A question I get asked often is "what is a good pet for a 12-year-old?" I realize that I am an adult and therefore may have no proper understanding of the animal mind or the behavioral issues that come along with being a child. Many people do bring their children around animals, such as horses, donkeys, or Rottweilers, but you should take caution before bringing any animal into your home. There are many dangers involved with keeping a pet, regardless of age. If you are considering bringing a new pet into your home, be sure that you do adequate research, consult with a veterinarian, and do not let your emotions override your common sense.

Before bringing a pet into your home, you should consider whether your child is ready to have a pet. Children, just like adults, have various personality issues. They may be overzealous about their new pet, or they may harbor secret fears that they will harm the animal. For example, if you bring a horse into your home and your child is overly excited about it, the horse may bite, hit, or hurt your child. You should also consider whether your child is ready to handle a large animal that will run rampant and may be uncontrollable.

Many children are comfortable around larger animals such as dogs and cats. These animals can be great fun to play with, but they can also be dangerous if you allow them free run of your property. Smaller pets, such as hamsters, gerbils, fish, and rats, are generally safe if they are confined to an area of the house, such as in a corner, until you are confident that the child can cope with a pet on his own. If you decide to introduce a pet to your child, keep in mind that they are more likely to attempt to harm a child who is more at ease with large animals. Also, always take immediate action if a child has been injured by any animal, no matter how small it may seem.

What is a good pet for a 12-year-old girl? Perhaps your child likes horses, although she may not yet have a horse-drawn carriage. If this is the case, you may want to consider a stable with a small stable bed. The horse can be left unattended for long periods, allowing your child ample time to sleep in her room or anywhere else in the house. Your daughter can be taught the names of all of the animals, as well as their parts in the kitchen, and once she understands how they work, you will have saved yourself quite a bit of money by not having to buy a horse.

What is a good pet for a 12-year-old boy? turtle vs tortoise A dog or a cat may be too big or too aggressive. Some boys are uncomfortable around dogs and cats. A more relaxed pet may be a hamster, corkscrew, balloon dog, stuffed toy, lion, leopard, fish, or parrot. You can teach your son to hold his own dog instead of permitting the animal to be dominant.

What is a good pet for a 12-year-old boy? Again, your child must be comfortable with animals, and you should take into consideration their temperament before bringing them into the household. If your child is not ready, do not force the issue. Save your money, time, and heart until your child is ready for a pet of some sort.