The best pets for kids by age — and the worst

As a parent, you understand the dilemma that comes with that classic kid question: "Can we get a pet?"

They want a little creature they can love and dote on, but for parents, that special moment comes with lots of responsibility. Even after you've decided your family can handle a pet, there's the question of which one.

To help figure out the right pet for your family, here's a list of the best pets for kids by age group. Every family is different, and the right pet for you will depend on your kids, finances, and living space.

Factors to consider when choosing a pet

Before you welcome a pet into your home, you need to be sure it's the right decision for everyone — including the pet. Things to consider include:

• Medical costs: As living creatures, all pets deserve quality medical care. Be sure you can budget for routine and emergency care costs, which can vary from a few dollars to running into the thousands depending on the medical issue. If you're considering pet insurance to help with those costs, make sure to look at what each plan covers.

• Care requirements: How much care does the pet need, and how much are your kids able and willing to take on? Pets always need care, so parents must be "backup" in case kids forget a job. 

• Kids' needs: Some kids want pets to play and snuggle with. Others like exotic animals that "look cool." Know what activity and sociability levels your kids want in a pet and choose a pet species that’s compatible.

The next step is to look at what kind of pet meets those needs. Here are some age-group-specific ideas to get you started.

Best pets for ages 4 to 7: Low-maintenance companions

Many young kids love animals and want pets, even if they're not ready for primary caretaking responsibilities. Consider one of these pets below that are pretty independent yet fun to watch. 

Parakeets

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A parakeet is one of the best birds for kids. They're social animals and typically love interacting with other animals and people. Young kids delight in parakeets' playfulness and tendency to cheep, chirp, and coo at those around them.

A parakeet is affordable if you're budgeting for a pet bird. You’ll want to get a good cage with toys, but be aware that your bird needs supervised out-of-cage time daily. This is a great opportunity for kids to learn about gentle handling.

Freshwater fish

Fish are easy pets for kids, especially those who want to watch rather than cuddle their animal friend. A pet fish primarily needs a safe tank, clean water at the right temperature, and the correct food for their species.

When budgeting for a pet fish, consider whether you want to buy or DIY the tank environment. Some fish need more complex habitats, so talk to a professional before settling on a fish type.

Ideal pets for ages 8 to 11: Interactive and caring animals

School-age kids are ready for more caregiving responsibilities. They can help out more with larger family pets, like cats or dogs, and even have their own smaller animals.

Rats

Rats are some of the best pets for elementary-age kids. They're sociable, playful, and relatively easy to care for. They're even smart enough to learn a few tricks! They can get lonely if they're alone too much, so some vets recommend getting two, especially if your family has a busy schedule.

The downside for some families is that rats typically live only two to three years. As a parent, you know best whether your kids will be OK with that. And, of course, there's never a health guarantee with any pet.

Guinea pigs

Guinea pigs are excellent small pets for kids. Once you earn their trust, they're gentle and friendly, and that bonding experience is intensely rewarding for kids.

Guinea pigs live a bit longer than rats: five to seven years on average. Evaluating a guinea pig's cost is relatively straightforward because their needs are simple: an enclosure of at least 7.5 square feet (or bigger if you adopt multiple guinea pigs) and a simple diet of vegetables, hay, and water. 

Cats

Cats are great family pets when you have older elementary-age kids. They're relatively independent but can be cuddly and playful. Every cat's personality differs, so meet a few before settling on the right one for your family. 

Talk to your kids about their role in caring for the cat. Older kids can take on tasks like feeding and playing with the cat so it gets enough exercise, but be ready to be their backup.

Finally, when budgeting for a cat, remember to add regular litter and food purchases to your monthly expenses. It’s also important to set money aside for occasional costs, such as annual vet checkups or vacation cat-sitting. 

Recommended pets for ages 12 to 15: Companionship and responsibility

By adolescence, many kids are ready for more of the give-and-take of owning a pet. Here are some good pets for kids entering their teen years.

Rabbits

Rabbits are highly social animals that love spending time with their favorite people. They don't love to cuddle, which can disappoint younger kids, but older ones love playing with them and even teaching them tricks.

Creative teens can set up rabbit enclosures, providing exciting environments for play. Rabbits need plenty of exercise and a healthy vegan diet, both of which will require time and attention from your teen.

Bearded dragons

Bearded dragons are excellent "beginner" reptiles. They're friendly and docile, and although they're not cuddly pets, they can learn to be OK with handling. 

The biggest challenge with a bearded dragon is maintaining their environment. Their tanks must remain at controlled temperatures with ultraviolet lighting on a night-day cycle. Some kids love meeting this challenge and getting the environment "just right" for their dragon.

Corn snakes

A corn snake is an excellent starter option if your kid wants a snake. They're docile, domesticated pets that tolerate proper handling well, especially if it's part of their routine. It's also OK if your teen is busy and doesn't have much time for snake cuddling. Like bearded dragons, corn snakes mostly need a warm and comfy habitat.

Dogs

Dogs for 12- to 15-year-olds will still be family pets simply because of the amount of care and attention they require. But if you've been thinking about a dog and your child is now entering teenhood, it might be the perfect time. Teens can handle more hands-on dog care tasks, including mealtimes, walks, and training.

Start by researching popular family dog breeds, especially if you have younger kids at home. Some dogs are too enthusiastic or temperamental for little ones. There are plenty of great dogs for families, including:

• Labrador retrievers

• Golden retrievers

• Beagles

• Bulldogs

• Irish setters

As with cats, your best bet is to have everyone in the family meet the dog first. The right match is essential.

Pets you should avoid and why

Not all pets are great for kids. Here are four animals to think carefully about before you bring them home:

• Turtles: These surprisingly high-maintenance pets need specialized care and maintenance, and they can live for decades — far longer than your kids will be in the house. More importantly, they're notorious for carrying salmonella, especially when they're smaller.

• Parrots: Like turtles, parrots are long lived and high maintenance. They're also loud, messy, and potentially destructive when bored. And while they enjoy interacting with humans, they often "play bite," and their beaks can seriously hurt a child.

• Ferrets: Ferrets are extremely active and need lots of out-of-cage time, but they get into trouble easily and need constant supervision. And while many ferrets are playful, they may nip if a kid startles or annoys them. Older teens may be able to handle ferrets, but evaluating a ferret's cost is essential. They're prone to disease and may need expensive vet care.

• Hamsters: As prey animals, hamsters tend to be wary of humans and need an extremely cautious touch. Young kids can hurt or startle them, leading to bites. Hamsters are also nocturnal and more active after bedtime. Consider opting for a guinea pig instead.

Make informed pet choices for your family

A pet is a serious commitment. Before bringing an animal into your home, ensure your family and finances are ready to take responsibility.

Consider what each family member wants from pet ownership and what type of pet would meet those needs. Do you want something that lives in a cage or roams free around the house, asking for cuddles?

Remember that pets are individuals. Some cats are more cuddly than playful. Some dogs are couch potatoes, while others always want adventure. Even cage-dwelling pets have temperaments that need to align with their humans. Whenever possible, meet a few pets before settling on one. 

Making that match will be the first of many core memories for your family and a new pet. May you have many happy years together!

FAQs on the best pets for kids

Q: What is the easiest pet to take care of?

A: Goldfish and similar freshwater fish tend to be the lowest-maintenance pets, but they may not be interactive enough for kids. Rats, guinea pigs, and parakeets are also relatively easy, mostly needing the right food and a suitable environment.

Q: What are the best pets for beginners?

A: Freshwater fish, guinea pigs, rats, and parakeets are good pets for beginners, but all pets have specific needs. Do your research before getting a pet to be sure your family can provide the right care.