Make sure you're ready before adding pet to household

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Monterey County Herald

By Emilie LeBeau

Wouldn't it be great? You come home from school and your new dog is waiting at the door to greet you. Or you have a bad day and then your new kitty plops down in your lap to cuddle.

Having a pet is a dream for many kids. And finally Mom and Dad have agreed. But just because you can get a pet doesn't mean you should.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says kids are ready for a cat or dog once they're 10 years old. Want to know if you're ready to become a pet parent? Here are five signs:

• You have the time. Kids who are planning a lot of summer vacations or sports practices shouldn't get a new pet. Heidi O'Brien of The Humane Society of the United States says pets need attention every day.

"You need to know you have a set amount of time every day to give the animal the attention it deserves," O'Brien says. Pets also need time to adjust to their new home, so O'Brien says kids shouldn't get a pet and then take off for vacation or summer camp.

• You have happy fish. If Bubbles is swimming in a dirty tank, you're probably not ready for another animal that needs even more care.

"How could you have time for another animal?" O'Brien says.

• You have the space. This issue isn't about where to put the litter box. Kids who live in rental apartments also have to consider whether their family plans to move, O'Brien says. Not all buildings allow animals. Then what will happen to your pet?

• You've thought of everything. Many kids get excited about pets and they don't think of potential problems. So before adopting a pet, kids also should ask: Can I exercise a big dog every day? What will happen if someone becomes allergic?

Have the answers before you adopt a pet, so there is another good home available if there is an allergy or time problem, O'Brien says.

• You're ready for the routine. Cats and dogs like to have a routine. That means feeding Socks or taking Butch for a walk at the same time every day. "It makes them feel secure," O'Brien says.

So kids need to work feeding, care and play time into their daily schedules.