New Yorkers – Adding A Pet To Your Household? Best & Worst Choices For Kids

Happy Holidays! How's your shopping coming along? Or are you like me, and wait until the last minute? I see nothing wrong with that.

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Many, many years ago (yes, I'm getting old), for Christmas, I surprised my wife with a puppy. I already knew she would be happy to have a four-legged mutt join our family, so I knew it was a good choice.

Every year for the holiday, many others do the same, with a new dog, cat, or some other type of animal. But, not everyone thinks this decision completely through. It's important to weigh the positives and negatives of bringing a new pet into your home.

The website Baby Center.com recently published an article on the 9 Best and Worst Pets for Kids. I'm sure there will be quite a few homes that will have a new pet added to the family mix over the holiday season.

While bringing in a pet to add to your family dynamics is a wonderful thing, the Baby Center.com article brings up some great points while you consider giving your child/children/significant other/yourself a pet this holiday season, or at any other time of the year for that matter. Here are a few of the things to think about.

While a cat may be self-sufficient (to a point), a dog is not. They need to be let out several times a day. Is there time in your or a family member's schedule to handle that responsibility?

Think Before Adopting A Pet

• How is your home space versus the type and size of the pet you are considering adopting? A small space may not be suitable.
• If you have a child, can they be responsible pet owners?
• Cost. Just like a human, pets require care, and it could be expensive. Unless you purchase pet insurance, (and that insurance may not cover all expenses), keeping a pet healthy can be expensive.

Best And Worst Pets For Kids

Here are a few best pets and pets to avoid for the family as noted in the article. For the complete list of the 9 best and worst pets for kids along with the pros and cons, visit the Baby Center.com website.

Worst Pets For Kids

• Reptiles
• Ferrets
• Birds
• Rabbits

Best Pets For Kids

• Dogs
• Cats
• Rats
• Guinea Pigs