Moms Talk: Pet Care and Children

Adria L. Henderson July 21, 2011 at 12:30 pm

I don’t think it’s ever a good idea to allow a young child complete and full responsibility for any pet, even a goldfish. Until a child understands the consequences of failure to properly care for a pet – and that may not be until a child is eight or nine, a parent must enter into a pet adoption with the understanding that they are ultimately responsible for the life of the pet. Having said that, even young children can take part in a pet’s care, from putting food bowls down, measuring food amounts, brushing the cat or dog, etc. Older children can be responsible for walking a dog, feeding or preparing the food, helping with training, etc, Before adopting any pet, parents must always be willing to be the responsible and ultimate caretaker.