Combine that with a seemingly inborn instinct for nurturing, and it's only natural that eventually most kids want to have a pet of their own. There are a lot of factors to consider. Before you ask whether your child is ready, you should start by asking yourself whether you are ready for a pet. Even if your child is old enough to care for the pet himself, the pet will undoubtedly make changes in your life. It may wake you up in the morning, go to the bathroom on your carpets, chew your furniture, or bark at every noise outside.
Pets can teach kids responsibility and empathy, and provide love and companionship.
I've had pets all my life and have found the relationships very rewarding. But I am suggesting that, before making the decision to get a pet, you need to think about what it really means to adopt a pet into your household. Our newest cat is, quite frankly, a pest. He wakes us up early in the morning, knocks things off of even the highest shelf, and tears up anything with feathers including preschool artwork. But we love him dearly and he is a part of the family.