The 9 best and worst pets for kids

Not only are pets cute and cuddly, having certain types of family pets has been shown to improve a child's self-confidence, instill a sense of responsibility, and help children learn about positive relationships. And while dogs and cats will always be the top go-to pets for families with kids since they're pretty easy to care for and like to hang around people, there are other pets perfect for small children, too – and some pets that are not. 

No matter what type of pet you're thinking of getting, it's a good idea to learn the pros and cons about each before starting your search. To help, we've got all the information you need about the best and worst pets for kids so you can decide which animal is best for your gang.

How to pick the best pet for your family

There are so many things to think about before becoming a pet owner – especially if you have kids. Before you make your selection, try to match a potential pet to your home and lifestyle. Here are some savvy tips from Carly Fox, DVM, senior veterinarian at NYC's Schwarzman Animal Medical Center.

• Consider your schedule. "Dogs require several walks a day, but cats need exercise too, about 15 minutes a day," she explains. Smaller animals also need interaction, usually an hour or two. 

• Gauge the living space. Birds make a lot of racket and some dog breeds howl and bark more than others (will your neighbors complain?). Having a fenced yard is ideal for allowing dogs to roam and "small apartments aren't great environments for larger breeds," she explains.

• Consider your kids' ages. "Decide whether your children are old enough to help with pet responsibilities," suggests Dr. Fox. If they're not – feeding duties will be your job so you'll have to weigh that with your current bandwidth. And always consider allergies. "Visit someone with the breed or pet type you like so you can watch for your kid's reaction."

• Check your bank balance. "The cost of owning a dog can run to $17,000 in its lifetime," says Dr. Fox. And if special care is needed for an exotic animal or an emergency, that number can climb. Just be sure you're prepared for the additional financial obligations before you fall in love with your furry friend. 

Worst pets for kids

While we hate to rule out entire groups of animals, there really are pet types that aren't great for kids, either because they're too fragile, require a lot of care, or simply aren't safe. Here are ones that might be better to skip if you have young children:

Mice, gerbils and hamsters 

These "pocket pets" are pretty adorable, we'll admit. But they're also generally terrified of humans, especially when purchased as full-grown rodents at pet stores and aren't used to being held. And while rare, mice and hamsters can spread infections to kids if your child is up close and personal with their cage or comes in contact with any of the rodent's fecal particles. 

"Small mammals are delicate and require specialized handling – and this can be difficult for young children to learn due to their curious nature," explains Dr. Fox. And be sure to consider their lifespans, she adds. "Gerbils live about two years on average, but a red eared slider (turtle) can live 25 to 35 years!" 

Small rodents also require lots of care, such as special food and cages, a water dispenser, an exercise wheel, and wood chip bedding that needs changing frequently. And if you want your kids to sleep (who doesn't?), don't pick these nocturnal creatures as they'll be up at night squeaking and running about. 

Ferrets

Ferrets are playful and smart, but they can also be mean – they're apt to bite and small children may not understand that. They're also escape artists and will make a beeline for any open door, and in some cases, they may carry illness. You'll also need to set aside many hours to not only train a ferret but to hunt for your items that these critters are known to squirrel away (socks, dish towels, and more).

Birds

Birds are popular because they're pretty, relatively inexpensive and friendly to humans. But they're in the worst category because small kids have a hard time holding them gently and may forget to close the cage door. They can also be quite difficult to put back into their cage as they seek refuge in the highest places within the home, which may cause your children to climb chairs and furniture in attempts to apprehend them. 

Get ready for a lot of noise too as parakeets and parrots like to squawk and talk much of the day. And like mice and hamsters, bird cages need regular maintenance.

Reptiles and amphibians 

We're talking turtles, snakes, iguanas and frogs here, which are fur-free (fewer allergies) but they can also carry germs and don't love to be cuddled, which may frustrate a small child. Snakes have to be fed creepy things like crickets and live mice, and iguanas can grow up to 6 feet long and may be aggressive.

Any creature that is not a dog or cat is considered an 'exotic’ pet, Dr. Fox says, but "all of these animals still require veterinary care and a specialized vet. Most veterinarians are not trained or equipped to treat these pets." Before you pick an exotic animal, know that you'll need a specialist lined up for the best care.  

But the biggest reason of all to avoid reptiles and amphibians: salmonella. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children under age 5 should avoid handling reptiles, amphibians, and their environment, as they are more likely to get very sick if they get salmonella. 

Rabbits

Alas, like mice, gerbils and hamsters, these fluffy critters are scared of people unless they've been carefully handled their whole lives. And as prey animals, they'll bolt, kick and squirm if you try to hold them when they don't want to be picked up (try explaining that to a 3-year-old). In fact, "injury can occur easily with inadvertent rough handling by young children, which could even be fatal, so they shouldn't handle these pets without supervision," says Dr. Fox. 

The best pets for small kids

Dogs and cats

Many types of dogs and cats can be excellent pets for kids as long as you're willing to make time for their care and have the right kind of space at home. And the benefits that children reap are many, including more happiness, higher self-esteem, better cognitive skills, and less stress. In terms of breeds, Dr. Fox recommends Labs, Poodles, Pitbulls, King Charles, Havanese and Pugs for the family home.

As for cats, "any kind is fine, though Bengals, Savannah Cats, and Siamese cats tend to be a bit spicier as far as temperament goes," she notes. Still, you never know what you're going to get with a cat (or dog for that matter). "There's no accounting for a cat's personality based on breed – they are what they are."

It's a good idea to spend some time with the dog or cat you're thinking about adding to your family before you bring them home. That way, you can learn more about their temperament, and make sure they get along with every family member. If adopting, ask the shelter if you can spend extended periods of time with the pet, or if you're purchasing your pet from a breeder, ask if you can come for a few hours to play with your potential pet. 

Fish 

Fish can't be cuddled, but they're remarkably calming and beautiful to watch, and they can teach kids a lot about responsibility since they need to be fed daily. Kids 3 and up can sprinkle the food delicately on the fish's water. Keep in mind, however, that fish can carry germs and illnesses like salmonella that can spread to people (though it's rare), so you'll want to be the one actually cleaning the fish tank. 

Place your fish tank where your little ones can see it but not to reach into the water and bother or hurt the fish. Finally, consider that fish do tend to die more frequently than other types of pets so you'll probably have more than one elaborate fish funeral if this is the type of pet you choose! 

Rats 

Like the above pocket pets, rats are also nocturnal, their cages need a lot of maintenance and they only live a couple of years. But unlike the others, they're fantastically friendly and smart, and if they grow up being lovingly handled by human companions, they can be a good pick for families with kids over age 5. 

Many rat enthusiasts compare their friendliness to that of cats – they may sit on your shoulder, let you pick them up and hold them, and respond enthusiastically to petting and attention. They play, they can learn tricks, and they're very fun to feed. But since they're small, watch carefully when rats are being handled by young children to make sure they're not being squeezed or handled too roughly.

Guinea pigs 

Guinea pigs make the 'best' list since they're friendlier than rabbits, mice and gerbils, can tolerate being held and they live longer, usually 5 to 7 years. But they're good picks for those kids who are 5 and older, says the CDC. These little pets make a cute purring sound, love to run and play, and they can even learn tricks. 

Of course, like all cage-based animals, their environment needs frequent cleaning, and you'll be the one doing it unless your child is remarkably responsible and old enough. Guinea pigs are also little, so watch young kids carefully while they enjoy their new friend lest they hold them too tightly.

Not all animals are top picks for kids, but there are certainly quite a few to choose from if you're looking to expand your family. No matter what pet you choose, your child is sure to have a built-in best friend, learn responsibility, and you may even find yourself super attached too.