![New Yorkers – Adding A Pet To Your Household? Best & Worst Choices For Kids](http://townsquare.media/site/497/files/2023/12/attachment-RS14836_167580039.jpg?w=980&q=75)
New Yorkers – Adding A Pet To Your Household? Best & Worst Choices For Kids
Happy Holidays! How's your shopping coming along? Or are you like me, and wait until the last minute? I see nothing wrong with that.
![99.1 The Whale logo](https://townsquare.media/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/WAALFM.png?w=100)
Many, many years ago (yes, I'm getting old), for Christmas, I surprised my wife with a puppy. I already knew she would be happy to have a four-legged mutt join our family, so I knew it was a good choice.
Every year for the holiday, many others do the same, with a new dog, cat, or some other type of animal. But, not everyone thinks this decision completely through. It's important to weigh the positives and negatives of bringing a new pet into your home.
The website Baby Center.com recently published an article on the 9 Best and Worst Pets for Kids. I'm sure there will be quite a few homes that will have a new pet added to the family mix over the holiday season.
While bringing in a pet to add to your family dynamics is a wonderful thing, the Baby Center.com article brings up some great points while you consider giving your child/children/significant other/yourself a pet this holiday season, or at any other time of the year for that matter. Here are a few of the things to think about.
While a cat may be self-sufficient (to a point), a dog is not. They need to be let out several times a day. Is there time in your or a family member's schedule to handle that responsibility?
Think Before Adopting A Pet
- How is your home space versus the type and size of the pet you are considering adopting? A small space may not be suitable.
- If you have a child, can they be responsible pet owners?
- Cost. Just like a human, pets require care, and it could be expensive. Unless you purchase pet insurance, (and that insurance may not cover all expenses), keeping a pet healthy can be expensive.
Best And Worst Pets For Kids
Here are a few best pets and pets to avoid for the family as noted in the article. For the complete list of the 9 best and worst pets for kids along with the pros and cons, visit the Baby Center.com website.
Worst Pets For Kids
- Reptiles
- Ferrets
- Birds
- Rabbits
Best Pets For Kids
- Dogs
- Cats
- Rats
- Guinea Pigs
Most Eye-Catching Bugs, Birds & Reptiles Native to Broome County, NY
How to Own a Private Beach Right Here in Binghamton, NY
Gallery Credit: Michael Deroad Exchange, LLC via Zillow
George Washington's Former 'Meeting House' On the Market in New York
Gallery Credit: Ellis Sotheby's International Realty
More From 99.1 The Whale
![If You See These Footprints in Your New York Backyard, Protect Your Pet](http://townsquare.media/site/497/files/2024/02/attachment-caleb-woods-BfeNzyi79W0-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![These Thanksgiving Foods Are Bad For Your Dog](http://townsquare.media/site/497/files/2023/11/attachment-RS16179_614214778-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![CVAC Purple Pets For Prevention Parade Returns In Binghamton](http://townsquare.media/site/497/files/2023/09/attachment-RS36025_GettyImages-933638382-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![The Evening Grosbeak Is Described As A ‘Tipping Point’ Bird Species](http://townsquare.media/site/497/files/2023/05/attachment-jeremy-hynes-pyFq3KczWeg-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Is Your Dog Breaking This Very Specific Binghamton, New York Law?](http://townsquare.media/site/497/files/2023/04/attachment-download3.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Local Kennels Preferred By These Twin Tier Pet Owners](http://townsquare.media/site/497/files/2021/09/attachment-123_15.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
![Meow! The Cats & Kittens Are Everywhere And Waiting For You At Reduced Adoption Prices](http://townsquare.media/site/498/files/2022/10/attachment-Cat-b1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Opinion: Southern Tier Animal Cruelty Case Highlights Continuing Problem](http://townsquare.media/site/497/files/2022/09/attachment-RS16505_577960242-scr-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Broome Office for Aging Program on Robo-Pets](http://townsquare.media/site/499/files/2014/12/Lancelot.jpg?w=980&q=75)