Is Having a Pet Good for Kids? What the Research Says

Why is having a pet good for children?

A pet can become a child’s loyal friend and one of the best parts of their childhood. Pets offer:

• Companionship. Someone who’s always happy to see them.
• Comfort. Many kids talk to their pets when they’re upset, and find it easier than talking to a person.
• Empathy. Learning to read a pet’s moods and needs teaches kids to think about how others feel.
• Kindness. Gentle handling and caring for an animal builds patience and compassion.
• Activity. Walking the dog or playing in the backyard gets kids moving and outdoors.

Do pets teach kids responsibility?

Yes, especially when kids are given real jobs that suit their age. Interestingly, one study found children often saw their role as playing with the family pet, while parents did most of the actual care. The study’s title sums it up: “Mum cleaned it and I just played with it.”

As children grow, they usually take on more of the work. Research during COVID also found teens who did more pet care tended to turn to their pets when stressed, and this was linked with family relationships.

Age-appropriate pet jobs:

• 3 to 5 years: help an adult fill the food bowl and give gentle pats
• 6 to 9 years: feed the pet, refresh water, brush them and help with reward based training. Our praise word guide is a great one to do together.
• 10 to 12 years: clean cages or litter trays (with handwashing) and walk a calm dog with an adult nearby
• Teens: manage daily routines, training and help with vet visits

Remember, a pet can live 10 to 15 years or more. An adult always needs to be responsible for the pet’s care.

Should an only child have a pet?

Pets can be wonderful companions for only children. Research suggests only children often spend a lot of time with their pets and may form especially close bonds with them. A pet can give an only child company at home, plus a chance to practise caring for someone else.

What is the best age for kids to get a pet?

In my view, around 5 to 8 years old is a good age for a family pet. By then, children are less vulnerable to germs from animals, are bigger and steadier around pets, and are old enough to learn how to handle them gently. Building a strong bond with a dog or cat also takes time, so starting in the primary school years gives them years together.

Every child is different, though. Here’s what research on kids and pets has found:

• Girls tend to feel slightly more attached to their pets than boys, although the difference is small.
• Dogs score highest. Kids with dogs report stronger attachment than kids with cats or small pets.
• Attachment often dips in the teen years as teens focus more on friends. Psychologist Hal Herzog calls this the “Puff the Magic Dragon” effect. The dip is smaller in families with dogs.

If your child is keen on a dog, the National Geographic Kids Dog Breed Guide is a great way to explore breeds together and see how serious their interest is.

Is having a pet safe for babies and young children?

Children under 5 are more likely to get sick from germs animals carry, because they touch everything and often put their hands in their mouths. You can still have pets with young children by following a few simple rules:

• Always supervise young children around animals.
• Never leave a baby or young child alone with a dog, even a gentle one.
• Teach kids not to kiss animals or put their hands in their mouths after touching them.
• Wash hands well with soap and water after touching pets or cleaning their areas, and help young children do it.
• Wash your hands before breastfeeding or preparing formula.
• Keep pets away from children while they’re eating.
• Keep kids under 5 away from reptiles, frogs, baby chicks and ducklings, and rodents, which carry a higher risk of germs like Salmonella.
• Take extra care at farms, petting zoos and shows.

Can a pet help a child with anxiety?

Many families find pets have a calming effect on children. Stroking a pet, having someone to talk to and the routine of caring for an animal can all help kids feel more settled. Research on pets and children’s mental health is promising, but results are mixed, so it’s best to think of a pet as one helpful part of a child’s support.

If your child is struggling with anxiety or low mood, talk to your GP. A pet can be a wonderful comfort, but it isn’t a replacement for professional support.

The bottom line

A pet can give children companionship, comfort, empathy and real responsibility, and many of us carry that love of animals into adulthood. Choose a pet that suits your family, give your kids age-appropriate jobs, and keep young children safe with supervision and handwashing.

Did you grow up with pets? Tell us about your childhood pet in the comments.