Pets Suitable for Children, According to Age!

Find the right pet for your child based on their age. From fish to dogs, check out our child-friendly pet recommendations here!

By: Drh. Mikeu Paujiah, Dipl. Montessori

Choosing a pet for your child isn’t just about picking the cutest one. Every animal has its own personality and specific care needs. Likewise, every child has a different level of maturity and ability to care for pets, depending on their age and emotional readiness.

So, if you want to introduce your child to a pet, first get to know the types of animals most suitable for each age group. That way, the experience of having a pet can be joyful—not a burden.

Toddler Age (1–4 years): Focus on Safe Interaction

At this age, children are still learning to control their emotions and motor skills. They tend to be impulsive and haven’t yet learned boundaries.

Recommended pets:

  • Fish (such as guppies or bettas)

  • Small turtles

  • Rabbits (with close supervision)

  •  

Note:

Pets at this stage are more for observation than for frequent touching. Parents play a 100% dominant role.

Preschool – Early Elementary (5–7 years): A Great Time to Learn Responsibility

Children at this age can begin to take on small tasks like feeding or cleaning food containers.

Recommended pets:

  • Rabbits
  • Hamsters
  • Tame Cats
  • Gold Fish

Tips : 

Choose pets that are non-aggressive and easy to care for. Involve the child lightly in the daily pet care routine.

Elementary – Pre-Teen (8–11 years): Becoming Independent and More Empathetic

Children in this age group are usually more patient and better understand animal needs.

Recommended pets:

  • Small dog breeds (like Pomeranians or Beagles)
  • Cats
  • Budgies or lovebirds

Note:

They can start learning to schedule feeding or clean cages with light supervision.

Teenagers (12 years and older): Ready for Bigger Responsibilities

Children at this age are generally able to care for pets more independently, even taking full responsibility.

Recommended pets:

  • Medium to large dog breeds
  • Any breed of cat
  • Reptiles (with proper education and understanding)
  • Adopted animals from shelters

Suggestion: 

Encourage your teen to be involved in the adoption decision, from researching to understanding care costs.

Important Notes Before Choosing a Pet for Your Child

Before adopting a pet, consider the following:

  • The animal’s lifespan (don’t choose just because it’s cute)
  • Your family’s time and financial capacity
  • Are there any allergies at home?
  • Is every family member ready?

Don’t Choose Randomly. Choose the One That Clicks with Your Heart and Fits Your Home!

Choosing the right pet for your child is not just about age—it’s about family readiness too. The right pet can become a learning companion, a furry friend, and a responsibility trainer.

Once you know what pet fits best, don’t forget to teach your child how to treat animals kindly. And remember, animals have the right to be loved and cared for their entire lives.

Reference

Editorial, P. (2019, March 18). These are the best pets for kids at each age. PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/dog/pet-lover/these-are-best-pets-kids-each-age? 

(N.d.). WebMD. Retrieved April 9, 2025, from https://www.webmd.com/pets/best-pets-for-kids

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