the pet care, too.
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Betta fish are the easiest to take care of.
Betta fish make for the perfect starter pet. They are incredibly low-maintenance pet, only requiring a tiny pinch of food each day and a clean bowl a couple of times a month. They're even ideal for kids as young as 2 or 3 who are showing an interest in animals.
Red-eared slider turtles are easy, too.
Similarly, red-eared slider turtles are also quite low-maintenance (as are some other turtle species). They just need a clean tank, a bit of turtle food, and perhaps a heat lamp if you live where it gets cold. They'll need a large tank when they grow, but they can live a long time. Just be sure your kids wash their hands before and after handling to avoid spreading bacteria.
Hamsters are a classic pet for kids.
Hamsters are a very typical starter pet for elementary-age kids. They are adorable, so they appeal to a lot of families. Besides providing them a clean habitat, nutritious food, and something for entertainment, they aren't too much work. They don't have a particularly long lifespan, though.
Guinea pigs are beautiful and friendly.
Guinea pigs are super-adorable and because they are a bit bigger than hamsters, they tend to be a bit sturdier and make for great pets for most kids. They also have a ton of personality and can live up to seven years. Of course, they need proper nutrition and a clean habitat as well, but it's often worth the effort.
Hermit crabs are easy to care for.
Those funky little crabs you see in the shops on the boardwalk at the beach all summer long actually make great pets for kids. They don't require a lot of maintenance and have interesting little personalities. They do like to live in groups though, so it's recommended to get three or four. And you'll need to make sure to have a supply of empty shells for them to move into when they outgrow the originals.
Parakeets are good for older kids.
Parakeets are beautiful to look at and they are super social, so they'll actually interact with your kiddos. They are birds though, and by nature birds are a bit messy, so their cages need to be cleaned frequently. This makes parakeets better pets for older kids who can handle some responsibility.
Ants are interesting pets.
We know, we know … bugs in the house. But, hear us out. They are an almost entirely hands-off for pet for kids that can still be entertaining and even educational. Plus, they dwell in a contained space, so you won't have to worry about them getting around the house.
Sea monkeys are an interesting option.
Brine shrimp, aka sea monkeys, look pretty weird, but they can be a fascinating pet for kids. Plus, they are super, super low maintenance, which actually makes them good pets for kids as young as toddler age.
This tortoise is an ideal pet for kids.
If your kiddo is into reptiles, tortoises are really a great pet option. This Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise in particular would make a great family pet. They only grow to about 9 inches and most of their waking hours are in the daytime, so there's plenty of opportunity for interaction, which they are usually keen on. Be sure to set up a large enough habitat though.
Leopard geckos are some of the easiest lizards to care for.
Older kids may enjoy having a lizard as a pet, and the leopard gecko is a great one to start with. While they do have specific needs for their diet and habitat, they don't need a UV light like many other lizard species, making them one of the easiest lizards to care for. Just be sure to do proper research on its needs before bringing one home.
Labrador retrievers are a kid-friendly classic.
If you're ready to take the plunge into the world of puppy ownership, Labrador retrievers still are and likely always will be the most recommended breed for families. They are known to be friendly, loyal, and easy to train. They shed a lot though, so need regular grooming, as well as plenty of exercise.
French bulldogs are a great smaller dog.
Bulldogs in general are excellent family pets as they like to be close to their owners and are friendly with a calm temperament. French bulldogs are a great option though, for those who prefer a smaller breed. Plus, those ears are so cute! They also don't need a ton of exercise, which makes them ideal for apartment and city-dwelling families.
Collies are great for active kids.
Collies are truly beautiful dogs and they have a lot of playful energy, which makes them perfect pets for active kids and families that like to get outdoors. They're loyal and affectionate dogs and as long as they get enough activity each day, they're usually quite calm at home. Like labs, they also need regular grooming.
American shorthair cats are low-maintenance.
American shorthair cats aren't just pretty, they are also very laid-back and get along well with people and other pets in general. Most cats are easy to care for. Plus, they have a long lifespan, making them a great family pet.
European Burmese cats are playful.
Many cat breeds are known for being rather antisocial, but that's not the case for European Burmese cats. They are playful and friendly even as they get older, and they're known for being very attached to their families, which is great for kids.
