Pets and the Single Parent

Your child is begging for a pet. As a single parent family, finances are tight and your time is limited. But, you think that pets are wonderful for children and you enjoy animals, too. What should you think about before making the decision to get a pet?

First, consider the age of your child. If he/she is not even in kindergarten yet, it would probably be best to wait until the child is older. Many animals do not react well to small children, and you don't want to risk your child being injured or for your child to harm the animal. Older children may be ready to handle a pet with respect, but this will depend on the particular child. Also, an older child can assist in some ways with the animal's care. However, never get an animal expecting that your child will care for it. You are ultimately responsible for the animal's wellbeing, and you may very well become the sole caretaker for the animal at some point. If you are not prepared to handle that responsibility, then don't get an animal.

Next, think about the expected lifespan of the pet. Birds can live for fifty years; do you really want a bird to care for when your single parent days are mostly over when the kids are grown? Consider that any pet that lives beyond your child's eighteenth birthday will more that likely remain in your home since many apartments and dorms do not allow pets. Make sure that the pet is one that you will still want when your kids leave the house. Some small pets only live for two to five years which is a much shorter time commitment.

How much care does the pet require? A small pet such as a hamster may only need fresh water and food daily and a weekly cage cleaning. Reptiles may need live food such as crickets which will necessitate several trips per week to the pet store. Cats need daily litter box scooping and periodic vet visits. Dogs require several trips outside daily, and plenty of exercise and human interaction along with periodic vet visits. Also, determine who will care for the pet if you are out of town. Kennels can be expensive, and there are very few places that will care for reptiles and small animals. Grandma may not want to be responsible for feeding a live mouse to your pet snake while you're at the beach.

How much will pet care costs run? The pet will require food, and in most cases, the cheaper food is not very good for your pet's health. Vet visits and vaccinations can be very expensive. Vet bills for exotic animals like snakes can be expensive, and many vets do not treat them. Litter for small pets can be costly, especially if your particular pet cannot tolerate the cheaper brands. Of course your children will want to buy toys and treats for the pet which can add to the total pet care cost. Also, the pet may require spaying or in the case of cats, declawing, or other surgical interventions. A life-threatening illness can cost thousands of dollars to treat for dogs and cats.

Is your household set up for pets? A dog or a cat can do a lot of damage through scratching, chewing, and using your floor as a bathroom. If you are in an apartment, you could be liable for the damage. Or, if you have expensive heirlooms, you may want an animal that is contained to a cage.

Pets can be a wonderful addition to your household for both you and the children if you choose wisely. Make sure that you consider the time and financial commitments involved with various pets before purchasing. By choosing wisely, you should have a new friend that a single parent such as yourself can easily care for and enjoy for many years.