What are some good pets for young kids that aren’t a dog or cat?

[Anonymous]

Bearded dragons are easy and social. We’ve had our for 10 years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Foster a cat or cat sit for neighbors. I have had fish, hermit crabs, rabbits, lizards, mice ... all are more work (to do well) and less satisfying than a mainstream pet.

Meant to add, I applaud you for knowing your limits. Too many people get pets they shouldn't.

Keep in mind your son will move out in 8 years. So if you do get a cat or dog, make it a middle aged one.

[Anonymous]

I'm the person whose dad made the caterpillar habitat. I'm glad you like the idea! Since your son is older than I was, he could document everything and get a really cool experience.

Since he's 10, he could also read to dogs and cats at the shelter. I know two 10-year-oods who walk pound dogs, but they were already experienced with dogs when they started.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm the person whose dad made the caterpillar habitat. I'm glad you like the idea! Since your son is older than I was, he could document everything and get a really cool experience.

Since he's 10, he could also read to dogs and cats at the shelter. I know two 10-year-oods who walk pound dogs, but they were already experienced with dogs when they started.

You are full of great ideas! Thank you so much!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Guinea Pig

But nothing, nothing, will be a substitute. The decision to bring a pet into the house, that is not a dog or a cat, will not fill the longing.

Agree 100 percent. I tell all parents to just cut to the chase and get the cat or the dog. Spending years caring for the geckos and the rats and the bunnies is just killing time and doesn't do it. Get your kid the dog (or I guess cat, but don't like them).

Ugh…I have a feeling you are right

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All animals are a commitment. To feedthem, clean their spaces, make sure they are healthy.

Yes! I agree. I just want something with a lower commitment. I agree with the pp who mentioned the 8 years. That’s a really big consideration!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All animals are a commitment. To feedthem, clean their spaces, make sure they are healthy.

And love them!

[Anonymous]

Golden retriever. They’re not really dogs lol, they’re better than people

[Anonymous]

A cat is really less work than just about any other creature.

You could foster if the length of commitment is what scares you. Some places are as short as 1-2 weeks, others a few months.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A cat is actually one of the lowest maintenance critters.

But a rat has a much shorter lifespan so less of a commitment, usually pretty friendly, and relatively sturdy.

Rats and rodents terrify me. Gulp.

I would sooner have a pet rat than a pet Tarantula. How some people have spiders as a pet freaks me out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Foster a cat or cat sit for neighbors. I have had fish, hermit crabs, rabbits, lizards, mice ... all are more work (to do well) and less satisfying than a mainstream pet.

Agreed.

I wanted a dog.

I got goldfish, guppies, parakeets, hermit crabs and bunnies.

Not satisfactory at all. Lots of weird experiences with pet death as well.

My parents allowed a pair of cats when I was in 10th grade. It was a mistake because at that point I was two years away from leaving for college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm the person whose dad made the caterpillar habitat. I'm glad you like the idea! Since your son is older than I was, he could document everything and get a really cool experience.

Since he's 10, he could also read to dogs and cats at the shelter. I know two 10-year-oods who walk pound dogs, but they were already experienced with dogs when they started.

These are excellent ideas!

[Anonymous]

Nothing small and furry - no guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats, rabbits. These animals don’t always enjoy being handled and can take a while for them get used to being held. It’s easy to squeeze them to hard or drop them breaking something. They can’t go to a regular vet bc they won’t see them and require an exotic vet. Guinea pigs and rabbits need lots if hay daily so if anyone has allergies to hay or grass that’s a no go.

Goldfish are nice.

[Anonymous]

No commitment? Pet rock or “adopt” a zoo animal and visit it twice a year.

[Anonymous]

None. Pets are living beings that deserve a full commitment from an adult. Animals do not exist to be entertainment for children.