First of all, we want to congratulate you because you want to do this step! Adopting a pet could be one of the most beautiful things someone could do for helping a pure and innocent soul. Of course, we are not the only ones who recommend you to adopt one, and not to buy from pet shops, and vets or other animal specialists agree with that as well. 

If you choose to adopt a puppy from the streets that needs you the most, not only that you will save a life, but you will also have unconditional love from an animal with sincere feelings. It is debatable, however, the case of the animals that are sold at the pet shop because they are also treated quite badly, considering that they must sit in a cage and wait for someone to buy them. But by analyzing the intensity of the negative experiences of the two categories of pets (rescued ones and those from a pet shop), people choose the animals that have gone through the worst experiences.

Nevertheless, if you already have a family and your kids want to have a pet, then you have to consider some things before the big step, namely the personality of your child. Based on their character features you could choose an animal with similar traits and that way they should get along together nicely. 

According to a veterinarian, Dr. Liz Bales, “to really create the human-animal bond, (the fulfillment) has to be mutual. They will best fulfill your needs when you fulfill their needs, then the magic happens with a lifelong bond.”

Another thing you have to consider as a parent is the fact that animals have different needs and this involves different living costs. Whether we talk about different types of food or various vaccines, pills and other veterinary consultations or cosmetic costs, your pet will need these interventions more or less. 

Therefore, once you decide on the adoption of an animal you will see that your child will grow up very harmoniously, he will learn what true love is, he will treat all animals with respect and loyalty and he will have a bright future in human relationships. Read on to find out more about how to choose the right pet for your family!

Birds

Birds are excellent pets and humans opt for these beautiful creatures as companion animals for centuries. Their personality differs especially on the breed but they are perfect if you do not have enough space in your home or maybe some members that are allergic to other types of animals. Also, they can live up to 20 years, which means your child will have a lifelong friend.

All that matters is what you are looking for in a bird as a pet, for example, if you want it to have an unusual and unique appearance, an interesting personality, a good friend to keep you company or if they conquer you with the ability to talk, then do not worry because there are so many species of birds that wait to be adopted! 

Having a bird as a pet involves lower maintenance costs than in the case of dogs and cats and of course, they are active and intelligent as well. “Birds are relatively intelligent creatures and need stimulation,” Bales says. 

Nevertheless, taking care of birds means to feed them properly with the right food for their breed and offering them a favorable environment. In other words, you have to ensure them human interaction, you have to talk to them and, of course, to let them outside the cage sometimes. Birds need a balanced diet, daily clean water, veterinary check-ups and very good conditions in the cage, like decent light, cleanliness and the list can go on. 

Moreover, you have to consider the space of the cage, because birds need space to climb and walk or fly (why not?!). We know that many people do not have the possibility to keep a large cage in their home, but it is recommended to let your pet outside the cage for a few hours each day, but do not let the windows and door open because it might run away. 

So, if you want a friendly bird as a pet, but you didn’t own one before these are the best options: Budgerigar, Cockatiel, Cockatoo, Hyacinth Macaw, Dove, Parrotlet, Green-Cheeked Conure, and Hahn’s Macaw. 

Turtles

Turtles are amazing for beginners who want to adopt a pet for their little kid. They grow about 8 to 12 inches long and their lifespan is up to 25 years, so, your kid will have a friend for a long time. “They are definitely becoming more popular as pets. Some of them are very beautiful and they can be easily purchased over the internet. But there’s no such thing as an easy pet,” says Katrina Smith. 

These little pets can live in an aquarium in groups and with larger fish, but if you have small fish try to separate them because turtles eat the small ones. Due to their ability to swim, which makes them very good swimmers, they need a large aquarium. Also, you have to use an underwater heater for keeping constant the water temperature. For your information, aquatic turtles are more active during the day, so try to offer them the light they need. 

These pets are the best if you live in a small house and you don’t have space for another animal, but try to give them all the things that they need to live harmoniously. For decorating their little home, all you have to do is to create a sloped area from aquarium gravel or use different stones to create a dry area as well. 

You have to consider some things before adopting a turtle. First of all, try to teach your kids to handle the turtle, because it likes to be lifted at the midsection and not by the legs and always wash your hands before and after touching your pet. 

If you see any of these symptoms on your turtle condition after you brought her home to her new family, then try to talk to a vet urgently: it hides often or doesn’t eat, skin discoloration and lack of energy. 

Some animal experts say that wild turtles cannot withstand the environment in captivity and they recommend you adopt one from your local pet shops, but even if you do this make sure it was born in captivity. Many turtles and other animals carry salmonella, so, you have to prevent this by washing your hands every time you touch it. 

Cat

In case you did not know this before, these beautiful pets are surprisingly social and intelligent and the rumors about them are not actually true. “Since cats hunt alone, they are mistakenly described as universally solitary, but many cats do enjoy the company of humans,” says Mikel Delgado. 

Just like so many other animals, cats require less maintenance than dogs, because you don’t have to spend much time walking or regular baths. Cats are not that playful all day long, but this depends on the breed. There are cat breeds that are exactly like dogs, with the same personality and behavior characteristics. 

Nevertheless, cats need space too and they love to feel safe. However, in this case, they need human playtime and interaction all the time, but you can also adopt two cats so they can play together. You can give them toys to play or catnip which is also great for cats. “It’s no secret that most cats – about 60%, carry the ‘catnip gene’ – so purchasing a toy that has catnip inside will keep them playing and rolling around,” Delgado says.

There are some studies that have shown the benefits of having a cat to people and they show that people feel much happier when they have cats as pets. For example, some people love to hear the purrs because a purr from a cat really makes others feel warm and happy. Some people say that the cat purrs mean they love the owners and they feel safe and comfortable around them. 

One of the best parts about having a cat as a pet is that they do not necessarily need the training to use the litter box, but dogs need special training to ask for a walk to do its needs. You can have your “me time” whenever you want because they are independent animals that don’t need your attention constantly and they can stay alone and enjoy their own company. 

Dogs

It does not matter how many hours you left your cute dog alone at home or how badly you upset him, he will always be waiting for you happy and ready to lick your face when you come home and this is the reason why he is called the man’s best friend. 

Dogs are the most common pets because they are amazing friends that can treat well the kids and other members of the family. It is obvious from various reasons that dogs are very playful, loving and intelligent as well. 

Some animal experts recommend you to consider the behavior of the breed before adopting one because in this way you can find out how it really is around other people. If their personality traits are similar to what you are looking in a pet then you know what to do next! 

Another important thing in this process of adoption is to never trust the rumors about some dog breeds and try to discover by yourself how they really are because there are many things and factors that could influence him to act in a certain way. 

They are not just beautiful, cute, playful and intelligent animals, but they offer you the security you need to feel safe when criminals walk around the neighborhood. Seeing that you have a dog, the criminals will think twice when they want to rob your house.

Of course, you have to take your pet regularly to the vet because they could develop various things that could affect their health in negative ways. “If fear develops out of nowhere, get your dog to the vet,” Collins advises. “Medical causes may result in new fearful or anxious behavior.” 

It does not matter the breed, all that matters is the animal that could make your family happy and complete!

Fish 

Pets like fish are the best starters for kids who want to have a pet, especially if you do not live in a big house and the space is limited, because they can literally fit anywhere in your home and they also don’t need much attention. 

“To properly care for a fish requires some chemistry knowledge to create the right water requirements and temperature for the needs of a fish,” Bales says.

There are many studies that have shown a big connection between the small houses and the increased number of fish as pets. According to PetfoodIndustry.com “fish demand has increased by 17% over the last three years, according to the PFMA, with 12 million pet fish living indoors and another 18 million currently living in garden ponds.”

In case you did not know that seeing fish gliding through the water can have a positive effect on people’s mood, making them calm and relaxed. 

If you live in an apartment and have a lot of neighbors or you have a baby, you do not have to worry about the barking or other animal noises, because fish are quiet animals. They need a special environment that helps them feel good and loved. 

Guinea Pig or Hamster

If you cannot decide between a dog or a cat for your kid and you don’t actually know what is the perfect pet for him, then you better choose a guinea pig or a hamster first. Unfortunately, their lifespan is up to 7 years. Guinea pigs are very social and smart animals that could be happier with other guinea pigs. 

But just like other animals, guinea pigs or hamsters have some special needs, like a certain type of food, vet check-ups, clean water and cage and a lot of attention and love from their owner. So, if you thought that having a guinea pig as a pet is easier and less expensive than having a cat or a dog then you are wrong. “Some animals are afraid of specific things, like thunderstorms, startling sounds, strangers, being left alone, or exposure to novel places or experiences,” says Kristen Collins. 

Guinea pigs need a lot of floor space or a bigger cage if you have a pair and they will make some cute sounds like whistling when they want attention from you, but they are really quiet, though. So, feel free to adopt one if you live in an apartment or if you have a little child. 

It is very important to have a pet for your kid and your family because this will help you have a positive life and mood. 

Rabbit

Besides the fact that rabbits are adorable animals, they are smart and playful as well. If you found out what kind of animals do you want as pets for your family and household, then the next step is to look for a fluffy and cute soul and to adopt it. If your child has a lot of energy to consume and want to learn tricks and to have a great friend to keep him company, taking care of a rabbit is the best choice for its harmonious growth.

Having a rabbit as a pet comes with a bigger financial responsibility because you have to spend some money on some types of food and other things that your future pet will need. So, if you think that adopting a rabbit is easier than having a cat or a dog, you are wrong, because they need much love and care as well. Bales says “it’s important to find the right vet to care for them (someone who specializes in cats and dogs is not the right expert!), and to properly understand what kind of food diet they need.”

The rabbit diets include fresh vegetables, so, maybe it will help your kids to eat healthy and more veggies too! But this is not the only benefit to your child, because having a pet from a very young age will teach them how to love other people, how to interact with others and to show respect, how to take care of animals and other people.