GREAT PETSFOR OLDER CHILDREN

Thinking about saying yes to getting your 'tween or teen a pet?

Older children can care for all kinds of pets with unique features and needs.

Whichever pet they set their heart on, there are many important questions to consider before choosing one.

Do you want: A pet for

companionship or practical reasons? Indoor or outdoor pet?

To cuddle it? A pet that stays in its

habitat or roams around?

Do you live in a house or an apartment?

Do you own or rent? How big is your yard,

and is it fenced? Does your child travel

overnight much?

Does anyone living in the home have fears about or allergies to any animal?

How much can you afford to spend monthly on pet supplies and pet care?

Here are tips about seven pets you may want to consider.

DOGS AND CATS

Animal shelters have plenty for adoption.

Both make great companions but there are risks of injury from dog bites and cat scratches.

Both need periodic immunizations, regular worming and ongoing flea prevention.

Cats get exercise walking around the house, but dogs need to walk, run and play every day.

There will be poop to scoop daily for either, but cuddling and companionship are worth it.

PARROTS

They mimic easily, can quickly learn to talk, and are noisy.

They bite hard.

Parrots are lively, playful, colorful and costly.

Parrots need lots of space and like coming out of their cages but will peck and ruin wood furnishings.

They eat seeds, fresh produce and nuts, often discarding shells outside the cage.

HORSES, PYGMY GOATS

Some animal shelters may have horses for adoption under $2,000.

These outdoor animals need plenty of room and shelter from the elements.

A horse requires a lot of care every day without exception.

If you do not have space for a horse, you can board them at nearby stables or small farms.

Pygmy goats are miniature creatures content to graze grass and drink water.

You can pet and thank them for keeping the orchard mowed.

SEAHORSES

These fantastic aquatic creatures are fragile, but once you get their marine ecosystem set up, they are about as easy to care for as other fish.

Seahorses eat about six to eight frozen Mysis shrimp per day and grow to 5-8 inches tall.

Seahorses eat about six to eight frozen Mysis shrimp per day and grow to 5-8 inches tall.

They need easy-to-grasp hitching structures like kelp or faux coral. Instead of getting seahorses caught in the wild, getting captive-bred seahorses does not contribute to their depletion.

CHINCHILLAS

Chinchillas can live 20 years. They eat pellets from the pet store, drink fresh water and need a solid-bottomed, wire cage.

These soft, furry, fragile creatures can be gently cuddled but are probably best for children over 10 years old.

No matter the age when you decide to get one, considering personal lifestyles and resources are important parts of choosing great pets for older children.

Having pets improves overall health and reduces stress. They provide comfort through times of grief and trauma.

Caring for them builds character: TRUST AND CONFIDENCE

In the end, having pets teaches us about the life cycle and treasuring those we love.

Are you thinking about getting a beautiful portrait of your pet?

An artist by profession, Miri's paintings make a lasting keepsake of your furry or feathered friend.

For more info, please visit Custom Pet Portraits by Miri atwww.petportraitsbymiri.com