It is a phrase too often heard in rescue. “I want to adopt this pet to teach my children responsibility. My child will fully take care of the pet we adopt" Most rescuers cringe when they hear this and reject the application. But why is that?
First, it is important for adopters to consider the situation the rescue is in. Many times animals are surrendered to rescues because the family no longer has time for them. The cute puppy that little Susie begged for from the pet store for her birthday and promised she would take care of is now sitting alone in a kennel at a rescue. Little Susie didn't know how to train the dog and now it's a year old and doesn't know how to be part of a family. The fault doesn't lie with the dog, or even with Susie, it lies with the parents who thought a child could care fully for a living, breathing being with physical needs. Of course, any rescue with the best interest of the pet in mind would be hesitant to allow this cycle to occur with any of the pets they are responsible for.
Second, parents must reasonably consider the abilities of their children. If children cannot take care of themselves, how can they take care of a pet? Dogs need to be walked and cleaned up after in all weather conditions, not just when it is nice out. Cats need their litter pans cleaned daily. At times these tasks are unpleasant for adults, so expecting a child that does not, perhaps, clean their room, do their own laundry, mow the lawn, etc, to do these is unreasonable.
Then there is the financial aspect to consider. Food, veterinary care, grooming, toys, beds and treats cost hundreds to thousands of dollars a year. If your child promises to use their allowance to cover this, they likely do not know the full spectrum of care needed to maintain their pet.
This isn't to say that no family with children should adopt a pet. In fact, just the opposite is true. Adopting a pet as a family experience with everyone involved can, if done properly, result in children learning responsibility, concern for animals as well as for their role in a family as a caregiver to one that needs it. Also, there are many other ways to see how ready your family is to take on a pet to care for. Consider one of the following activities:
1. Volunteer at an animal shelter. Many shelters and rescues have programs to get children involved in rescue. Even an hour or two a week of walking dogs or socializing cats not only benefits the animals, but can give your family a better idea of what pet would best fit your family. During this activity, observe how your child interacts with each animal. Also, as time goes on, watch that your child remains interested in interacting with animals.
2. Start a small pet sitting business. If your child is old enough, consider helping them approach neighbors with pets and offer after school pet services. Scooping litter pans, walking dogs, feeding fish, etc can both provide a little extra money for your child, but will show their dedication to tasks in the average care of animals. Of course, closely supervise what homes your children visit and what pets they are handling for safety.
3. Visit a dog park with a friend with dogs. (ALWAYS observe dog park rules regarding children and dogs) Let your children see the activity levels that dogs need. Be sure they know that regular exercise is a necessity, not an extra activity. Dogs can’t play video games!
4. Watch a dog training session. Many pet stores now offer dog training. Often, these training sessions are visible when in the store. Never distract the trainer or the students, but watch how dogs need training to fit well in a family
5. Foster a pet from a rescue. It’s rare that rescues have too many foster homes! Fostering a pet, like the above recommendations, has many benefits. Of course, there’s the fact that fostering pets saves their lives. But also, it gives your family a great opportunity to see exactly what is involved in having a pet. Set up schedules for feeding, exercise, clean up, etc. The time a pet spends with a family is so beneficial to finding that pet a forever home. Who knows, a pet you foster may be exactly the right fit for your family! When discussing fostering with a rescue, be sure to include as much information about your family so that good foster matches can be made.
Once you’re sure that your family, as a whole, is ready for the responsibility of a pet, take your time finding the right one! You want a pet that is part of your family because of the individual the pet is. Not because it’s a certain breed, color or size.
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