What age would you expect a child to keep a pet alive?

Question

Specifically a rabbit that lives in a hutch outside. 
My parents gave me a rabbit at around 7 years old and aside from buying the initial supplies it was my sole responsibility, they never checked on the animals or taught me how to take care of them. I never had animal responsibilities before that. I don’t think that was a good idea and I’m traumatized by what happened to them.. sparing the details. I’ve always felt

Answer

I don’t think children should ever be left to keep a family pet alive on their own. It’s always a parent’s responsibility for that pets life and they should be monitoring the situation. It’s fine to give the kid a task, but even then, there should be someone reminding and confirming it’s done. Depending on their capabilities the task could be anything from making sure the water/food is filled everyday, which a 5 year old can do, to fully cleaning a cage/enclosure/tank/litter box. 7 is wild though. Ultimately that’s a life, a 7 year old shouldn’t be left alone to care for their own needs, let alone another creatures.

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I honestly wouldn’t get a child their own pet until they were probably 15+ and showed they could handle the responsibility. It’s just irresponsible to get children their own pet and expect them to know how to care for it. Most kids will lose interest at some point and it’s just not what’s best for the pet. I got my first dog, like my own dog, at 16 and that’s when I learned to have full responsibility and take care of my dog on my own.

Answer

That was crazy of your parents, whatever happened to the rabbits was NOT YOUR FAULT! An animal is always ultimately the parents'  responsibility, even if the child was 14 or something, you shouldn't allow your child to have an animal unless you would be prepared to take over the duties if they failed to keep up with them. The animals would likely live past the age of the kid going off to College, or getting their first job or whatever and it's not fair to the child if they wouldn't be able to leave the animal with you when they did so, and not fair on the animal if it would need to be rehomed for no good reason. Even a teenager isnt grown up enough to plan into the future and commit to looking after the animal for life (or some VERY good reason to need to rehome). Sure they can task you with looking after it to a level appropriate for your age, but ultimately parents are responsible for the dependents (kids and.l animals) residing in the household.

Answer

Isnt it more of a case of teaching and showing and sharing the life wellbeing and welfare of a pet with a child ..showing them how to care gor another being whether its a hamster or a horse..as parents we teach our childrenand lead by example surely

Answer

Depends on the kid. I was in charge of pets (dog, gerbil) at 10. I was a very responsible kid with a special interest in animals. Other kids might be more ready around 12-13. But we’ve had our daughter learning pet care from age 4 (we’re still the primary caretakers through).

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Would not recommend a rabbit as a first pet for a child. I have rabbits and love them dearly but the responsibility should always be with the adult. Rabbits are very complex animals that require specialized care. They are great pets but should never be the responsibility of the kid!

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I got my child 2 cats when he was 7. I bought all the supplies, taught him how to care for them, & initially reminded him to feed, water, & clean the box twice a day, checking after him. He’s now 11 & it’s his sole responsibility. He does it without needing to be told 99% of the time. We’re working on him still getting good at telling me they’re low on food or litter before they completely run out, but I always check myself anyways when I make my grocery lists. I feel it depends on the child & it isn’t fair to get an animal without teaching them out to care for it & being the adult & checking behind them.

Answer

I think it will vary a ton on the kid. My 3 yr old has a pet goat and takes care of it besides hoof trims and buying food. My 6 yr old has a cat and a horse. We live on a homestead though and they have been taking care of animals daily with me since they were 2 and for my 3 yr old born. I literally had my 3 yr old in the carrier feeding the guinea pigs and goats.at 48 hrs old. But its the same thing as cooking or walking to the park solo it whatever. It depends on the kid. And honestly even when it is "their" animal you are still the adult and are in the end responsible for them. I mean most adults in relationships share pet responsibilities in most cases. So yes a young kid may be able to but they are a child...you still need to over see it because they are a kid and forget things. Hell adults forget. But it depends on the kid. I had my 1st horse that was mine at 4...my brother didn't get a pet until he was like  17 because he is flaky and easily distracted. Same house and same parents just different kids. Nobody can rrally say except you but as.a parent.you 100% have thr end responsibilities regardless

Answer

Let your little one help you care for the pet. My son helps his grandma feed the dog and let him out into the yard to piddle. He plays with the dog a lot, which is exercise for both.  Start with chores involving helping the family pet.

Answer

I would say 8 years old. However, I would be checking on said animal daily and making sure my child took care of it responsibly. I currently have my 4 year old helping out with our dogs. Very minimal responsibilities, he only opens up the door to our back yard to let them in and out. He does have a dog as well. That he occasionally gives water to 😂😂 on top of letting her out to use the restroom, he is so smart it’s hilarious watching him find solutions to accomplishing his tasks. Mind you the dog was supposed to be my fiancé’s but she chose our son instead. We did not argue with her 😂😂😂😅.

What age would you expect a child to keep a pet alive?

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