Helping Children Learn Safe and Respectful Animal Interactions
Teach Calm Behavior Around Animals
It is important that your child learns on how to act when in the presence of animals. The pet may be scared by sudden movements, loud noises or running. Describe what is meant by gentle interaction and how to encourage children to develop good relationships with animals in a calm and respectful manner.
Never Leave a Young Child Alone with a Pet
Pet interactions with young children should always be supervised. A child may not know or may not understand that the animal has signs of discomfort or fear, and therefore may engage in dangerous interactions with the animal or the animal may defend itself. These interactions are monitored not only to prevent accidents from happening, but also to help your child to understand how his or her actions can affect the safety and comfort of the animal. For added safety and hygiene, explore our basic care essentials for families with pets.
Keep Pet Food and Toys Out of Reach
Ensure that the pet food and toys are placed in areas that are beyond the reach of the children. Tell your child that these items are ‘off-limits’. If the child attempts to take a treat or toy from the animal, they may scare the animal. Just as children have their own toys, pets also have their own things that are theirs and may not want to share.
Encourage Hand Washing After Pet Interaction
Always have children wash their hands after petting, feeding, or caring for a pet. Young children often don’t wash their hands thoroughly, so it’s important to supervise to ensure they’re washing well after handling the pet.
Teaching Respectful Interaction
It is possible that the child may not appreciate the need to respect an animal especially when the animal is sick or simply wants to rest. Whenever these boundaries are crossed, animals may growl, bite or scratch the child. It is important to help your child identify when a pet requires some alone time.
Help Your Child Understand Animal Moods
Not every pet is in a playful mood all the time. Let your child know that if a dog growls, a cat hisses, or an animal tries to move away, it means they need space and may not want interaction. Emphasize that these actions don’t mean the pet doesn’t like the child, but simply that they need a break.
Encourage Asking Permission Before Petting
It is important to teach your child to seek permission from the pet’s owner before petting any animal. This help children to learn about limits and the importance of caring for pets and their owners. It is also crucial to explain why some interactions are not possible and how to accept a “no.”
Why Pets Aren’t Just Toys for Kids!
❗ Pets Are a Lifelong Responsibility ❗
⚠️ Getting a pet is a big responsibility and is usually expected of adults. It is a pet that will require love, care, and attention for many years. Some of the needs that a pet will require include daily walks, routine check ups with the vet, yearly vaccinations, regular parasite control, proper feeding, exercise, and space. Can a child be responsible for all these duties alone?
⚠️ Pets Are Living Beings, Not Toys
It is crucial that the pet has its own set of needs and feelings, and it is vital that they are not treated like toys. It requires a regular schedule and care that may not fit well with the child’s busy schedule or changing interests.