Children with New Pets

Having a new pet in the house is very exciting for everyone, however both the animal and the family need some adjustment time. This may include introducing the new pet to existing pets, introducing the new pet to each family member, learning your new pet’s routine, showing your new pet his or her "safe area", teaching your new pet the ways of the house ( i.e. rules) and teaching children how to behave around animals. Children are naturally curious about animals and need to know the proper way to interact, play with and care for the new pet. Please take time to go over these guidelines with your children in order to ensure a harmonious relationship between your new pet and your children.

Never leave any animal alone with a child under 10 years of age. A young child may try to hug the animal, try to take something away from the pet, try to pick the animal up and dogs may try to steal food from small unsuspecting hands.

Teach your children the following warning signs that an animal is upset or uncomfortable
Dogs: growling, tail tucked, ears back, cowering, lowered head, standing over a toy or bone.
Cats: hissing, growling, ears back, trying to run away, tail flickering
(Have your children mimic these sounds and behaviors so they are aware of what they are in case the dog or cat displays them)

Dogs and some cats like to protect things. Some of these things include bones, food, toys, their owners, their yard, their car, their babies, and themselves. Injured animals and sleeping animals should always be left alone. Remind children that they don’t like to be bothered when they are sleeping and they are not always themselves, when they are not feeling well.

Cats are natural hunters and are nocturnal so make your children aware that "fluffy" may try to pounce on their feet or legs. Cats, if they are stimulated by too much attention or stroking will give love bites. A cat will usually try to grab the hand that is petting them before a love bite occurs. Teach your children this warning sign and tell them to immediately stop rubbing the pet.

Your new pet should have a quiet space or retreat –a crate or kennel, bathroom, or bedroom, for the pet to go to if tired or needs a break from exuberant children. Teach children that when the pet is in his private space to leave the pet alone.

Excited children can often agitate or cause stress on a new pet. Quick movements, loud noises, screaming, yelling, running and overzealous hugs can cause a new pet to scratch or bite.

Smaller dogs tend to bite more than larger dogs. Dogs do have a social order and may try to dominate a small child.

Teach your children not to play rough with their pet as the pet may get hurt or become too rambunctious or aggressive for a small child. Teach them never to bother an animal while they are eating or chewing on something and to never try take something away from an animal. (i.e bones or toys)

Never look a dog directly in the eye, they may see this as challenge and try to attack or bite.

Make sure children do not try to pick up animal without supervision. Animals are not toys and can fall and get hurt, or may not like being picked up at all.

When your pet is outside, make sure he is safe from neighborhood children who make stick their hands through the fence, yell at, tease, or throw things at your pet. Teach your own children not to do this as well. For your animal’s, safety never leave them outside unsupervised.

The proper way for a child to be introduced to a new pet is to sit on the floor and allow the pet to come to the child. The child should talk quietly and not make sudden moves to touch the animal. The animal needs time to smell the child and to gather information and then petting can begin. Teach children to always ask before petting an animal that is not theirs.

Teach children to leave injured, stray and wild animals alone.

For information on children and your new pet, contact your local Humane Society and speak to their Humane Educator.