Establishing kids' roles in caring for the family pet

Children and pets living together can make for a boisterous but happy household. Having pets is an ideal opportunity to introduce children to some measure of responsibility, and it may encourage youngsters to become advocates for animal welfare.

Pets require all sorts of care and companionship. Introducing children to age-appropriate pet-related tasks can set the groundwork for a lifetime of loving and caring for companion animals. Children shouldn't be given all of the responsibilities of caring for pets, but there are some notable roles they can play.

Teach gentle interactions

Toddlers and even kindergarteners may be unaware of how rough they are being. Therefore, they will need a lot of supervision and reinforcement to learn how to be gentle when petting or engaging with companion animals. Young children also may think that pets are toys and that there are no consequences when animals are handled roughly. Parents and other caregivers may need to spend a lot of time emphasizing gentle play with pets.

Start off with some play sessions

Playing together is a great way for kids and pets to bond and get some exercise. Purina behaviorist Dr. Annie Valuska suggests games like high-five, rolling over, finding treats in hidden places, and practicing tricks or commands. Children also may be able to do short training sessions with pets, like helping them get acclimated to a new pet carrier, wearing a leash, or even moving the vacuum cleaner nearby so the animal overcomes its fear of it.

Family vet visits

Children can learn a lot about pet health and care at the vet's office. Bring youngsters along to help out and see what is involved in routine veterinary visits. Kids can soothe and distract the pet during the adminstration of vaccines and watch how a vet assesses an animal's overall health. Watching a pet go through a physical examination also may help a child become more brave in relation to his or her own medical check-ups.

Participate in feeding and bathing

Children can be responsible for putting pre-measured scoops of food in the bowl for feeding and help refill the water. Kids also may be able to offer treats to pets who are able to take them gently out of hand.

When it comes time to groom a pet, children can assist with scrub downs in the tub or at a grooming station in a nearby retail store. More hands available can help wrangle a wet and slippery animal, after all. Kids may find it soothing to brush pets, but they must do so gently.

Teach about quiet time

Pets need opportunities to rest, and children should understand that quiet time means the pet should be left alone. Kids can help set up a cozy napping spot where a dog or cat can retreat when they need some rest.

Children can be taught responsible pet care when their parents feel they're ready. With trial and error, family members can see where kids' strengths lie in caring for pets and gauge the animals's tolerance for interaction with youngsters. Pet owners must remember to ensure young children and animals are never together without adult supervision.