Most every child at one point wants a pet, whether it be a lively puppy or a docile fish, parents all over the world dread the obstacle that is a child caring for a pet. Some are more than happy to provide their kid with a pet, often going to “beginner animals” such as hamsters, rabbits, birds and fish, small animals that seemingly take up little space and responsibility. Without prior knowledge on proper care however, these children in charge of their pets make many mistakes, some even fatal. Causing trauma for both the child and the animal. Leading to the question on whether or not children at such a young age should be held accountable for an animal’s needs. 

As many have probably observed, children are often unaware of their actions and how they affect others, this is especially pertinent when in reference to animals seeing that up to 44% of young children have repeatedly abused family pets. Although 3 to 5 years of age is the recognized age for children to both understand social cues and be responsible enough to own an animal, in the majority of circumstances, someone with personal experience with both animals and children would recommend ages 8 to 10 at the absolute youngest for such a liability. This thought process is backed up by a variety of reports disclosing that children who are subject to abuse, bullying or even just an inconvenience such as a bad grade will more often than not take that anger out on something they view lower than them, such as their furry friend. Albeit the behavior is dependent on whether or not guardians outright inform their kids on healthy coping mechanisms and practice them themselves, seeing that 1 in 14 children have parents with poor mental health, it is unlikely those vital methods will be taught. Therefore, for one to get a young child an animal that is delicate and or easily aggrivated is basically asking for someone to get hurt. As toddlers tear at dog’s ears and throw hamsters about the house, they learn the infiriority of small pets and the anger of larger ones, in some cases leading to phobias of dogs, cats, and overall inappropriate behavior relating to pets in the long run.