Yes, pets can teach children responsibility! As long as you understand what pet-related chores are age-appropriate for your child, you can foster independence, responsibility, and accountability in your child at a young age. Here are a few ways you can use pet care as a teaching tool for children of all ages.

Creating Age-Appropriate Tasks

As your child ages, they can take on more and more important pet care tasks. When your child is under five, they can watch you complete pet chores while you explain what you’re doing and why it’s important. They can let you know when the pet’s water bowl needs to be filled, when it’s mealtime, and if your pet needs attention. Children aged six to ten can start to take charge of simple tasks like brushing, playtime, and putting food in the bowl. Children 11-13 can be in charge of putting pet toys away, cleaning up after your pet, exercising the pet, and training the pet. Children over 13 can be in charge of taking the pet on walks or exercising the pet. 

Educate & Encourage Your Child

Pet ownership is a great way to teach your child how to care for a living being. Teach them how to safely interact with pets, how to play with and touch pets gently, and the do’s and don’ts of being a compassionate pet owner. Demonstrating proper behavior around pets and other animals will go a long way towards helping your child understand.

Frame Pet Responsibilities as a Privilege

Explain to your child that owning a pet is a privilege, and pets do as much for us as we do for them. Tell them pets can ease loneliness, offer comfort, keep you active, and even improve your mental health. Help them view pet-related tasks as a rewarding experience for pets and their owners.

When you get a new cat or dog, you should schedule a visit to the veterinarian right away. Bringing your child along for this visit can be a great learning experience.