Pets and Children: Safe and Happy Together

Supervision Comes First

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that children under five should be supervised whenever they interact with animals. Even the gentlest family dog can snap if it is hurt, frightened or cornered, and young children don't yet read the warning signs.

• Never leave a baby or young child alone with a dog or cat, even for a moment.
• Give pets a safe place children can't follow: a crate, a gated room or a high shelf for the cat.
• Use gates or closed doors when you can't watch.
• Learn your pet's stress signs: lip licking, yawning, turning away, stiffening, growling or hissing. Calmly separate them if you see these.

Expecting a baby? See new baby and pets.

What to Teach Children

• Ask the owner before touching any animal, and let the animal come to you.
• Stroke gently along the back, not the face, tail or paws.
• Leave pets alone when they are eating, sleeping, in their bed or chewing a toy.
• No hugging, kissing or climbing on pets; many animals find it frightening.
• Sit on the floor to hold small pets, so they can't be dropped.
• If a dog seems scared or cross, stand still and quiet, then move away slowly.

Hygiene and Handwashing

Animals can carry germs that make people ill, and young children are more at risk. The CDC advises that children wash their hands straight after touching animals, their cages, beds or bowls, with an adult supervising, and that children shouldn't kiss pets or put their hands in their mouths after handling them.

Reptiles, amphibians and backyard poultry often carry Salmonella. The CDC has long advised that children under five avoid contact with reptiles and amphibians, and many health authorities say these animals are not suitable pets in homes with very young children. See reptiles and poultry.

• Keep litter boxes, cages and pet food away from where children play and eat.
• Clean up dog poop in the yard or garden promptly.
• Keep pets up to date with the preventive care your vet recommends.

For worming, flea and parasite treatments or any medicines: see your vet or a pet supply store with trained staff. Regular parasite prevention protects children as well as pets; see parasite prevention.

Choosing a Family Pet

The right pet depends on your children's ages, your time and your home, not just what the children want. A few points to weigh:

• Dogs: choose for temperament and energy, not looks. A calm adult dog from a rescue that has lived with children can be a better fit than a bouncy puppy.
• Cats: many enjoy family life if they have high places to escape to.
• Small pets: rabbits and guinea pigs are often thought of as starter pets, but they need lots of space and gentle handling, and many dislike being picked up. See small pets.
• Fish: a lovely way to learn about care and routine, with an adult doing the water testing. See your first aquarium.

See choosing a pet to weigh time, cost and lifespan.

Sharing the Care

Children can learn a lot from helping: filling water bowls, measuring food, brushing, or helping clean a cage. But an adult must always be responsible for the animal's welfare, and in many countries owners have a legal duty of care. Rules differ by country; see pet law basics.

A simple chart with jobs suited to each child's age keeps it fun, and checking the jobs are done keeps the pet safe.