Argumentative Essay Bjerke Rubric

Mott Poll Report Family Pets: Pros and Cons for Kids 

NATIONAL POLL ON CHILDREN’S HEALTH 

December 16, 2019 

Volume 35 

5

Issue 3 

Pets can be an important part of a family and have a big impact on a child. The decision to have or not have a pet can involve a lot of  factors including timing, the kind of pet, and who will take responsibility for it. The C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on  Children’s Health asked a national sample of parents of children age 5-18 about reasons to have or not have a family pet. 

Two-thirds of parents (69%) report their family currently has a pet, and 16% say they had one in the past. The most common pets  are dogs (76%), cats (41%), fish, birds, and reptiles (24%), and small mammals such as rabbits or guinea pigs (9%). 

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Many factors go into deciding whether or not to have a family pet. Parents with pets endorse a number of reasons for children  having a pet. The top reason rated as very important for children to have a pet is for fun and companionship (63%). Other reasons  include that a pet would teach their child responsibility (57%), and parents themselves having a pet growing up and enjoying it  (39%). Three in ten parents (30%) say it is very important to have a pet to provide protection for the family, and that their child  wants a pet (31%).  

In families that do not have pets, parents’ top reasons rated as very important not to have a pet include: hassle of owning a pet  (62%), family member with pet allergies (55%), cost of owning a pet (48%), that their child would not be responsible (43%), and  having a pet would not be safe for their child (39%). 

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Parents indicate that responsibility for the care of a family pet can increase as a child gets older. The most common age at which  parents say it is appropriate for a child to assume responsibility is 8 years for feeding the pet, 9 years for washing/brushing or  cleaning up after the pet, and 10 years for walking or exercising the pet. Among parents with a family pet, 56% say their child  always takes care of pet responsibilities, while 40% said their child sometimes is responsible. 

About 1 in 6 parents (18%) say they would allow their child to receive a pet as a gift; 42% say no and 40% say they might allow it.  Fifteen percent of parents have given their child a pet as a gift.

Report Highlights 

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Parents’ top reasons for having a  family pet are fun/companionship  and teaching children  responsibility. Parents’ top reasons against having  a family pet are hassle, allergies,  and cost. 

Only 1 in 6 parents would allow  their child to receive a pet as a gift. Most families at some point go through the process of deciding whether or not to  get a pet. This Mott Poll found that there are a lot of issues parents find important in  evaluating if and when a pet is right for their child. 

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Parents endorsed many potential advantages to their child in having a pet. Among  these are the benefits of teaching their child a sense of responsibility. Caring for a pet  can help kids learn the importance of being dependable in taking care of another living  being. Pets can teach children valuable life lessons like reliability, trust, compassion,  respect and patience.  

However, the decision to have a pet needs to be weighed carefully. When thinking of  which pet to add, parents should pick one that fits the lifestyle of the family. A fish or  turtle will require less playtime than a cat or dog. If the family travels a lot, an animal  that can be left at home with minimal care would be a good choice. Families that want  to include a pet in active play or long walks might find a dog to be a perfect fit. If a  family member has allergies, parents should choose pets that have minimal hair or  dander. 

Before getting a family pet, parents will want to consider the extent to which they  expect children to have responsibility for the pet’s care. An especially important  consideration is what happens when the “newness” wears off or a puppy/kitten gets  older. Some children may lose interest and not want to care for the pet over time.  

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Before bringing home a new pet, parents should discuss with their child the specifics  of what their responsibilities will be. Pets require food, grooming, and exercise; the  pet’s cage, pen or other environment requires regular cleaning and upkeep. No matter  how committed their child may seem at the time of getting a pet, parents will have to  consider themselves to be the backup plan if their child cannot or does not continue to  care for the pet over time. 

It is also important for parents to have realistic expectations regarding how much  children at different ages can reasonably be expected to contribute to the care  of a pet. Most experts believe that children over 5 years old can begin to take on  developmentally appropriate responsibilities with regard to the care of a pet, with  parental supervision. Children under the age of 10 should not be expected to take  care of a pet completely on their own. 

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Safety was mentioned by parents in this Mott Poll as both a reason for and against  having a family pet. On one hand, dogs may deter intruders by barking, and often  can be trained to be protective of children in the family. However, some dogs can be  aggressive with little warning, resulting in injuries and even death to children. Parents  who are considering a dog as a family pet may want to consult with a veterinarian or  other expert to find out which breeds are appropriate for children. For the safety of  both the child and the pet, children under the age of 4 should be supervised with pets  at all times. 

Only 1 in 6 parents in this Mott Poll would allow their child to receive a pet as a  gift. There is a long tradition of giving pets as gifts for special occasions, but animal  shelters are filled with “former pets” where a child either lost interest or did not have  the ability to care for it responsibly.

 Individuals contemplating giving a pet as a gift to  a child should be sure to talk with parents first, to make sure the parents agree that  the child is ready for the responsibility of having a pet, and that the parent is willing to  help. Parents may want to steer the gift-giver toward a pet whose cost and burden of  care fits with the family’s lifestyle. Surprising a child with the gift of a pet is unfair to  the animal, the child, and the parents. 

Why you should you get a pet for your kids: Pros 

and Cons 

Nov 4 by KidsInTheHouse2 

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There is no pairing more dynamic than kids and their pets. Try and remember the fascination you felt towards animals as a child. Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and even lizards, all represent to children something joyous and completely magical. It’s fair 

to say, that most children feel a special connection to the animal world, and 

the domesticated segment of that world consisting primarily of dogs, cats and the like, tends to enthusiastically reciprocate. If we are lucky enough to have them in our households, animals are the perfect complements of childhoods. Sadly, many families living in urban environments simply cannot fulll their kid’s puppy dreams due to perfectly necessary, practical considerations, but those who can, have a lot to think about and much to consider before taking the leap into pet ownership. Many of us go through life never giving pets a second thought, until we have children, and then we notice them getting that pathetic, longing look in their eyes every time a stranger walks by with a four legged friend. It’s all we can do to stop them from leaping at the unsuspecting animal in a frenzy of tender feelings, suffocating it with hugs, punchy kisses and loud coos. 

There is nothing quite as compelling as the faces of our sweet babies tugging at our clothes and heartstrings, while they beg for a puppy or a kitten or whatever other kind of critter they’ve got their hearts set on. But let’s review the implications of acquiring for our kids, the most common of animal companions, a dog. Deciding to get a dog for your kids is equally as wonderful as it is laborious and potentially fraught with complications. There is an extensive list of positives to mull over. Besides transforming into a bona-de mom/dad hero to your kids, the rewards of childhood pet ownership extend unexpectedly far. 

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The Pros 

Exercise 

• Activity level in children with pets is considerably higher, contributing to their meeting and even exceeding daily exercise quota, which in turn reduces the risks of childhood obesity and diabetes. Experts report that children who own pets require less visits to the doctor. 

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Learning 

• Young readers can hone their reading skills by reading to their pets! 

Caring 

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• Caring for a pet teaches children about responsibility and helps develop their nurturing side, this can be especially beneficial to boys, who do not usually get to experience themselves as caregivers during their formative years. 

Respect 

• Pets help foster personal growth by advancing the kids’ sense of respect for life and nature. Impulse Control 

• Children with pets are better adjusted, more content and exhibit greater impulse control. 

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Compassion 

• Pet ownership contributes to children developing great sense of empathy and compassion. 

Stress Reduction 

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• Lastly, pets soothe and reduce stress in children! Many experts argue that if hygiene issues can be managed, kids sleeping with their pets oers additional mental and physical benets(http://www.kidsinthehouse.com/all-parents/family-life/family-pets/pets-sleeping-kids) With all that being said and for all the pros listed above there are still some denite potential cons. It is important to do your research. For example the kind of dog that would be best suited to your family is something to examine rst and foremost. Consider your kids’ age, size and your family’s overall life style against the dog’s size, temperament and energy level. Experts say that the ideal dog should have an energy level just below your family’s. 

Some breeds are better with kids than other, some are better with kids of certain ages, and, in the end, every individual dog has its own list of qualifications that should be carefully. 

The Cons 

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Beware of Allergies 

• One of the most disheartening things that can happen is that upon bringing your new furry family member into the house, you discover that one of its human residents suffers from an animal allergy. An unexpected pet allergy situation can really cause a kind of tragedy in your child’s life, as it is unlikely that you will be able to nd a solution besides removing your new pet from the home. Taking care to test your children (and spouse) to make sure they are not allergic is very important. 

The cost of owning a pet 

• Something else to consider is the expense of owning a pet, dog food alone can costs hundred of dollars a month, never you mind routine vet care. Emergency vet care adds a whole other dimension to this issue. (Pro tip: You can get a pets accessories at a discounted rate from CouponsMonk) 

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Time Investment 

• Remember, that even though the kids make fervent promises to you, swearing they will take care of their new pet, it’s very likely that they will fall short of their vows, leaving you to have to do much of the heavy lifting. Make sure you and/or your spouse have the time and energy to take care of the animal’s needs, or it and its effects on your home can become quite unmanageable. 

One last thing worth mentioning is that to young children, everything seems relatively simple, parents tend to feel their needs and desires rather seamlessly and thus their expectations of us and of life can be pretty high. Pets, though magical and wondrous in the eyes of children, actually represent to their parents a hassle of the highest order. Even though children are the ones who want them and love them most, let’s be real, the burden of their care falls mostly and squarely onto the shoulders of, already overextended, under-slept parents. So while you are pondering giving the gift of pets to your children, please take time to consider how this action will affect your life. It is important, that we, as parents, are truly prepared for the arrival of pets into our households, as we are the guardians of our family life. Consider yourself, because in the end your happiness is a crucial component of your kid’s happiness. There is no shame in admitting that for whatever reason the pet is not a manageable proposition. Sometimes, doing what’s right for your family is about knowing your limitations and saying “No”, in order to preserve family balance and our own sanity. 

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The Pros and Cons of Getting a Pet

by Alicia Prince

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Getting a pet is no easy decision. Emotional perks are undeniable, yet pets require time, understanding, and training. Particularly if you have kids, it can be difficult to gauge when you are ready for a pet. We all want a cuddly, warm friend to come home too, but responsibilities and costs required to properly take care of your pets are real. Carefully considering the consequences of welcoming a new pet into your home can make all the difference in keeping your pet safe and happy (and keeping you sane). While drawbacks to having a pet may be challenging, if you properly prepare, getting a pet can be a smooth experience. The following pro and cons of having a pet will help you decide if you are ready to rise to the occasion. 

Pros: 

1. Increased Personal Safety 

One definite positive to having a pet unfortunately only applies to larger, free roaming pets. Mainly in the case of dogs, pets can bring a degree of safety to your life. A barking dog scares away most home invaders, and medium to large sized dogs provide security on late night walks. However, even smaller dogs, cats, and exotics have alerted their owners to approaching dangers like fire or gas leaks. When considering whether or not to get a pet, don’t forget that your new family member could be a crucial element in keeping you safe. 

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2. Receiving Love 

No matter what kind of pet you get, you are sure to experience increased joy and love. Pets have a way of calming us down, and playing our heartstrings in a way that nothing else can. Pets can do a lot for helping you out of slumps and turning around a bad day. 

3. Learning Patience 

Particularly when it comes to younger pet owners, having a pet can teach us valuable lessons. Training your pet can be a lesson in 

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patience, while treating your pet well can help children learn how to be gentle and understanding.

 4. Pets Empathize with You 

Another positive to getting a pet is having a family member who will always empathize with you. Regardless of what pet you get, most larger pets can sense when we are feeling under the weather or have had a bad day. Having something to cuddle with that genuinely cares that you feel better is a huge boost on those less than perfect days. 

5. Improved Mental Health 

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Having a pet is also a powerful way to keep yourself mentally functional. Across the board, pets of all types have proven to improve the health of patients with mental health challenges. From treating those with post traumatic stress disorder, to helping those who struggle with depression, pets are a helpful addition to combat a range of disorders. Not only do these findings bring hope to those with health challenges, it also means that every day anxiety and stress can be greatly decreased by spending time with your pet. 

6. Saving an Animal from a Shelter 

Finally, another major positive if you’re looking at adopting a shelter pet is the knowledge that you saved a life. Dogs, cats, and other animals in animal shelters are usually tame, and sometimes even trained. By adopting an animal that's been abandoned, you are giving a good home to a living thing, plus making room at overcrowded shelters. Unsurprisingly, pet owners who adopt animals from shelters often speak to the animals undying loyalty and joy at being adopted. 

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Cons: 

1. Responsibility 

One drawback of getting a pet is an immediate increase in responsibility. Just like a young child, pets rely on you for absolutely everything. Not only that, if they have yet to be trained, they won’t understand your anger if they do something wrong. If you are someone with an over scheduled life, or doubt your children’s ability to step up to this responsibility, a small pet like a hamster or mouse might be a better first step. 

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2. Allergies 

Another drawback to pets in the home are allergies. Especially if you don’t know what you’re allergic to, bringing a cat or a dog into your life can bring unexpected hurdles. Keep in mind that allergies grow worse each time you are exposed to an allergen, so spending limited time with animals in the past is not conclusive proof you aren’t allergic. If you’re unsure of your animal allergies, pet sitting for a friend or spending time volunteering for an animal shelter might be something you want to try first. 

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3. Possible Safety Hazards 

Another important consideration when getting a pet is whether or not the animal in question brings more hazards to your life. A Productive While 

pet might be a fine addition for families with young kids, however a large breed of dog for example, will require extra attention

and training to make sure it is safe around children. Similarly, aggressive types of snakes or territorial pets may not be the best addition if you have dependents living with you. It is important to consider the needs of everyone in your house before getting a pet. 

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4. Cost 

Unfortunately, another drawback to having pets is a necessary evil. Just like humans, animals need to be healthy and happy. Before you get a pet, consider the average yearly veterinary cost of owning the type of animal you are looking at. Cats and dogs for example, require several different shots throughout their first year of life, as well as preventative shots and treatment throughout their lives. Additionally, outdoor pets are more prone to infections, lacerations and pest infestations that require veterinary care. Even if your animal never has a major accident, every animal will require you to pay for basic veterinary care to have a healthy and fulfilled life. 

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5. Poop 

There’s no getting around it – no matter what kind of animal you get, you will be required to clean up after them. Make sure you have a solid stomach when it comes to removing poop if you want a positive pet experience. 

6. Schedule Disorder 

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Finally, remember that bringing a pet home means you will sometimes be at the mercy of their schedule. Cats for example, are naturally nocturnal, and are likely to find their way on top of you while you try to sleep. Similarly, dogs, birds, and many exotic animals will sometimes feel the need to make as much noise as possible in the middle of the night. Be prepared to take on these challenges when you decide it’s time for a pet, and your transition into pet ownership will be much smoother. 

The Pros and Cons of Pets for Children 

By Life at the Zoo

The pros of having a pet:

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Healthier and stronger family life

There’s no denying the fact that pets like dogs really make family activities and a

day out a lot more fun than otherwise. They’re so playful that even if you are

busy doing something really important at work, you’ll be won over with their

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cuteness to cuddle and play with them. The feeling is even more prominent if you

see your kids running and playing happily with your family pet. A cute pet sure

does bring the family a lot closer than what you would imagine.

Your kids will never feel alone

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Especially if you’re just a tiny family of three, having a pet really gives a sense of

companionship to your young one as he or she grows up. Your kid will rarely get

bored when they’re busy playing with the family pet and you’re busy in your own

work to give them some attention. Having said that, pets are still not a

replacement for siblings.

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Learning responsibility

Just because it’s a dog, a cat, a fish or any other pet that’s best for the family, that

doesn’t mean that they don’t require to be taken care of. In fact, having a pet in

the family is a really good way of building a sense of responsibility in the family

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no matter the age of the family member. Feeding, bathing, and even potty

training are acts that have to be executed with timely responsibility. Even

watching after its health and taking it to the vet. As a parent, you’ll love to see

how your kid grows into a more responsible human being while taking care of the

family pet.

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Pets have health benefits

Most people would think the other way around, but they actually do have health

benefits. Chasing the pet around the house in their early years is a great way to

stimulate both physical growth and maintain a high metabolic rate to keep up

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with a kid’s growing energy requirements. Not to mention, your kids will be easily

accustomed to healthy lifestyle habits such as walking and washing their hands

for a healthier and disease free future. Also, coming home after a very stressful

day at school just to be hugged and licked by your dog is a great stress buster for

toddlers.

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And we all know how safe your kids feel with a dog in your house, especially a

barking one.

The not-so-cute facts:

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Animals will be animals

Unfortunately, that is the truth. No matter how domesticated your pet is, it’s still

an animal at the end of the day and can be a lot more temperamental, especially

when they are injured. No matter how cuddly your family pet is, you still have to

be cautious to make sure it doesn’t bite or scratch your kids. Normally pets are

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well vaccinated, but there’s still no telling how dangerous a pet bite can be.

They can be a financial burden

Bringing a pet into the family is no less than adopting a kid. Not only do you have

to be ready to give it that time – because there’s only so much that your own kids

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can do, but it also requires a considerable amount of money to look after one.

Everything from animal food to vaccination injections, grooming accessories; it’s

quite a handful you know. Can your monthly budget handle it? Moreover, can

your kids understand these limitations?

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The health drawbacks

A walk around the block to make sure your cat or dog doesn’t poop in your living

room may actually be healthy for your kid, but the fur that it unceasingly sheds

could be a major problem especially if one of your kid has allergies that require

frequent visits to the nearest children urgent care center. Not to mention, being

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exposed to all the dust and poop in the pen too can be a handful of medical

drama for your kid. You might want to consult your kid’s pediatrician before bring

one in, and more importantly what pets are safer.

The wrong choice of pet

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Tarantulas are fine, but a spider bigger than that just might be way too creepy as

a pet. Similarly, a cat or a pug in a small two-bedroomed apartment your small

family is living in would work, but a Great Dane, a bit too great for a small place,

no? Choose your pet wisely.

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They require time

As much fun as they can be, pets also demand a considerable length of your kid’s

time. It’s unreasonable to assume that your kids will take care of the family pet

very dedicatedly; you just might end up doing most of the hard and dirty work

yourself while your kids just have all the fun. This could be a [particularly big

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problem if you’ve got a family member in the house needing a personal

caregiver. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that you don’t let a pet into your house,

I’m just saying that you need to be a bit sensible with your choice.

8 Top Reasons Not to Get a Pet

LEONARD TILLERMAN

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Owning a pet is very work intensive and high maintenance 

Before You Adopt, Stop 

Before anyone seriously considers pet ownership, they first need to carefully examine the many reasons why they should not get a pet.

While pets may have cute and adorable eyes which are nearly impossible to resist, the truth of the matter is that pet ownership does not suit everyone. Animal shelters are full of poor, discarded creatures people acquired without properly considering all of the consequences. While pet ownership can be a positive and life-changing event, it can also be an utter disaster.

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Read along to discover the top eight reasons you should not get a pet.

Eight Reasons Not to Get a Pet

They require a lot of maintenance

They're expensive to care for

Allergies

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They create noise pollution

They will damage to house and property

You will lose freedom

You will lose sleep

They have a limited lifespan

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1. High Maintenance

Anyone who believes that owning a pet is all about playing with a cute and cuddly little creature is being sorely misled. Pets are entirely dependent upon their owners and can be incredibly high maintenance. It really does not matter whether you own a dog or a fish; they all demand time-consuming work on the part of the owner. Most pets need to be walked or exercised on a regular basis, and they all need to be fed, loved and have their habitat cleaned. From cleaning excrement, scrubbing cages, feeding and maintaining a proper grooming schedule, all pets are undeniably high-maintenance beings.

2. High Expenses

The original cost of purchasing a pet is really only the beginning. No matter what type of animal you own, they all have an abundance of inherent costs associated with them. This can include veterinary bills, food, habitats such as cages or tanks, supplies, grooming costs, obedience training and even boarding when the owner has to go away. Make no mistake; owning a pet will come with many financial obligations and sacrifices.

3. Allergies

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There have been far too many stories about people who have purchased or adopted a pet only to find out later that they are allergic to their new family member. This can be very distressing for the individual, and potentially catastrophic for the animal. Many people will be allergic to their new pet's dander, saliva and even urine. In truth, a lot of folks will not even realize that they have a pet allergy until they become owners. Also, they may have family members or friends who are allergic to their pet and all of a sudden will no longer be able to visit. Far too often, this will lead to their pet being returned to its place of origin. Undoubtedly, allergies are one of the top reasons not to get a pet!

4. Noise Pollution

A lot of individuals do not carefully consider their own particular style of living before they jump into pet ownership. If someone prefers a quiet and serene environment, then owning a pet is not a very wise decision. All types of animals are naturally quite noisy. From barking dogs, screeching birds and cats who meow incessantly, the quiet and serene fortress of solitude will quickly turn into a busy and noisy animal amusement park. If this was not considered before the pet was actually purchased or adopted, problems will surely follow.

5. Damage to House and Property

Whether properly trained or not, pets will have a very negative impact on the actual condition of your house. This can look very different depending upon what type of pet you have. For instance, dogs can be notorious for chewing everything in sight. This can include doors, table legs, recliners and carpets. The list is endless, really. Whether it is from playfulness, aggression, anxiety or loneliness, the result is the same. Other pets may be caged all day, but they will provide your house with a unique new scent, which is not appealing to anyone. Furthermore, pet urine is a very difficult thing to remove from carpets and can be very destructive to property. Damage to this prized possession of the house is a key reason not to get a pet. All of this doesn't even cover the topic of if your home is even suitable for a pet.

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Owning a pet can lead to them destroying the house.

6. Lack of Freedom

For someone who enjoys having a lot of freedom, pet ownership is clearly not a good idea. Pets require a high degree of care and attention. The days of going out after work for some beers or flying away for the weekend on the spur of the moment are all but gone when you become a pet owner. Having an animal comes with a lot of responsibility and a willingness to put their needs above your own. In many ways, it is not unlike having a child. Decisions will always need to be made with the best interests of the pet coming first. For instance, if you want to travel, it should be for a very limited time so as not to produce undue stress and anxiety in your pet. Also, a pet sitter will need to be arranged far in advance. There can be little doubt that freedom and pets are not a good match.

7. Lack of Sleep

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There are not many pets who do not have a dramatic impact on their owner's sleeping schedules. Perhaps the only pets which will not have a significant effect on the amount of quality sleep their owner is able to get are fish. Most other pets essentially live by their own schedules. Many are nocturnal in nature and will do a lot of their activity during the night when everyone else is attempting to sleep. Others, such as dogs, will awaken their owners numerous times in order to go outside for a bathroom break or decide to bark incessantly at the sound of a car door slamming down the street. When it comes to taking a nap to catch up on some much-needed sleep ... don't even bother. In truth, lack of sleep is a very good reason not to get a pet.

8. Short Lifespan

While it can certainly be a point for debate, perhaps the most critical reason not to get a pet is that they do not live very long. When pets become part of the family, they are loved just like any other family member. To lose them so quickly, after becoming so attached to them, can be very devastating for both young and old family members. Others may use such cliches such as, "It is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all." However, to lose a pet is a heart-wrenching experience that many individuals would be more than happy to avoid altogether. If your family does lose a pet, here is an article that can help you talk to children about it.

Pets can be very noisy, which is another good reason not to own a pet.

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Reasons Not to Get a Dog

Here are some additional reasons why a dog may not be the best pet for you.

Recommended

The Top 15 Reasons Not to Get a Dog

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OCT 13, 2023 3:07 PM EDT

You don't have a stable schedule. Dogs behave best when they are on a consistent schedule. They like to be walked and fed around the same time every day. This is how trust is built between a dog and its owner. Having a dog as a pet may not be a good idea if your schedule is constantly changing.

You are unsure about the rules of your apartment. If you rent an apartment or condo, you should not get any pet if you are unsure about the rules regarding pet ownership. It is a common occurrence for a renter to bring home a dog only to be heartbroken when their landlord informs them that their pet is prohibited. You don't want to be in a situation where you have to scramble to find a home for your pet.

You have a baby or are expecting one. This isn't a complete deal breaker, but it is a potential problem. Having a newborn and a new pet will likely be overwhelming. You'll have to adjust to having two new family members, as well as teach your dog how to interact with the baby. It may be better to wait until things have settled with the baby before you think about getting a dog.

Your partner isn't on board. If you live with a significant other, you should only consider a dog if they like the idea as well. A relationship can become strained if pets are involved and someone doesn't like having them around or taking care of them. You should not force the idea of a pet if they don't want to have one around.

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You aren't knowledgeable about the breed. Different dog breeds have different needs. Some will need more exercise than others. Some breeds have common health problems that will need special attention. For example, German shepherds often have hereditary hip dysplasia, which can lead to paralysis. Dalmatians often develop urolithiasis, which leads to kidney stones and requires them to have special diets. You should avoid getting a dog if you are not educated about that specific breed.

Good Beginner Pets

Despite all the hurdles and demands of pet ownership, there are many benefits to owning a pet. If you want to see how you cope with one or want to get a starter pet for your child, here are some pets that you should consider before going for something like a dog.

Parakeet: These birds are very popular pets due to being relatively low maintenance and doing very well in captivity. They can live in small birdcages in your home and have fairly simple diets of seeds, fruits and vegetables.

Mice: These animals can enjoy interaction and are quite intelligent. They are relatively easy to care for as long as they have a clean cage, food and some toys. They can even be easily trained. They can eat fruits and vegetables as well as feed from the pet store.

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Guppies: These fish are very popular for home aquariums. They can live in a variety of water types and can do well in small-sized tanks. They can get along in group aquariums and are easy to feed with fish food or bloodworms.

Goldfish: This popular pet is inexpensive and can be kept in a medium-sized tank. Their food can be picked up in any pet store. They can be a little messy, so their tank will need a filter to keep the water clean.

Conclusion

Pet ownership is a unique privilege which should not be entered into lightly. It can be an incredibly satisfying and rewarding experience with numerous benefits. However, it is certainly not for everyone. Before anyone makes a decision to bring a pet into their family, they should carefully weigh all sides of the equation to ensure they are ready for the commitment. Without a doubt, there are great advantages ... but there are also clear reasons you should simply not get a pet.