Sound Off! When Is the Right Time to Get a Family Pet?

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For young families, the decision to get a pet is a big one. They are time consuming and cost a lot of money — but they are also sweet creatures that enrich your lives. So how do you know when to introduce a pet to your family? General Hospital‘s Rebecca Herbst and her family recently welcomed a pet, and with a 5-year-old and 7 ½-year-old, she compares it to having another child!

The responsibilities that come along with any animal — from a hamster to a puppy — are huge, and you want to be sure your children are committed to taking care of their furry friend — cleaning litter boxes and all! On the other hand, some families find it easier to welcome a pet before having children, to “practice” for parenthood and eventually help acclimate the pet to the child, instead of the other way around.

So here’s your chance to Sound Off! Tell us: When do you feel is the right time to get a family pet?

Comments

My parents had cats when I was growing up- and I’ve always had at least 2 cats.
I feel that having cats has only benefited my sons. The oldest boy loves our cats and likes to help feed and brush them. He is very gentle with our cats, and also with other people’s pets and he has learnt this from being around our cats.
Our cats really don’t make much extra work and what they give to us as a family is so much more.

- Louise on May 19th, 2009

We didn’t get our first family pet until two years ago when my kids were 7, 3 and 18 months, mainly because my oldest was afraid of all animals after being trampled by my parents dog. It wasn’t a mean dog at all, just overly friendly and knocked her over. Having her help select the two kittens we got was part of her therapy, after many, many visits to the zoo.

She now loves the cats and we are all eager to get a dog once we move and have our new yard fenced.

I grew up with animals. My parents had two collies and a cat when I was born.

- Finnaryn on May 19th, 2009

It’s whenever the parents feel its a good fit. I have a 7yr old step-daughter and we got a dog about 1 yr ago, of course she’s not there all the time (and of course I really wanted it for myslef), my husband didn’t really care one way or the other. SO, I ended adopting 2 dogs in a span of 5 months, and I take full responsibility for both dogs. I expected no help from my step-daughter or husband. SO, know what u r getting into before hand.

P.S. I’m glad we have my 2 furry babies now, cuz when we have kids in the very near future, we can just incorporate the kids and dogs and hopefully it will be a smooth transition.

- dlock on May 19th, 2009

I have never been without a pet. Even as a newborn baby – my cat had been living in our home 3 years before I was even born! She died on her 18th birthday when I was 15. So I’d say anytime! Childhood is so much more fun when animals are involved!

- Kate on May 19th, 2009

My son is allergic to dogs so we can’t have them in our apartment! But we are thinking of getting a little cat called Thierry as my son adores Thierry Henry as does my fiance! I am hoping to fall pregnant this year so I can give my son a sibling as that is what he wants the most!

- babyboopie on May 19th, 2009

We got our dog when I was 10 and my brother was 6. We were both at ages where we could enjoy our puppy (and keep up with him!) as well as help in the research about getting a pet and the care — walking, feeding, brushing, etc. I think it was the perfect age to have a pet.

Once I’m ready to start a family, though, I think I’ll end up getting a pet before having children. I think it will be a fairly smooth transition, introducing kids to the pet as opposed to pets to kids.

- Kate on May 19th, 2009

Firstly, the decision should never be left to a child. There shouldn’t be a stipulation or an agreement made that a family will get a pet if the children are willing to take care of it and the responsibilities. Yes, you can ask them to help out with the pet but ultimately it will be the parents who take care of it.

Also, it’s my opinion that agreeing to adopt an animal should be taken with the same consideration as adopting a child. If you aren’t will to go the long haul, then don’t own a pet.

Personally, my husband and I were pet parents before having our own kids. I think it works well that way, they grow up seeing the responsibility. They don’t know a life where animals aren’t a part of the family, so there’s no acclimating the children. Animals are adaptable, our bulldog became a great big sister.

- Letitia on May 19th, 2009

We decided to get a pet when we moved,but found and fell in love with out then-7 months Maltese poodle. he’s now going on two years,and the family loves him, so much that we got another dog a rat terrier. I think a family pet is good to have for a family who WANTS a pet first and foremost. it does become apart of the family,and it’s like having another child. it comes with many responsibilities. walking,feeding,bathing,shots,vet visits…etc… so financially it can be a lot,depending on the breed of dog.

- dawn on May 19th, 2009

We got our Moe 4 years ago when our children were 3 and almost 2. Our children are only 17 months apart He was perfect for us and our kids fell in love with him the moment they met him. Moe is a Shih-Poo which is a ShihTzu and Poodle mix. He is a very loving and patient dog. The kids have always loved animals but since they are so close in age we waited until I felt like I could take on another person to take care of in a sense. I think its up to the parents when its the right time to have a pet because its like having another child to tend to. We love and adore our Moe and I highly recommend this breed of dog to anyone!

- Amy on May 19th, 2009

My parents got us our dog when I was 5 and my sister was almost 10. I thought it was a perfect time because my sister and I were both old enough to help with the dog plus we were past the age of needing to be watched constantly, etc. so that attention could be paid on the dog.

My hope is to get a dog before I have children that will grow up as they age and then once it passes, get a new one after the kids are old enough to help out. But who knows what will happen. I think kids can adjust to most situations (in regards to a pet unless they are allergic) so as long as it isn’t too much for the owner!

- Laura on May 19th, 2009

babyboopie,
You might be able to get a hypoallegenic dog if your son really wants a dog. They do not shed, however, they need to have their hair clipped reqularly depending on what type of dog it is. My 2 sisters are highly allergic to dogs so my parents would have to adopt or purchase hypoallegenic dogs. I’m not flaming your choice of getting a cat in any way, mind you, since I am also an avid lover of cats. Good luck with the new pet

As for the question,
When the family as a whole is willing to take care of a pet as a unit. I think it’s a tragedy when parents refuse to have a pet in the house. This might sound ignorant, but I think people who own and respect their animals just have an additional charismatic nature about them.

- Silvermouse on May 19th, 2009

My daughter has been around dogs since the moment she was born. My husband and I had two boxer dogs. She adored them both and was devastated when one of them died three years ago. She is very dedicated to the one we have left, she cuddles with him and is very responsible with food,walks and vet visits. She refers to the pet as his drooling brother.

- eva on May 19th, 2009

I have 2 kids and my youngest,Hayleigh, is 2 and me and my husband have had a dog since we first moved in together,a pug, my pug,Lily is 9, and we have no problem with her and Hayleigh, but my oldest child,Lexie is 6 and Lily sleeps with her and never leaves her sight…it’s so so so so so so so so so so C U T E ! !
Soo i would say 3-5 is a good time

- isobel on May 19th, 2009

The best time for a pet is when there’s enough money for vet fees, dishes, leashes, beds, lessons, extras because they are cute, and when the family is in a stable situation (no vacations, no holidays, etc).

The kids, ideally, should be old enough to understand no, and to be able to leave the pet alone when told to, since the pets need a break from the kids. It’s much easier to have a pet when your child can respect the pet’s needs.

Also, if you get a dog, wait until your kids are potty trained. That’s because when the dog needs to go out, and your 3 year old child is yelling for your help to to go to the bathroom, which do you choose? The child, of course. If the child were 5 or 6 and is yelling for some help you’re more likely to be able to say “wait while I take the dog out”, plus at that age they can better navigate buttons and zippers. Younger kids simply don’t have the ability to wait like older kids do, either by physically “holding it” or by just being impatient.

- petlover on May 19th, 2009

I’ve never been without a pet, I have 2 dogs, 1 cat, turtle, and snake. The little kid I baby-sit is terrified of my Burmese (Snake)

- aimy on May 19th, 2009

I think it depends on what kind of pet…. Even though a cat does require care and attention, dogs usually need a lot more attention and when kids are school-aged they can help out with the responsibility. I’ve never had a dog though; I was born into a cat family. We got our first cat when I was 6 months; 20 years later he’s still kicking around. I think unless there’s serious allergies that can’t be treated, I would love for my kids to have 1 or 2 pet cats from the time they’re babies (chances are, my 2 cats will still be around by the time I’m ready for a family). I just think it’s such a great way to teach kids responsibility and compassion. If I ever get a dog, I’d want it when my kids were older, like between 5 and 10.

- alice jane on May 19th, 2009

I had my cats years before my daughter entered the picture. She had to learn not to pull their tails, but the get along just fine now. I have heard that living with at least 2 pets before 12 months of age reduces allergies in kids.

If you get pets before kids or get pets when kids are very young, you have to be ready to to do all the work yourself, and you need to be able to afford food, supplies, shots, etc. You also need to be careful when selecting a pet, so that the pet-child situation is safe.

Even if a kid is older, don’t plan to get a pet unless you really want to do most of the work. It’s very easy for kids to say they will take care of their pet, and then after a few weeks, they try to get out of it. If the kids do a great job, then wonderful. But if they slack, it’s not a good situation for a pet to be moved from house to house.

- Amy on May 19th, 2009

Prepare yourselves…I have six pets. SIX. I had all six of them before my son was born…3 dogs and 3 cats. I had so many people ask me while I was pregnant, “What are you going to do with your animals?” – it was unbelievable. My son is almost 2 and he LOVES animals. He knows to be gentle with them and my three dogs are his shadows…they are joined at the hip!

I have always said that I will never understand people who don’t like animals. I would have 10 more dogs if I could! Pets teach children so much…how to love all creatures, be gentle, responsible, and sadly, when the time comes – about loss. Yes, they can be a lot of work, but the joy they give back outweighs the extra effort. Wow – the same could be said about kids.

- angelika05 on May 19th, 2009

I suggest never getting a puppy while you have a child in diapers. Having to worry about toilet training your puppy while having a child that cannot use the toilet is a huge hassel and a ton of extra work.

- rlc on May 20th, 2009

i would let my kids (if i had any) get a pet at around 8-10 years old. i’d start with something small like a hamster or guinea pig

- jessie on May 20th, 2009

every family is different… but I agree that a new animal can very much be like a new child, especially if you get it as a baby… So I think you should either get the pet before you even have kids (most pets will adjust to children if you socialize them and prepare them), otherwise, wait till you have the time to put into it.

Kids can be very rough with animals and you have to also have that plan of how you can keep the child/children away from them for a bit of the day so the animal doesn’t get stressed.

- Kat on May 20th, 2009

In 2006 we got a dog in March and the new baby came in May. They are the same age and have grown up together. I was nervous though when bringing my son home the first day. But Joey smelled him and we had no problems with him adjusting to the new baby.

I don’t think it’s just the right time, its the right pet as well. If you know a certain dog breed/other type of pet may be agressive then don’t get it if you have children in the house. I say do your research and make sure that you are getting the pet for the right reason because even though “the pet is for the kids” parents know they will be taking care of that pet.

- Kelli on May 20th, 2009

When I was 10 yrs. old, my father got me and my 9 yr. old sister a puppy. I think he felt we were old enough to share in the responsibility of being a dog owner. We fed her, took her for walks and played with her. Our dog Trudi, died when she was 11 (I was 21). I think my father did all the poop cleanup, though.

Now that I have kids of my own; I wanted them to enjoy having a dog while they were growing up. My husband and I walso wanted to instill a sense of resposibility, and we felt they were ready for it. We got our dog Bruno, when he was 9 weeks old in November 2007. My son was 10 and my daughter was 7 at the time. Bruno was an inside dog until March of 2008; and they helped bathe him, brush him, do a little vacuuming of hair, feed him and replace the puppy pads. Now that he’s primarily an outside dog, the kids still share some responsibilities, e.g. taking him for walks, fill up water bowl and picking up his poop.

- Sarah on May 21st, 2009

Until this Novemeber, I thought that the right time was when I had enough resources (time, money, fenced yard, etc.) to handle a pet for my children, in the way that a pet deserves to be treated ( as a member of the family). I wanted my kids to grow up with dog, and so as soon as we found a house with a yard big enough, we adopted a Boxer mix from a shelter.
HOWEVER, while visiting family, my two year old daughter was bitten in the fac by their family dog. This was a dog that was friendly with children and friendly with my daughter. In fact, he had been a no kidding poste dog or a major pet store chain, and the family has a big poster of him in the house to prove it. My daughter was not touching the dog, there was no food in her hand and the dog was not eating, and they were supervised. Yet, this horrible thing happened. The best we can conclude is that the dog was nervous because of extra people around, and whn my daughter walked up, he turned and snapped- maybe he didn’t even mean to bite her. But he did. It required 5 hours of emergency surgery to put her face back together. My husband held her eyeball into her head during the time we waited to get into surgery. Thankfully, he eyeball is fine, but she shape of her eye is very damaged and she will haev a replacement tear duct put in when she is older. On teh other side of her face, she had a laceration throught he cheek, that went all the way through her cheek, gumline, and into her jaw bone. This was one confused bite ! I may be an animal lover, but ove my children more.
In the hosptial, I couldn’t get over how many such cases teh doctors told s that they see. I started doing a lot of research, adn I found out that 1 in 1,000 U.S kids are bitten each year, badly enogh to require treatment at teh hosptial. The younger the child, teh more likely they are to be bitten, and the more likely it is to be in the head/neck area.Doctors compare the impact of a dog bite on a child to that of a bear bite on an adult. Interestingly, once a child is 10 years old, the statisical probablility of them receiving a bite is no greater than it is for an adult. These studies emphasize that while certain breeds and male dogs pose an elevated threat, all dogs pose a threat(small dogs and purebreds actually have higher bite statistics than many would realize- it doesn’t take a big dog to hurt a baby badly !!!). 10 years is not too long to wait to have a family dog. Trust me ! While you may never experience what I did, the price is not worth it !!!
Our boxer found a loving new home with older children. The kids and I miss her dearly ( my husband could happily never see a dog again), but knowing what I now know, I cannot feel comfortable having a dog around.
I am not saying this to make anyone get rid of teir dog, I am just saying this to make people recnsider getting one in teh first place if their children are small- or to reconsider how they handle their dog. It seems the people I meet that need to hear this the most are teh ones that say ” but my dog would never”….my family said that about their dog before this also- but now my little girl has to go through the rest of her life with this disfigurement.

- heather on May 21st, 2009

Heather, you are going to make your kids crazy and paranoid. What happened to you is VERY rare. Most kids go through childdhood with and never get bitten by a dog. Many, many,many (millions and millions) of small children get along perfectly fine with dogs in their houses. They don’t walk around bleeding and with wounds. I know that you went through something tramatic, but you are now extremely fearful and paranoid. I feel sorry for you and more sorry for your children who no doubt feed off of your fear and probably shake everytime they see a dog. Poor kids; that is no way to live.

- sue on May 22nd, 2009

The right time to get a pet is when the family is fully prepared for the commitment a pet needs. If you’re not willing to take your dog for a walk every day (rain, hail or shine) you should reconsider (this partly depends on the breed, of course). You should also be prepared for the financial commitment to feeding your pet the best food you possibly can. You also need to be ready to give up at least one morning of your weekend for training (many good breeders won’t sell you a dog unless you promise to take it to training either in obedience or agility). Owning and caring for a pet properly costs over a thousand dollars a year.

And while I’m here I’ll beg (heh) you to PLEASE only ever either buy from a responsible breeder or a shelter/rescue. Please don’t support backyard breeders. Research the breed you plan to buy (especially health problems associated with the breed) and ask breeders what tests they do to eliminate those problems from the bloodlines of the pets they breed. By the age of 8 weeks your puppy should have been temperament tested and may have had x-rays and possibly an MRI and veterinary ophthalmological exam if eye problems are common. If you buy from a responsible breeder you should feel like they’re interviewing you, not the other way around. The initial outlay might be much more expensive but it’s much more of a guarantee that you won’t be spending $5000 on surgery in a couple of months because your backyard-bred puppy’s hips develop crippling dysplasia. Good breeders have a type of warranty on their dogs, the same as any other expensive purchase.

I couldn’t live without my pets – I’ve never been without a dog by my side. They bring unbelievable light to your life. But it’s a big committment – it’s not just a new style of bling to have peeping out of your handbag.

- Amelie on May 22nd, 2009