Allowing your child to have a pet not onlyallows him or her to carry happy memories into adulthood, but also offers yourchild the chance to learn a few lessons in responsibility.  Getting a pet for your child at too young anage is also a bad idea though, and then when the time comes, the right kind ofpet must be chosen.

Obviously as parents you will have finalsay over the choice of pet, but it's very important that the child has anopportunity to provide input and also feel involved in the decision. If youchild has his heart set on a dog, then a fish just won't cut it.

The best pets for children are commonlyrecognised as being cats, dogs, fish, birds and rodents. Snakes and variousexotic and expensive pets are not recommended, not only because of the costs,but also because they generally need more care and are higher maintenance thanmore common pets.

Fish need maintenance, as do birds, withregard to regular cleaning of tanks and cages, and feeding, but these tasks arenot too time consuming and offer the child a chance to take responsibility forthe animals? welfare.  Both fish andbirds are also low cost pet options. Neither need either.

Rodents are a step up, because not only dothey also need regular cleaning and feeding, but because they also needexercise and attention. Rats, rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs are moreinteractive pets than fish or birds, but also need a close eye kept on themwhen out of the cage. They also need to be let out often to exercise and play.Generally, rodents are also low cost pets.

Cats and dogs make great pets; they have along life span and are very interactive and affectionate. Both cost much moreto maintain though.  Food costs arehigher, vets bills become a factor, and they need much more care and attentionthan other pets. Cats are able to handle a fairly solitary life, but dogs needmuch more attention. Both need .

Whichever pet you choose for your child, asparents you will have to accept that the responsibility will ultimately fall onyour shoulders, so factor this into your final decision.