If you are looking for rodents who live long, then Guinea Pigs are a good option. A pet rat can help an older child to “understand that there’s some kind of schedule to their day,” says Dr. Hess. Read more: 4 things to consider before getting a family pet all combine to make each pet species unique. All animals need attention, grooming and care, but compared to their counterparts, the following creatures require relatively minimal work. At some point in their young lives, most children will request a pet of their own. Whichever pet you choose, make sure to get it from a reputable source that can attest to its health. Not all pet rodents are equally welcome across the USA. Here is some information that can help you make an informed choice. Pets with sharp quills, like hedgehogs, will also pose a threat. 1. Are your kids ready for a pet? Photo: -kaz- These days there so many different small furry pets that kids just love. From mice to rats, hamsters to gerbils, when your child inevitably starts to ask for a furry pet of their own, which of the various options should you consider? Plus, kids these days have jam-packed schedules that make it challenging to spend a lot of time caring for pets that need a lot of maintenance. A good rule of thumb to follow is that if you can buy a particular rodent at a major local pet store, it is probably legal to keep the animal where you live. Choosing the proper one is an important decision as it will contribute to the foundation of the child's future as a responsible pet owner. Pets aren't limited to furry creatures or fish. Considerations when choosing your child's first pet. California and Hawaii in particular exclude some pet rodents in order to protect their natural wild animal populations and environments. However, kids aren’t the most responsible and may forget their duties with a high-maintenance pet. Rabbits. Best Rodent Pet for a Child [top 5 List] | Pet Comments Tempe. However they are not recommended for small children as the rabbit does not like to be handled roughly and gets startled easily by the quick movements of a little kid. Living to around 2 years, they’re another small mammal that are a great way to introduce caring for animals into your children’s lives. It gives your child an animal to bond with, which will ultimately become one of their best friends. Any animal that is in pain is more likely to bite a child or act out in self-defense. Guinea Pigs. ... Dr. Hess explains that once kids have a longer attention span, rats can be an ideal pet. Gerbils are the least likely rodents to bite. Rabbits are extremely cute, cuddly and intelligent pets with a playful nature. The success or failure of getting a “pocket pet” for a child depends on the choice made by you or your child of which small animal pet to get. Purchase this pet, but be ready for a life long commitment. Learn which animals make the best pets for kids from age 4 to 15. Posted: (3 days ago) Rats can be taught some simple tricks and hence it will be a good idea to have them as pets for your kids. Life span, interactions, grooming needs and etc. With a few different breeds, it’s best to go to a licensed supplier to make sure you know exactly what you’re buying. Some small animal pets are more kid-friendly than others. Best pets for kids. Video: 10 of the Best Pets to Consider for Your Kids 1 / 7 Photo: iStockphoto. iStock. Pet animals for kids can range from the usual ones we know of, to some unique ones, if your child shows affection towards it. Conservatory garden worker Elliot Blacker, founder of Evopure, recommends stick insects—also known as stick bugs—as the perfect low-maintenance pet.Their small, twig-like size makes them easy to home in small spaces like "small glass containers" or "cages around 12 inches tall," and their dietary habits are not intense either. 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