Best pets for kids by age 

Your kid loves pets, but which do you choose? There are quite a few factors to consider, like your child’s interest, abilities and personality paired with the pet’s own temperament and care requirements—not to mention your own availability! 

All these variables mean that different families find joy with different pets. However, these pets are common picks for families thanks to their stellar kid-friendly qualities.

Note: Children should always be supervised around pets! All suggested care and play activities in this article should always be done with adult supervision.

Best pet for a: Preschooler
Betta fish
While your child is still learning to use gentle hands, a no-touch pet, like a betta fish, is a great choice. Not only will your toddler love to watch their beautiful betta fish swim around, they’ll also enjoy sprinkling fish food at mealtimes, a perfect age-appropriate responsibility. Although periodically cleaning the aquarium will have to be your task, thankfully, it’s easily done. 

Best pet for a: Kindergartener
Zebra finches
Zebra finches, also excellent hands-off pets, are fun little creatures that will constantly entertain your young child from afar with their sounds and antics. Their care is fairly simple, another bonus for busy families. Your child can refresh their birds’ food and water every day, along with helping you clean the cage and vacuum any mess that has fallen below it.

Best pet for a: Younger elementary schooler
Guinea pig
Many parents think of pocket pets for their children, but mice and hamsters can be both nippy and flighty. The solution? Think bigger: guinea pigs. Yes, their cage will be bigger (and so will their droppings), but their sweet, docile, even-tempered personalities are well worth the trouble! Your child can get the fun job of feeding and playing with their guinea pig every day; however, regular cage cleaning will likely still be your duty.

Best pet for an: Older elementary schooler
Bearded dragon
Surprised a reptile made the list? These neat lizards are quite gentle and actually enjoy being calmly held. For budding scientists, they will bring endless fascination. Their care is a bit more intricate than that of a pocket pet, and their diet, which includes some insects, may not be for everyone, so you and your child should research their care together to decide if they’re the right fit.

Best pet for a: Middle schooler
Dog
If anyone can make puberty less scary, it’s a dog. Their cheery presence and unquestioning love never fail to boost well-being in their loved ones. While your preteen can shoulder quite a few of the dog’s routine care responsibilities, you should still plan to be in charge of all training along with some grooming and exercise. In addition, be prepared for the possibility of the dog becoming “yours” when your child is ready to leave home.

Best pet for a: High schooler
Cat
A cat will fit right in with your teenager’s nocturnal habits and happy to nap the day away cuddled together. A cat’s steadfast presence will also provide comfort as your teenager navigates the many ups and downs of teen life. Your teen can be responsible for almost all the cat’s routine care with occasional support from you. However, be prepared for the cat to become your responsibility if your child can’t bring them along when they leave the nest.

Check out our new pet checklist to make sure you are all set! >>