"Daddy, can we get a pet?"

 If you’re like most parents, you’ve probably heard this eager plea already and cringed at the implications. You know what requirements come with being a pet owner – the mess, the training, the feeding – and you also know who’s going to be stuck with that burden when your child doesn’t want to handle it anymore. That said, pets can be a tremendous source of joy for you and your family, and can also be a great way to teach them responsibility. Oftentimes, even the most reluctant parents end up enjoying their household pets more than their own children do. The key is to pick a pet that best fits your family dynamics, and while only you know what kind of pet would be best for your children, there are some that tend to be more family-friendly than others. In this article, we've discussed three pets that could fit your family well. Moreover, if you are planning to bring any reptile pet into your family then do your research on a site like Reptile Street, as that can be the best guide in this regard.

Dogs

Although an obvious choice, they're called man's best friend for a reason. If you and your growing family are looking for a loyal companion in your pet, dogs are the first place to look. There are enough breeding varieties to accommodate whatever your family's needs may be, so you're sure to find a perfect pup for your situation. In need of a laid back dog that requires little maintenance? A pug or bulldog won't need much but love. Concerned about allergies? Wheaten terriers won't aggravate your children's sinuses and are still friendly. Want a dog to help get your family active? Labs and retrievers are sure to get you outdoors. Their fancy pageant cuts give them a bad reputation, but standard-sized poodles (NOT miniature ones) are actually extremely intelligent, friendly, athletic dogs that are great for hunting, and with a hypoallergenic coat, they won't impact your health either. Lose the fluffy hairdo, and you may end up with the perfect family pet. If you have any doubts do your research on the internet and search ’Best dogs for family and kids’ to make sure that you make an informed decision.

Birds

If you're looking for a lower maintenance pet than a dog but still want an animal that will bond with the family, birds can be an excellent choice. There are a few bird varieties like finches that tend to be more independent, but parakeets (also called budgies) quickly bond with their owners and learn tricks like eating from their master's hand, whistling in tune, and performing basic commands. For those who prefer larger birds, cockatiels and cockatoos both love attention, and can also learn songs and basic words. Cockatiels love to be outside their cages and can be given a perch to spend time freely with the family, and their friendly demeanor coupled with their intelligence makes them a prime choice for a family pet.

(Another benefit to birds: Some kinds like parrotlets or pionuses can live from 10-20 and even up to 40 years, so you won't need to explain the issue of death to your child as a result of a pet losing its life.)

Reptiles

Perhaps you're the kind of family that wants a fun companion, but prefers something more exotic. The thought of reptiles as pets may make some people squirm, but they can actually be an enjoyable, low-maintenance friend for your family. Some require little more than regular feeding and cage upkeep, but other reptiles like iguanas can be interacted with and even walked on leashes as though they were dogs. Many reptiles are quite fun to watch in their terrariums, leaping from limb to limb and using their glass world for their entertainment and yours. The Crested Gecko is especially enjoyable in its antics, as its acrobatics and colorful markings make them a joy for your children to watch. Although they are relatively expensive to buy (an adult breeder can cost as much as $2500); in conjunction with their long life spans of up to 15-20 years makes them a great exotic family pet as long as you know their needs. Make sure to understand the specifics of crested gecko care before adopting your new reptile friend.

Find a Friend

Whether your style is the loyal companionship of a dog, the sweet friendliness of a bird, or the exotic flair of a reptile, pets can truly be an asset for nurturing and raising your child. Pets can give your family an eager playmate and something to learn to care for and take ownership of, so the growth opportunities of having a pet are endless - and you may find that you end up with a friend too. As always, the important thing is to identify the needs of you and your family, plan for how you can care for this added family member, and put your plan into action to help yourself and your family. Enjoy your new pet!