pet chores for kids by age

When it comes to pet chores, at what age can a child be realistically expected to clean the cat litter box?

Wash the dog? Help give pets vitamins or medications from the vet? The answer depends on the child's age. 

Below I've listed examples of pet chores that kids can generally do by certain ages. 

Your child may be capable of doing a chore sooner or later, depending on her level of concentration, fine-motor skills, or maturity.

Pet Chores for Kids Ages 2 and Under:

Kids age 6 years and up can help exercise pets.

• Pick up the pet's toys.

• Play (supervised) with pets.

Chores for Kids Ages 3 to 5:

• Previous chores, plus:

• Put pet toys in the proper boxes or bins.

Chores for Kids Ages 6 to 9:

• Previous chores, plus:

• Put out pet food.

• Exercise the pet.

• Wipe up spills and kibble from floor.

• Clean pet's food bowls.

• Help clean the pet cage and/or litter box.

Chores for Kids Ages 10 to 13:

• Previous chores, plus:

• Clean fish/reptile aquarium.

• Help give vet medications or vitamins to a pet.

Chores for Teens 14 to 17:

• Previous chores, plus:

• Scoop and clean out the litter box.

• Deal with pet waste, such as picking up the dog's poop (in dog waste bags, of course).
  

• Walk the dog.

• Wash the dog and/or cat.