A stuffed dog or cat is ideal for the lesson, since you would most likely get one of these as actually pets. Other common choices are rabbits and birds. A young toddler can learn what type of animal it is, and what to do with it.

The first lesson can be what sound does the animal make. After that, they can learn how to pet the animal, or how to hold it. Do not let them through it or hit it, because you want to teach them how to be nice to the real animal. Explain what kinds of things the animal likes to do as you play. For example, dogs like to play fetch, and bird like to sing or fly. If you get the child used to the sounds and types of activity that the actual animal typically does, they will be less afraid if you do decide to buy the real thing as a pet.

Another lesson you can give them is how to feed the animal. You can pretend to have food or use fake food for this part. Dogs and cats usually have their own bowls to eat out of. This is a good time to explain that animals need special food, and they should not be fed ice cream, cake, or vegetables from our plates, because this might make them sick.

If you really want to prepare them, teach them that they will have to clean up after their pet. You can also combine this lesson with bathing and grooming the pet. With this lesson, they will have a complete idea of what it is like to treat an animal with total kindness. It will also teach them that it takes a lot of responsibility to own a dog, cat or other animal.

Stuffed animals are an easy way to teach children about kindness to animals and to prepare them for owning a pet. The visual aid will help them remember all of the important things. They might just be satisfied pretending to own a pet, especially once they realize how much effort it takes to maintain a real one.