According to the American Pet Products Association, 11.38 million American households have added a pet during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like most children, your kids would probably love to join that number by getting a cute, new puppy. But having a dog is a massive responsibility, and as much as your kids promise that they’re going to help, not every family is ready to take on that responsibility. In that case, consider one of these low-maintenance “starter pets” so your kids can learn what it takes to be a responsible pet owner!
Rabbits
Rabbits definitely check off the cute and cuddly boxes, and they’re perfect for young kids because they tend to be very gentle! Rabbits are playful, intelligent creatures who don’t require constant attention. Plus, they can be litter-trained, so you wouldn’t have to worry about their droppings getting on your carpet. Rabbits mostly eat rabbit pellets, hay, and vegetables, so keeping them fed shouldn’t break the bank. And did we mention how cute they are?
Lizards
While not necessarily soft and cuddly, lizards are definitely a unique starter pet that kids will love. Leopard geckos are a popular option due to their small size and easy care. But be warned: Leopard geckos eat live crickets, so you’ll be adding a cricket pick-up to your weekly errands. And once your lizard graduates to adult crickets, you’ll start to hear them chirping at night, which can either be annoying, or very relaxing to fall asleep to. Leopard geckos can live up to 15-20 years, so you and your kids will have plenty of time to get to know the little guy.
Fish
While fish are often associated with the inevitable toilet flush, they’re a popular first pet for a good reason. Maintaining an aquarium is a great way to teach kids about the hard work behind creating a safe environment for a pet. Just make sure to do your research before you bring Swimmy home from the pet shop. While goldfish are popular options, they’re actually considered to be one of the hardest fish to care for. Your best bets are other freshwater fish, like betta fish or zebrafish.
Gerbils
These adorable rodents make for great first pets. They’re small, easy to take care of, and they’re not very expensive to buy or maintain. Gerbils are very social animals and love to spend time with other gerbils, so feel free to get a couple of gerbil buddies to start! One thing to note: Gerbils are fragile creatures, so make sure your kids know the appropriate way to handle them.
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