It’s a tale as old as time. Kids beg their parents to adopt a family pet, claiming they’ll be responsible for all the chores that come with pet ownership. However, once the pet comes home, parents end up shouldering the burden of feeding, grooming, and cleaning up after the family dog or cat. To set your children up for success in caring for their furry friends, walk them through the following kid-friendly chores.
Feeding
Unless you have a very tame pet, it’s best to avoid having young kids feed them directly. However, kids can safely measure out daily meals. This not only helps them learn about proper food portions, but it can also improve their math skills.
Cleaning
Kids under the age of 6 shouldn’t take on too many cleaning-related chores, but they can help with tasks like putting away a pet’s toys after playtime. As kids get older, they can take on tasks like cleaning the litter box, scooping up waste in the backyard, vacuuming pet hair, and wiping down the pet’s crate and feeding areas.
Grooming
Grooming is not only an essential activity to keep your pet clean and healthy, but it’s a good way to encourage your child to bond with your pet. Weekly brushing is a task that most kids will enjoy, and it’s something that many pets tolerate well. However, you’ll want to be sure to supervise brushing sessions with younger kids, as they may brush too hard or be a little too enthusiastic.
Walking
What dog doesn’t love a daily walk? Walks aren’t just good for dogs; they’re a great opportunity for your kids to get some exercise as well. Young children may not have the strength to hold the leash, but they can come along for daily walks and learn about the value of regular physical activity. If you have a cat, encourage your child to take part in daily playtime activities, but be sure to supervise closely as your child learns your cat’s boundaries.
Raising a happy, healthy pet can involve the whole family. It should also involve regularly visiting your veterinarian for wellness checks, vaccinations, and other key pet care tasks.