10 Ways to Test a Child’s Desire to Own a Pet

Now that we’re past Christmas are your kids still bugging you about getting a pet?  If so, then that’s a good sign that they really want one.  I believe most parents dread getting a pet because of the extra mess, work and expense that pets entail.  So how do you know if your child is ready for a pet?  Do you wish there was a way you could test your child to see how badly they really want a pet?  There is!  Check out 10 ways to test a child’s desire to own a pet.

1. Will they give up their money: Younger children really have no concept of money, but if you have an older child that has birthday money or allowance sitting around this is a good test for them.  Ask your child how much money they would be willing to contribute to buying a pet and all the things a pet needs?  If your child offers up a dollar or two then you will know their desire is pretty low, but if they are willing to give you every penny then you know they are committed.
2. Will they agree to work: This is a tricky one because kids will say a lot of things, but you need to get them to commit to helping with the chores that are required to take care of a pet.  If you are thinking about getting a dog then ask your child if they can commit to walking that dog every day.  If they say yes, then let them prove it by taking you for a walk every day for a week.
3. Are they old enough: You will really have to judge this for yourself, but you can take your child to a friend’s house that has the kind of pet you’re thinking about getting or take them to the pet store and see how they react to the pet.  Do they scream and run away?  Do they pull the dog or cat’s tail?  They may not be old enough yet.
4. Can they do research: Again, this may be the older child, but you can also help the younger child do this.  Kids are on the computer at school starting in kindergarten so you can help them spell things and suggest sites maybe, but let them tell you what kind of things you need to research on your pet of choice.  If they are pretty informed then they may be ready.  If they haven’t a clue what is involved then maybe they need to do a bit more research before they get a pet.
5. Are they able to sway you with facts: Let your child put together a presentation to convince you to get the pet.  If you have a nine year old or older they can totally put together a power point presentation.  If you have a younger child they can cut out pictures from magazines or do skits to let you know they are ready to have this pet.
6. Can they remember: One big thing that happens when kids get a pet is that they say they will feed and water the pet.  Can they remember to do that though?  If they think they can give them a test.  Set out a couple of bowl on the counter and let them pour cereal into it and put water in the other one and put them back wherever you are keeping them.  Sometime during the day you need to dump both bowls so that they can remember to do it again at night or the next morning depending on how you think you will feed the pet.  Cats are pretty good with self-regulating and can go with once a day.
7. Are they good with pets: Let them play with different types of animals at the pet store and see how they treat them.  Are they giggly and just poke the pet?  Or can they pick up and hold the pet carefully like you show them and treat the pet with respect?
8. Will they get grossed out: This is a big one.  All pets poop and part of the maintenance for a pet is cleaning up after them.  Ask your child to walk a dog for a friend and take along baggies to pick up the poop.  Or if you are getting a cat let your child go over to a friend’s house and clean the litter box.
9. Do they have enough time: Pet’s need attention and if your child is on the run from morning until night then they may not have time.  Ask the child how much time they can give to caring for the pet.  If they are really busy ask them if they would be willing to give up an activity to have a pet.  If they say yes then you know they are committed.
10. What are they willing to sacrifice: Sometimes having a pet is really inconvenient.  You can’t be gone from 8 in the morning until 8 at night and not come home to let the dog out.  Of course this test may lead you to think about getting a cat instead of a dog, but I digress.  See if your child is willing to give up a day trip or a weekend out of town in order to stay home with the dog.  Kids don’t necessarily know that you can hire people to take care of the pet, but just ask to see if they are willing.  Bottom line is don’t rush into anything and see if over time their desire stays the say.