The Family Pet: Choosing, Caring For, and Cleaning Up After It

“Mommy, can I have a ___?” (dog, cat, rat, bird, pony – just fill in the blank with your child's pet of choice).

pet, easy pets for kids, low maintenance pets, easy pets, low maintenance pets for kids

Kids love pets. You don’t have to be Dr. Doolittle to realize that pet ownership offers many benefits for kids.

Best of all, there are safe low maintenance pets for kids.

Before you bring an animal home to join your family, make sure you've considered the pros and cons of how this new family member will affect your lifestyle.

You'll also want to know how in advance how to clean-up after pets safely.

Keeping your home clean and organized and the family safe when your new furry or feathered addition arrives is a snap - if you put these rules into play from the start.

Consider these low-maintenance pets for younger kids and when getting started having a pet.

Got school age or older children? Consider a medium-maintenance pet, such as a dog to get you started.

More "Family Pet" Stories

Living With Pets You're Allergic To Animals are well-loved family members. Despite the fact that they sometimes make us cough and sneeze, we still want them around. These tips can help you cope.

Truth or Consequences for Kids: When an Animal is Neglected No animal should be allowed to be neglected by a child - and it is the child who should learn this essential lesson ASAP. These tips will help you create consequences should the unthinkable come up - while keeping the pet in question safe in your home.

Dogs: The Medium Maintenance Animal Medium-maintenance pets - the canine companion is hard to beat. Here's what you need to know before deciding to bring one home.

How to Bathe Your Pet to Prevent Zoonotic Diseases Pets - well, they have the possibility of transmitting zoonotic (animal-originated) diseases if a parent isn't careful with ensuring such transmission is limited. These tips will keep you and your family safe.

High Maintenance Animals: Think Twice Before Saying Yes to An Exotic So you've got a request for a pot-bellied pig, a parrot, a pony? Read these reality tips before you decide this is a good idea.

How to Remove - and Prevent - Fleas Less-toxic ways to rid your pet and your home of fleas and ticks.

Animal Survival Kit for Car Trips If the family pet will be mobile, make sure you've got everything you need to ensure a howl-free trip ahead. Here's how.

Allergy Busting Tips for Kids with Animals Got pets - and kids with allergies? Here's how to keep both breathing easy and happy.

13 Essential Safety Tips for Living With Animals Pets, family - these essential 13 safety tips are a must-read.