Research has shown that a family pet can positively influence your childs emotional and social development. Teaching your child how to take care of a pet is not only beneficial for the pet, but also promotes a greater sense of empathy, responsibility, and companionship for your child. As such, its important to know what is age-appropriate in terms of kid-friendly pet responsibilities. Here are some practical ways your child can get more involved with pet care in your household.
Pet Care for Children Under the Age of Seven
Younger kids require supervision when it comes to most chores. Even the most mature seven year old should not be left alone to take on pet-care demands. However, there are several routine tasks that can be incorporated into their daily life to introduce them to the responsibilities of owning a pet, including:
- Joining a parent to walk the dog
- Helping to prepare meals for the cat or dog
- Learning to brush the cat or dog in a gentle manner
- Encouraging mental and physical stimulation with playtime
- Teaching your child to give your dog commands
Pet Care for Children Over the Age of Seven
Children over the age of seven can begin taking on more pet-related care tasks without posing a risk to the safety and well-being of themselves or the pet. As older children are more familiar with how taking on responsibility works, they can begin including pet chores into their daily routines. Ideal pet care tasks for children over the age of seven include:
- Handling meal times, measuring out the food, and cleaning the bowls
- Scooping the litter or picking up dog waste in the yard
- Assisting with bathing the pet
- Getting involved with training to strengthen your dogs behavior
- Cleaning up after your pet, including vacuuming or washing pet beds and toys
Organizing Pet Chore Schedules
Part of teaching your children to be responsible for pet care needs is helping them understand commitment. To ensure they dont forget about the task they are responsible for, its recommended to make a chart that outlines the days of the week they are responsible for taking care of their chore. This is especially beneficial in homes with several children as everyones chores are mapped out in a way that is easy to understand.
For more information about incorporating pet care into your childs life, speak with your local veterinarian today.