Animals – Choosing the right pet

For many families, getting a pet feels like a natural next step. Children ask, parents hesitate, and eventually a puppy, kitten or other animal arrives home with the hope it will “grow up with the kids”.

When it works, the bond can be wonderful. When it doesn’t, families can feel stressed, guilty and overwhelmed.

As a veterinarian, I often see problems that don’t come from a lack of love, but from a mismatch between a pet and a family’s lifestyle.

The first question families should ask isn’t, “What pet do we want?” but “What can we realistically manage?”

Time is a major factor. Puppies, for example, need daily training, socialisation, supervision and exercise. Kittens may seem easier, but still require play, litter training and vet care. Busy households with long school and work days may struggle more than expected, even with good intentions.

Children’s ages also matter. Toddlers and preschoolers don’t yet understand animal boundaries. Some pets cope well with noise and unpredictable movement; others don’t. Many bites and scratches occur not because an animal is “bad,” but because it was overwhelmed. For families with very young children, waiting a year or two, or choosing a calmer adult pet, can make a big difference.

Space and environment are often overlooked. A high-energy dog in a small section with limited walks is unlikely to thrive. Cats in busy households may need safe, quiet spaces to retreat to. Even smaller pets such as rabbits or guinea pigs need more room, care and handling knowledge than many people expect.

Cost is another reality. Beyond food, families should budget for vet care, parasite control, desexing, holiday care, and sometimes training or behaviour support. Planning ahead reduces stress for everyone including the pet.\

One of the best ways to set a family up for success is to involve children early in realistic discussions. Pets are not toys, and the responsibility will fall on adults. Simple routines – feeding, gentle handling and helping with grooming – can teach children empathy and responsibility when guided properly.

Importantly, choosing ‘not’ to get a pet, or deciding to wait, is also a responsible choice. It’s far better to pause than to re-home an animal later because family life became too hard.

Pets can bring enormous joy to families when the fit is right. Taking time to match the pet’s needs with your household’s reality helps ensure that the relationship is a positive one – not just at the beginning, but for the years to come.