Effect of Pets on Child Development: Value, Importance and Benefits
A teenager’s wish for a pet is often linked to their stage of maturation. Researchers have found that parents tend to adopt a cat or dog when their child is experiencing a significant life change, such as starting school or transitioning to adolescence. During these periods, a child's relationship with themselves and the outside world evolves, which can create anxiety within the family.According to scientists, pets help children and their parents cope with stress and foster a sense of responsibility. At age seven, a child starts school and encounters a new environment. By nine, they begin to see themselves as “older” and more self-aware. At thirteen, children experience adolescence, leading to inner conflict and challenges with family. At sixteen, teens move towards independence and may begin to leave home. Throughout these stages, both children and parents face new challenges and stress. Domestic animals play a “psychotherapeutic” role, often becoming indispensable family members through their support.
Pets Help Children Make Friends and Adapt More Easily
Animals help children become more sociable. Children with dogs more easily join groups and make friends. A dog can help a shy child connect with peers and find new friends. Pets also provide topics for discussion. Caring for, walking, and playing with animals can create hobbies and expand a child’s social circle, even making the family closer and more harmonious.
Pets Are Psychologists and Helpers
For a child, whether it’s a fish, dog, cat, hamster, or parrot, a pet can be a confidant—someone to trust with secrets, disappointments, and joys. For children with low self-esteem, pets are especially important as they never judge or punish. These bonds can inspire children to be caring and responsible, benefiting both the child and pet.
The Furry “Doctors” Help With Depression and Apathy
Pets can be excellent sources of emotional support for teenagers. For example, cats, symbolizing independence and strength, are sensitive to their owner’s atmosphere and mood, offering comfort or playfulness as needed. Cats are especially helpful in cases of depression and apathy. Scientific studies show pets can have a positive impact on people suffering from chronic fatigue, depression, apathy, or a bad mood. Playing with or caring for a beloved cat can provide a boost of positive emotion. Similarly, dogs are known to help combat prolonged depression and fill life with happiness. These loyal friends can be the best remedy for sadness and persistent negative thoughts.
When your teenager owns a dog, they’re never truly alone. While walking the dog, they can meet other dog owners and make friends. Social interaction replaces negative thoughts with productive conversations and mutual support. Pets help children recognize their significance through acts of kindness and care, helping them let go of their own worries while doing good for others.
Pets Strengthen the Child’s Immune System
Finnish researchers found that children living with cats or dogs rarely suffer from respiratory illnesses. Interacting with pets strengthens children’s immunity, sharply decreasing the risk of diseases—out of 400 children observed, those with regular contact with dogs experienced a nearly 50% reduction in ear infections.
Other studies prove that having pets at home helps strengthen children’s immune defense. The bacteria and viruses brought in by animals act as a form of “vaccination.” The child’s daily exposure to small amounts of these microbes helps their immune system develop stronger resistance to illnesses.
Pets Contribute to Physical Development
Pets, especially dogs and cats, encourage children to play outdoors. Walking the dog or playing fetch keeps children physically active, improves coordination, and relieves stress. Interacting with animals also helps to strengthen family ties.
Pets Help Children Develop Intellectually
A four-legged friend can be a child’s first introduction to nature. Observing a pet’s behavior and character boosts curiosity, imagination, and observational skills. Living alongside pets teaches children important lessons about health, sickness, birth, and death.
Advice:
When choosing a pet, consider both your child’s age and temperament. By taking our Parenting Mentor Test, you can adopt a balanced approach to selecting a pet and receive recommendations on how to properly integrate a pet into your family.
Some people adopt pets for specific reasons, such as a dog for protection or a cat for rodent control, while others simply want a loyal companion. Veterinarians and family psychologists can help you make an informed decision about adopting a pet. They can guide you in understanding the purpose behind bringing a pet into your life. Experts agree that interacting with pets has therapeutic benefits.
Among animals, dogs are renowned for their loyalty. For parents, a major benefit of adopting a pet is teaching children responsibility. However, this lesson is most effective when the child is involved in bringing the pet home. If a parent adopts the animal without the child’s direct involvement, the parent will end up caring for it. In such cases, the “those who tame the animal must care for it” approach works best. If you want your child to look after the new family member, the following tips will help foster a positive relationship between your child and their pet.
- Do Not Give an Animal as a Gift to a Child
Adopting a puppy, kitten, or hamster is a joyful event but also a big responsibility. An animal should not be given as a birthday present, as it’s not the same as gifting a bicycle or console. Instead, encourage your teen to research dog or cat breeds online. Let them investigate how to feed, vaccinate, and care for their potential pet. Sit down together to figure out what’s needed—a cage, aquarium, leash, food bowl—where to purchase them, and estimate the costs. Invite your child to learn about animal care to nurture responsibility.
After learning about the actual responsibilities—like walking a dog twice daily, washing paws, or cleaning up after hamsters—teens may change their minds about adopting a pet. It’s crucial to inform them that adopting a pet is a commitment. While you will always be there to help, your child cannot simply abandon the animal if they lose interest or as a pet grows older and bigger.
If you’re still unsure and your child keeps requesting a pet, you can borrow a cat or dog from a friend who’s away for a while. This allows your child to experience caring for an animal and develop maturity and responsibility. Taking care of a pet is a great way to practice building relationships centered on love and attention. Remember, bringing a dog into your home will fundamentally change your entire family’s lifestyle. - Define Responsibilities and Plan Expenses
If you decide a pet will join your family, clearly assign responsibilities. Who buys the cat food, and who ensures there’s always fresh water? Be realistic. If you get a husky for your fourteen-year-old, be prepared to walk it yourself—after a few months, large dogs become very strong. Consider safety and the reality that dogs sometimes fight; even adults can have difficulty separating them. Factor in costs for training and veterinary care. If your budget can’t accommodate proper care, it’s best to reconsider. For children to take some care responsibilities, start with a pet they can manage, and supervise initially.
There are many unfortunate cases where families, persuaded by their children, stretch their finances to buy a purebred pet, only to face heartbreak when they can’t afford medicine or vet visits. This is unfair to both the child and animal; losing a pet to illness due to lack of funds can cause deep guilt and stress for the whole family.