Six Best Small Pets To Consider For Your Child

While a dog or cat are usually the winners when it comes to bringing a pet home, smaller pets are also a great alternative. Especially if parents feel their families might not be ready for the care of large pets.  

Though, as a parent, if you’re still on the fence about getting a pet, we encourage you to, as they can enrich your life in many ways! 🐶

Pets help with student mental health wellbeing by providing comfort. Research shows that having multiple pets can reduce certain allergies in children. While educators agree that pets boost student academic success as well. This is because students become less-stressed to perform when surrounded by furry friends!

Pet activities offer delight and curiosity to students. This might help them become popular among their peers, especially if they are struggling with cultivating meaningful freindships for their happiness.

Pets also encourage nurture and teach responsibility in kids which can boost their self-confidence.  💪

If the bad effects of technology have begun to affect your child, perhaps bringing a pet will also help them happily reduce their screen-time, so they can spend more time with their furry friend. 

Most importantly pets help strengthen student relationships, especially with their family. ❤️ 

Which small pet should I get for my child? 🤔

The pet of your choice depends on the nature and needs of your child, as well as the time your family can give to it.  

Here are a few popular choices for small pets : 

Hamster 

Pros : This inexpensive typical small pet takes up little space and can also be litter-trained. They can be quite playful and fun to watch for students. 🐹  

Being nocturnal creatures they can also help students feel more secure and less lonely at night. 

Their short life expectancy (2-3 years) means they won’t be a long term commitment. Which can be a cautious choice if this is the first pet for the student or family. 

Cons : Contrary to their demeanor, some breeds of hamsters can be quite nippy! Perhaps not the best option for students who want to hold and cuddle their pet a lot. 

Their short-lifespan might be very upsetting for some students, especially those who have never experienced the loss of a loved one. 😢 

Guinea Pigs

Pros : Unlike hamsters, guinea pigs are more amiable. If not mishandled they love social interactions and even being caressed. Patient little creatures are perfect for first-time young pet-owners! 🤗

Cons : To make sure these sociable creatures aren’t lonely, you might need to buy two guinea pigs so they can be companions for each other. Guinea pigs can live four-eight years, so the commitment to their care is more than hamsters. They are also messier than their cousin rodents so their cage needs to be repeatedly cleaned!  

Gerbils

Pros : Another rodent belonging to the small pet family they are nimble creatures and will be found zipping around in their cage. This lively activity makes it particularly perfect for those students who are quiet observers! 👀

Much like cats they like to keep themselves squeaky-clean so you won’t have to struggle with baths or deal with funny odours!

Cons :  They aren’t as interactive with their caretakers like guinea pigs.  While they might not mind being held, their agility also means they will want to squiggle out of students’ hands sooner. So they are better suited for kids who don’t want to be proactive with their pet throughout the day but still care for it. 

Again like guinea pigs and rabbits, they aren’t loners. Parents will have to buy two (same-sex!) gerbils so they can keep eachother company. 🤝 

Rats 

Pros : While rats are usually associated as pesky rodents they do make great pets for kids. 🐀

Relaxed and easy-going creatures, they will allow students to handle them without getting aggressive! Surprisingly rats are very dog-like in nature! They love to be held, interact with humans, and even play games. All of which allow students to form a strong relationship with their pet. ❤️

Con : Their short lifespan of 2-3 years can be distressing for students, especially because their nature allows kids to develop a deep attachment with them. 

Rabbits 

Pros : Gentle and sociable, rabbits are the quintessential choice for small pets. These cuddly pets can be litter trained and their activity is fun to watch for young students. 🐰  

They can also live from 8-12 years, so rabbits are a good choice if your family is ready for a long-term commitment towards caring for a pet.  

Cons : Parental supervision is needed when rabbits are out of the cage – they need exercise and play at least 3-4 hours a day.  

Chinchillas

Pros : A non-conventional choice, Chinchillas are also a choice of gentle pets for students. They are great for students who are less interactive but more interested in watching their pet’s agile activity. With a lifespan of around 12 to 15 years, chinchillas live far longer than their rodent cousins. 

Con : They can be too fast for students who might not be able to handle them well. Unlike hamsters and guinea pigs, they need the additional care of dust baths (two-three times a week) instead of a water bath.  

What small pet is easy to take care of? 🤔  

Other small and easy pets to take care of include hedgehogs, tortoises and even fish. 🐟  🐢  🦔 

What small pet likes to cuddle? 🤔 

Guinea pigs, rats and rabbits make it on top of our list!  

Though all pets big or small need a loving and nurturing environment. Parents should also bring pets home after consulting a veterinarian regarding each creature’s specific requirements. 

At GoStudent we want to provide complete academic support for students, so families can make time for the care of small pets. Book a trial session with one of our tutors! 🚀