Children love animals, which is why they also love pets. If your kids have been begging you for a new pet, you’re certainly not alone. Adopting a family pet is a lot of fun, but it’s also a big commitment. Is your family ready for this? Reptiles make great first pets. If you are debating about whether to get your child a pet, consider all of the great reasons to choose a reptile:
#1 Reptiles are easy to care for. Kids promise they’ll help take care of the new pet, but you already know that probably won’t happen. Dogs need to use the bathroom several times a day. This means taking your dog for a walk every few hours. Buying your family a cat means regularly cleaning out a gross litter box. Both of these options also require brushing, bathing, and much more. You’ll be cleaning up after them constantly so you don’t have hair and smells all over your clothes and furniture. If your kids get a pet they can actually care for on their own, it’ll be one less thing for you to worry about. With a reptile pet, children of all ages can help out. Lizards don’t stink or need to be let outside to go potty!
#2 They’re hypoallergenic. Many young kids have allergies. For these kids, a pet doesn’t have to mean itchy eyes and a runny nose. Reptiles are allergy friendly. Reptiles are fantastic for a kid who dreams of an animal companion but is allergic to fur and hair. Their snake, lizard, or tortoise won’t make them sneeze.
#3 Pets teach kids responsibility. Taking care of an animal teaches your children about responsibility. Because, as stated above, reptiles are easy to care for, they can do this all on their own. Even young kids can fill a bowl of food or water. As your kid grows more capable in the care of their pet, they can slowly gain more responsibilities. In a year or so, they may be able to change the substrate on their own.
#4 A new pet is a new friend! Having a pet gives kids someone else to talk to. You may be surprised just how much your kid has to say to someone with willing ears. Many children enjoy talking to their pets. Animals are non-judgmental listeners who will gladly pay attention to the same story multiple times. Their imagination will run wild!
When you’re looking for a new reptile pet for your kids, come into Jabberwock Reptiles. We have plenty of reptiles to choose from, including snakes, geckos, chameleons, skinks, bearded dragons, and much more. Whichever species you chose, your new pet is sure to bring your kids the benefits listed above. They’ll be thrilled they have a new pet and you’ll be happy you don’t need to spend the next few months potty training a puppy!
