The best small pets for kids are ones that are petite, quiet, and easy to care for. It’s best to choose a small pet that will not require much attention or upkeep.
One of the best benefits of kids having a pet to care for is that it teaches them responsibility. Kids must learn to be responsible for another living being, and this can be a valuable lesson as they grow older. Pets can also provide companionship and love, which is always beneficial for children. They can learn how to best care for another living thing.
Advantages of Small Pets for Kids
Many kids find small pets easier and more enjoyable to interact with than the type of pets who require lots of attention such as dogs and cats.
- Small pets are best for kids because they do not require much attention and they’re easy to take care of.
- You can get a pet that is small and quiet.
- It is best to choose easy pets that are small, quiet, and require little maintenance.
- Some kids do not have the capabilities or patience it takes to take care of larger pets.
- You can keep a pet in your house without worrying about damage to the building.
- Kids will be able to interact with their pets without too much difficulty or noise interference.
- Small live pets are best for young children because they are easier to handle and hold than large dogs or cats. Read also this guide for new dog owners.
15 of the Best Small Pets for Kids
Guinea Pig
Guinea pigs are in the same class of animals as hamsters. They are very gentle and do not bite easily. They also do not mind human interaction if well handled. It would be good to keep a pair for companionship. Guinea pigs can live up to seven years maximum. They, however, eat a lot of vegetables and can make the cage messy, so be prepared to clean their enclosure often.
Hamster
Hamsters are best known for their cheek pouches, which they use to store food. This is one best pet for kids because they are small, easy to care for, and are best housed in a small cage or aquarium. The best part is that you don’t have to feed a hamster very often, which is best if you have a child who cannot keep up with caring for the pet on a regular basis. You can buy food for hamsters on Amazon.
Betta Fish
Fish are also traditional, no-hassle pets. Goldfish are the most commonly adopted fish, but they are also very fragile. They require an averagely large tank and filter. A betta fish is easier to care for because they don’t need a necessarily big tank, and no filter is required. Betta fish are also very pretty jewel-toned, with long fins. Add an aquatic snail to their habitat to make sure no algae breed in the bowl. You can also add gravel or plants to spice it up! This kind of pet, however, will only survive alone. The males will fight to the death if kept in pairs. A betta has a lifetime of 3 years at best. Check out the beta fisk tank with no filter on Amazon.
Suga Glider
These small pets are active, playful, and social. They require a lot of attention, and they need to be able to interact with other sugar gliders in order to be happy. Sugar gliders are best for kids who have the time and energy to devote to these animals. Feed them with fruity flavor food.
Skunk
Skunks make the best pets for kids because they are gentle and easy to care for. They need to be handled gently, but these animals can be very affectionate with their owners. You should always keep your skunk’s odor glands clean and be prepared to keep it as a house pet, as they can spray.
Hermit Crabs
Hermit crabs are a type of crustacean that is very small in size. They try to fit themselves in small shells leaving only their eyes and front claws visible to the human eye. The cost of keeping them is minimal. They need fresh food each day and water for moisture. Get a small tank with some gravel to keep them in. As they grow, they will require a change of shell. But they are perfect introductory pets as they require little supervision.
Ferret
These animals need to be handled frequently, and they also need a lot of attention throughout the day. They need to be able to play and run around in order to be happy. Ferrets can be trained and interact well with their owners.
Gerbil
Gerbils are the best small pets for kids because they are social and active. They require a medium-sized cage with lots of pieces to play with and climb on. These pets need daily interaction with their owners in order to remain happy, but they can make the best small pets for kids.
Small Bird
Birds can make good pets because they do not need a lot of interaction with their owner. They do not like quick movements and noise, though, so are therefore better handled by children who are either a bit relaxed or older. Maintain their food and water, and clean their cage often. Their cage should be spacious to keep some toys in and allow them to fly without any hindrances.
Rat
Rats are the best pets for very young children because they can be handled and socialized with others. They are best housed in a small rodent cage. Rats do best with another rat friend to keep them company, which means you need to buy two.
Lizard
Lizards are best pets for kids who have the time and patience to care for them on a daily basis. These animals need a heat lamp and a place to climb, so they best suit older children who have the ability to provide for these pets’ daily needs.
Hedgehog
Hedgehogs are the best pets for very young children because they need to be handled frequently. Kids can take their best small pets for kids out of the cage once they are tamed, and these animals will snuggle with children all day long. They best suit older kids, though, because these animals need a lot of care and attention.
Turtle
Turtles are the best pets for kids who have the time and energy to look after them because they can grow up to 12 inches long. Turtles best suit kids who have done their research on the best habitats to keep these animals in. They are best cared for by older children, or even adults because they require a lot of care and can’t be walked around like hamsters or gerbils.
Parakeet
Parakeets are the best small pets for kids because they will sit on their owner’s shoulders and play with them all day long. They best suit older children, though, because these birds cannot be held.
Rabbit
Rabbits are considered to be one of the most common pets for children and with good reason. They are flurry, soft and adorable. According to the American Rabbit Breeders Association, there are over forty breeds of rabbits that you can select from. Contrary to popular myths, rabbits are trainable. Rabbits are also social and thrive in the company of other rabbits; therefore, getting more than one rabbit is advisable. The trick is to make sure that they have been spayed or neutered to prevent unplanned breeding. Rabbits can live for up to ten years. They require having their nails trimmed occasionally and should be provided with something to chew on to prevent their teeth from becoming too sharp and hence dangerous. Feed them hay and ensure that they are well-groomed and in good shape by brushing their fur and taking them to a vet regularly.
Conclusion
Pets are best for kids because they provide both companionship and a sense of responsibility. Kids who have pets will be more responsible, but the best small pets for kids depend on your child’s age, time commitment, and living situation. There are many different types of best small pets for animals that can make best friends with children if you know what to look out for when choosing one. We hope this article has given you some insight into how to choose the best pet animal companion based on their size or personality traits! Let us know which type was most suitable for your family in the comments below!
If your kids are interested in dogs, check out our recent posts; Benefits of Feeding Your Pooch Healthy Dog Food? and Best Dog Outfit And Accessories 2021.
My name is Andrea Thompson and I’m a home based freelance writer. I’m 23 years old, married to my best friend, and mother to a wonderfully independent and opinionated 3 year old girl and step-mother to a sweet seven year old boy. I live in a tiny, little town in Kentucky, where I spend my free time fishing with my kids.
Writing has always been my passion, which I followed through high school, and for a while in college. Life happened, and once I discovered we were pregnant, I switched directions; opting for the healthcare industry because of the stability.
Finally, years later, I was in a place where I could leave the day job that never truly made me happy, and pursue my dreams. I’ve built, and am still building, my writing career from scratch. But, I’m passionate and I’m good at what I do. And, in the end, I can prove to my daughter that she can do anything she wants with this life.
