The Best Pets For Kids

guinea-pig-on-a-white-background

We’ve all learned something from our pets. Maybe we discovered that any spot could be a bed or any household object can be a plaything if you try hard enough. Pets can teach your children valuable lessons about responsibility and companionship. If you’re wondering what might be the best pet for your kid, here are four animals that require less maintenance than some other animals and are easy to care for.

Rats

Your child will learn something new every day with a pet rat. Here are some of these clever creatures’ defining traits:

  • Rats typically bite less than hamsters.
  • These intelligent rodents like to be in groups.
  • Rats like things to do, such as wheels to play on and places to crawl and hide.

Rats are an excellent pick for teaching your child the value of companionship. Everything is better together!

Guinea Pigs

A classic easy pet for kids, guinea pigs are entertaining, vocal rodents with plenty of personality. If you’re considering one for your child, here are two care notes to keep in mind:

american-guinea-pig

  • For optimal health, 80% of their diet should be hay. A small portion can be fruits and veggies.
  • These rodents can live alone or in groups.

With a guinea pig, your kid will learn that taking the time to get to know someone leads to lots of love and fun.

Budgies

If your child has a soft spot for birds, budgies may be the right pick for a long-term companion! Here are four facts you should know about them:

  • Budgies live between 10-15 years and eat easy-to-feed bird pellets.
  • These small birds do well by themselves or in groups.
  • Cage cleaning is easy — just remove the bottom!

Budgies are low-maintenance pets that can keep your kid company for many years to come.

Small Snakeslittle-snake-in-male-hand

A scaly friend might be the perfect fit for your household. Small snakes are easier to maintain than their larger relatives and make great pets because:

  • A little snake can be kept in a relatively small terrarium with a UV light and a heat source.
  • They have simple humidity requirements.
  • Small snakes are easy to feed, with convenient frozen mice available at many pet stores.

Snakes make unique pets for kids that are sure to leave an impression, and they offer lots of learning opportunities about the food chain and how different types of animals thrive.

Contact Us For More Information

You want your choice to be well-informed. In addition to your own research, it’s a good idea to consult a vet when deciding on a new friend for your children. Our compassionate and knowledgeable staff can offer helpful advice for both domestic and exotic pets. Contact us for more information about which pets are suitable for your kids.

What Our Clients Have To Say

I took my galah Rosie for a general physical. The staff and vet took the time to show me (as a new bird owner) how to clip nails and wings and what to look for as far as outward signs of her health.

Susanne Arbagy

I just moved to Florida, and looking for a veterinarian I came across university animal clinic walking around the plaza so I decided to stop in and get information on the veterinarians, the women at the front desk was so kind and caring, I unfortunately forgot her name.

Karen Hulty

Can’t recommend highly enough!!! The staff is extremely friendly and the Vet is energetic and very knowledgeable and easy to talk to! They work with exotic animals which is a plus! We brought our bearded dragon that formed an abscess and they had her all fixed up in 20 minutes!!

Ian Preston

I love Dr. Rill. Our little Cafe had been struggling with an ear infection for almost a year and Dr, Rill never gave up on making her better. I learned so much from him. I love his assistants! They are kind and treat the animals with respect. And, they are kind to us humans as well.

Pet Parent

Great clinic for a ferret! Friendly staff, professional doctor!

VPal

I am, as I have been for a good 20 years, still a satisfied patron of University Animal Clinic. They do their best consistently and take comments to heart and make changes to serve our pets better.

Pet Parent

Thank you to Doctor Simonson, Casey, Dr. Sam and the rest of the team for taking care of Wrangler! You all treated him like a pet of your own and made me feel so comfortable leaving him with you to watch over after such a scary incident. Everyone at your office is so knowledgeable and caring.

Jennifer Tee

Best EVER!!! Dr. Leigh is fantastic!!! I am moving my dog’s care to her. This is after growing up with the same vet (22 years). She spent time with my dog and did a thorough examination. She took time to discuss treatment plans for her arthritis. Dr. Leigh and the techs are so knowledgeable.

Dog Parent

I wasn’t holding my breath that a vet would work hard to help diagnose my leopard gecko. I was wrong. The doctor worked hard to diagnose why our pet lizard stopped eating & ran a battery of tests.

Paulina Testerman

Vets and staff are knowledgeable and efficient. Clean and friendly Vet office. My dog now goes in to see her Vet with out balking.

Sara Little