Any devoted pet owner will tell you that pets can enrich our lives.  They amuse us and entertain us.  They work for us.  They never pass judgment on our physical appearance, our clothing, our cooking , our athletic prowess or lack thereof, our intelligence, or our worldly possessions.  They make us happier and healthier human beings.  They give us unconditional love and loyalty all the days of their lives even when we do not give ours back.  They comfort us when we are ill and lonely.  When all the world seems hostile and when all others desert us, our pets remain steadfast by our sides.

If you want your children to be responsible pet owners, you must start when they are very young.  Children watch every move you make, hear every word you say(even if you do not think so), and learn best from your example.   When your child first shows an interest in a pet, ask the owner if it is a friendly pet and can you approach it.  Talk softly and let the pet first smell you and then your child.  Most very young children bang on a pet instead of stroking it.  Take your child’s hand and show them how to stroke gently and talk in a quiet voice.

When your children are old enough to understand explain to them that you never approach any animal unless your owner says the pet is friendly and ‘yes’ you can pat it.  Remember that not all pets like children.  Some breeds are friendlier than others and some small, elderly, hurt, or ill pets may have an understandable aversion to advances from strangers.  There are exceptions to every rule.

If you have a pet in your home, teaching is easier.  If you do not have a pet, use the pets of friends and neighbors to teach lessons on how to be a responsible pet owner.

Never expect a child, of any age, to be solely responsible for a pet.  Children are immature, have school to attend as well as other interests and obligations.  The adults in the home are responsible for all pets from the moment they come into the home until the moment they die.

If you have a pet in the home, let your children help with its care, but only if they want to.  Even if they do not help, they will hear how you speak to the pet, teach it, and take care of its needs.

When feeding pets, children can hold the bowl while you measure.  Later you can teach them how to measure.  Just as the family should not rush pell mell to the table and commence to gobble, so pets should be taught to sit first, while you put down their food, and then give the order to ‘take it’.

Talk about what you are doing.  Examples include: “It’s time for Maggie to go for her walk.  She loves it so much.” or “Maggie needs her fur combed today.  She will be more comfortable, and then I can check her skin to see that she doesn’t have any burrs or fleas” or “I must remember Maggie’s heartworm medication.  I don’t want her to get sick.”

When walking a dog, it is not wise to let very young children hold the leash, unless you have a very compliant dog.  They can hold the end of the leash while you hold the middle.  Remember you are responsible and you are in charge.

Take your children with you when you visit the vet and explain everything the vet does and why.

Always let children help with your pets care, if they wish, but only within the bounds of their abilities.

Teach children that pets have many needs, fresh water always, good food, grooming, a comfortable clean bed of their own, to be spayed or neutered, vaccinations, toys, a safe place to play,  exercise (this means daily walks),  regular medical care, and lots of love – just like people.

Please do not purchase a pet of any kind with the idea of teaching a child pet care.  If the child is not interested in animals, the pet will be neglected, another unwanted pet among millions.  Purchase a pet if, and only if, the adults in the family want one and are ready and capable of caring for it.

Not all people make good, responsible pet owners.  If you are undecided as to whether or not you should have a dog, or any pet, you may be interested in the following article.

http://hubpages.com/hub/Petownershipisahugeresponsibility

Teaching a child to become a good citizen and a responsible member of society takes many years.  It also takes many years to teach a child to be a good responsible pet owner.  It’s worth the effort.  Pets enrich our lives, all pets, not just our own.

Even if you are not particularly fond of animals, teaching your children to be caring and compassionate towards all living things will make their lives richer and all society will benefit.

If you ever see or hear of any animal being neglected or abused, please report this immediately to your local ASPCA.