Resources on Early Learning

Tip Sheets

Deciding on whether to get a pet? Already have a pet? Loving and caring for a pet enriches the lives of many children. Consider safety as well as benefits when deciding if it's time for a pet in your family.

How can I keep my child safe and healthy around pets?

• Choose pets wisely. If you don't already have a pet, take care to choose from breeds and species that are likely to be good with your child. Have the pet checked for diseases by a veterinarian before bringing it home. Consider any family allergy problems before you get a pet. (You may need to discuss your child's allergies with his pediatrician.)
• Always supervise interactions. Teach your child not to go near any animal unless you say she may do so. Never leave a young child alone with an animal. Even a gentle pet can harm an infant. Toddlers often hit, poke, or grab animals, which can provoke an attack or harm a small pet. Teach your child to play gently with pets. Be sure your child stays away from pets when they are eating, caring for their own babies, or sleeping.
• Encourage good hygiene. Be sure your child stays away from animal food bowls or litter boxes. Have him wash his hands after playing with a pet. Treat any animal bite or scratch immediately. Check with your child's pediatrician if any bite or scratch breaks the skin.

How can my child benefit from growing up with pets?

• Self-esteem and social skills. Having positive feelings for and experiences with pets can help children feel good about themselves. Loving a pet can also help children learn to love and trust others.
• Physical activity. All pets need exercise. Playing safely and appropriately with pets is a fun way to help make physical activity a part of your child's lifestyle.
• Responsibility and respect. Learning to take good care of pets can teach children to express concern, empathy, and responsibility for other living things. Parents can use pet care to model and teach respect for all living things. Over the pet's life cycle, parents have opportunities to teach lessons about birth, illness, and death.
• Parent involvement. Parents and children can share time together as they play with and care for their pets.

How can my child help with pet care?

A young child can help with pet care in a few small ways but can't be responsible for all of a pet's care. He may be able to feed the dog if you pre-measure the food and water, for example. He can walk with you and the dog, but he certainly can't walk the dog alone. Give your child safe, small tasks, and be sure to supervise him as he does them.

You can learn more about pets and children at these Web sites:

• Pets and Children
  http://www.aacap.org/page.ww?name=Pets+And+Children&section=Facts+for+Families
• Selecting Safe Pets
  http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/home/pets.html
• Pets and Preschoolers
  http://www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,5151,00.html
• Exposure to Dogs and Cats in the First Year of Life and Risk of Allergic Sensitization at 6 to 7 Years of Age
  http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/288/8/963

Spanish: Las mascotas y los niños pequeños

The opinions, resources, and referrals provided in this Tip Sheet are intended for information purposes only and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We advise parents to seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care provider with questions regarding their child’s health or medical conditions.

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