Pets love us unconditionally. They're also great for our health — mentally and physically. Caring for pets can boost self-esteem, prevent loneliness, and even lower heart rate and blood pressure in some people.

Growing up with a pet can be wonderful for kids. But remember that although the experience gives kids a sense of responsibility, only adults can be truly responsible for a pet. Selecting the right pet is a serious decision that family members should make together.

Before You Select a Pet

A common mistake is bringing home a pet on an impulse without fully understanding the level of commitment involved. For instance, lots of people buy bunnies at Easter time without giving a thought to the 5- to 10-year commitment their family will be making to the animal. Moms and dads also often flock to the pet stores and shelters to find a dog or cat for a surprise Christmas or birthday present for their kids. But many shelters and pet stores actually don't allow purchases or adoptions of pets around the holidays because, far too often, animals are returned when families haven't thought through all of the responsibilities of taking care of the pet.

If you're adamant about getting your child a pet for a birthday or the holidays, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) suggests that you buy and wrap some pet supplies (pet bowls, pet bed, leash, carrier, etc.) as gifts, then pick out the pet as a family. That way, you and your child will have a chance to really think about whether you're ready for a pet.

Before adopting or purchasing any pet, talk to all family members, discuss expectations and responsibilities, and take a realistic look at your family's lifestyle. Consider asking yourselves these key questions before making the leap into pet ownership:

• How much care will the pet require?
• What role will each family member play in the pet's care? In other words, who will feed the pet? Who will groom and bathe it? Who will clean its living space? Who will walk it, if need be?
• What kind of medical care will the pet need?
• How big will the pet grow to be?
• Do you have enough space in your home for the pet to live and exercise? If you're thinking about getting a dog, do you have a yard, preferably a fenced one? (Cats, birds, rabbits, and other small animals can generally adapt to any space, but dogs need lots of room to run and jump.)
• Do you have another pet? How do you think it will get along with a new pet?
• Who will care for the pet when you or your family aren't home? (For example, what will you do with the pet if you work long hours and the kids stay after school for soccer practice? What if you and your family travel a lot?)
• Does anyone in your family have a history of allergies or asthma? If so, talk to your doctor about the possibility of pet allergy tests to determine ahead of time whether anyone might be allergic to certain animals.

Are Some Pets Dangerous?

Although the animals your child sees in the woods or parks may be cute to look at, they can be dangerous as pets — they aren't used to being around people and may carry diseases that can be transmitted to your child. People mistakenly believe they can tame a wild animal. Instead, you should teach your child to stay away from animals in the wild, and never to touch, feed, or try to take an animal home.

And just because you can buy a pet from the pet store doesn't mean it's safe for homes with kids. Animals that may not be child-safe include:

• hedgehogs
• prairie dogs
• ferrets
• chinchillas
• monkeys

Also, many people don't realize that reptiles (such as turtles, snakes, lizards, and iguanas) transmit salmonella, a kind of bacteria, through their feces. The salmonella bacteria are transmitted through direct contact with reptiles or by touching surfaces and people who have had contact with reptiles. Pet reptiles are an especially bad idea if anyone in your house, such as infants and elderly people, faces greater health risks from a salmonella infection. If you're seriously considering having a reptile as a pet, check with your family doctor or veterinarian about what special precautions, such as regular hand washing, should be taken.

Dogs and cats can also spread infections. For example, pets that are often outdoors easily pick up ticks, which can carry diseases such as Lyme disease. This shouldn't stop you from owning a dog or cat, though. There are effective preventative tick treatments and collars that can help decrease the number of ticks that find your pet. As with your children, if you live in a wooded area, you should check your pets regularly for ticks.

It's also important to pay attention to which dogs aren't recommended for first-time owners. For example, some larger breeds, such as Doberman Pinschers, Dalmatians, and Great Danes, may not be child-safe because they can grow to be more than 50 pounds. Also, bites from very large dogs can do a lot more damage than those from smaller dogs. And, of course, avoid choosing a dog that's been specifically bred to be an aggressive fighter (such as some Pit Bulls or Rottweilers).

Do Your Research

Some common domesticated animals that can make good family pets include:

• cats
• dogs
• rabbits
• guinea pigs
• hamsters
• gerbils
• birds
• fish

But be careful about labeling a certain animal or breed as unquestionably safe. There are exceptions to every rule, and any animal may scratch or bite if put in a dangerous situation. Before you decide on any kind of animal for your family, learn as much as you can about your pet-to-be:

• Read pet guides, which explain the various personalities, tendencies, and backgrounds of specific breeds in detail. For example, some breeds (such as certain terriers or Chihuahuas) are known for their feistiness and are considered less tolerant of children — especially if they aren't raised with kids from puppyhood. Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, on the other hand, have excellent reputations as family-friendly dogs. Also look around for guides (at your local bookstore, on the Internet, or at animal shelters) about taking care of different kinds of pets. If you're interested in rabbits, the House Rabbit Society is an excellent resource and offers printed materials on rabbits and rabbit care.
• Set up a consultation visit with a veterinarian to talk about what you're looking for in a pet and to ask questions.
• If you're thinking about buying a dog from a pet store, first ask where they get their dogs and puppies. It's not uncommon for pet stores to purchase dogs from "puppy mills," where they may be poorly bred and, therefore, may have physical and/or behavioral problems. It's often better to buy a dog from a private breeder or adopt one from an animal shelter.
• Ask neighbors and friends about their experiences with various kinds of pets.

Taking Your Pet Home

Once you've done your research and decided which pet would be best for your family, these tips will keep kids safe, and help both your family and your new pet adjust:

• Take your pet for a checkup as soon as possible. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, a breeder, shelter, or pet store should allow you to have an animal examined and returned within an agreed-upon time if it's unhealthy. Read the fine print on any pet-purchase contracts, though, to make sure.
• Teach kids how to handle and pick up pets — to never squeeze them too tight, drop them, fall on them, or pick them up too fast.
• Teach kids never to tease animals or pull their tails or ears.
• Teach kids never to bother animals while they're eating, sleeping, or tending to their young.
• Teach kids never to take a toy or bone away from a dog.
• Teach kids never to pet or try to play with an animal they don't know, even if it's someone's family pet.
• Closely supervise pets and kids. Never leave an infant or toddler alone with a pet.
• Don't put pets into scary situations. For example, if you know your cat gets nervous around too many people, then put the kitty in another room during parties.
• Teach kids to wash their hands with soap and water after handling pets.
• Don't keep undomesticated animals as house pets.

Pet ownership offers many benefits, and doing a little research before taking the plunge helps ensure that your new pet will be a welcome addition to the family.

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: September 2007