The right pet is the individual animal whose needs, temperament and care fit your household—not simply a particular species or breed. Before adopting, consider your children’s ages and behavior, the adults’ time and ability to provide daily care, your home and any resident animals. An adult must remain responsible for the animal, and young children need close supervision around pets.
Is your household ready to adopt?
Start with the adults’ capacity, not a child’s promise to take care of a pet. As the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) puts it, “When you acquire a pet you accept responsibility for the health and welfare of another living thing.” Children can help with age-appropriate tasks, but an adult must be willing and available to oversee daily care, make decisions and arrange veterinary treatment. The ASPCA’s responsible-guardian policy says children under 18 should not adopt or purchase an animal on their own, except emancipated minors; an adult should take primary responsibility.
Assess the household honestly before choosing an animal:
- How much time can an adult reliably provide for feeding, cleaning, exercise, training, companionship and veterinary care?
- Can the home and schedule accommodate the animal’s needs, including when the family is away?
- Will the animal fit with the children, resident pets and any household allergies or health concerns?
- Can the adults cover routine and unexpected care for the animal’s expected lifespan?
There is no universally best species or child age for adoption. The fit depends on the particular animal and family. AVMA suggests families consider waiting until children are older than four before adopting a new dog; this is a consideration, not a safety guarantee or a universal cutoff. Local ownership, licensing and leash rules vary, so check the requirements where you live.
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How to choose an animal that fits your family
Meet and evaluate the individual animal where possible. Ask about temperament and known behavior around children, handling, other animals and time alone. Consider size and strength relative to the children, activity level, exercise and social needs, grooming and veterinary care, and how much time adults can provide. A breed label or species alone cannot establish that an animal is safe or suitable.
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ HealthyChildren guidance cautions that a large, strong dog may not be a good fit for a home with young children. It also advises against choosing an animal with known behavioral problems or a history of aggression or bites. If the animal’s history is incomplete, treat that as uncertainty—not proof of a problem or assurance that there is none—and ask the adoption provider and veterinarian what further assessment or precautions make sense.
Questions for a shelter, rescue or adoption provider
- What is known about the animal’s behavior with children, gentle handling, other animals and being left alone?
- Are there medical, vaccination or behavioral records, and can we review them?
- What exercise, training, grooming, diet and veterinary care should we plan for?
- Who can we contact if questions or difficulties arise after adoption?
For a dog, AVMA recommends choosing a provider who can be reached if problems arise and who can provide current health records. Ask the veterinarian about records or health information the provider cannot supply. No provider can guarantee how an animal will behave in every new situation.
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Adopting a dog when you have children
Dogs need daily exercise and social contact, and the amount and type vary by individual. Puppies typically require more adult time for housetraining, socialization, feeding, exercise and supervision than an adult dog. Before adopting, research the particular dog’s care and veterinary needs and consider how they fit the family schedule, home and children’s ability to interact gently.
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Prepare a suitable eating and sleeping area, collar, leash, ID tag, food and water bowls, and a pet-proofed home before the dog arrives. Plan who will handle daily walks, feeding, training and cleanup; children can help, but adults remain accountable. Arrange a veterinary visit within a few days to a week after adoption, as CDC advises for a new dog.
Adopting a cat when you have children
Choose a cat whose personality and activity level suit the family, resident animals and time available. Learn its food and environment needs before adoption. Set up a litter box and scoop, and plan for an adult to clean the box daily. CDC recommends a veterinary visit within a few days to a week after adopting a cat or kitten.
Pregnant household members should avoid changing cat litter if possible. If young children or immunocompromised people live in the home, ask a veterinarian about household-specific precautions; CDC notes particular caution in some circumstances, including certain international adoptions.
Considering another kind of animal
Small size does not automatically mean simple care. Before adopting any animal, find out its expected lifespan, adult size, diet, housing, exercise and veterinary needs, and who will provide care each day. Different pets require different kinds and amounts of time. Discuss the specific animal with a veterinarian or knowledgeable adoption provider before deciding.
Do not touch or adopt wildlife. If you find a wild animal that appears to need help, contact a wildlife rehabilitation facility. Children younger than five need adult supervision around farm animals and at animal exhibits.
Keep children and animals safer together
CDC says, “Always supervise young children around dogs, even trusted family pets.” CDC advises supervising children younger than five while they interact with animals; the AAP likewise calls for close supervision of young children around pets. Supervision means an attentive adult is close enough to intervene—not relying on a child or pet to manage the interaction alone.
- Teach children to use gentle hands. No pulling tails or ears, chasing, climbing on or rough play.
- Give an animal space while it is eating or sleeping; children should not approach or disturb it then.
- Keep children’s faces away from animals’ faces, and manage introductions calmly.
- Separate the child and animal if either seems uncomfortable, overwhelmed or difficult to supervise.
- Keep children away from dog and cat feces. Cover sandboxes when they are not in use to discourage cats from using them as litter boxes.
These practices reduce avoidable risks but cannot make every interaction risk-free. Ask a veterinarian or pediatric clinician about concerns related to a particular child or animal.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Plan for hygiene and household health
Animals that look healthy can carry germs. Everyone should wash their hands after touching or playing with an animal, handling its food or supplies, or cleaning up waste. Help young children wash thoroughly and supervise them around litter, waste and feeding areas.
Children younger than five and people with weakened immune systems are among those CDC identifies as being at increased risk of illness from animals. Pregnant people face increased risk for certain diseases from cats and rodents. These are reasons to plan precautions, not blanket reasons to avoid pets. Ask a veterinarian about risks and prevention suited to your household, and consult a clinician about personal medical concerns.
After adoption: settle in and follow up
- Give the animal a prepared space. Set up its eating, sleeping and, where relevant, litter area before arrival. Keep the initial routine manageable and supervise children’s interactions.
- Arrange a veterinary check. CDC recommends having a newly adopted dog, cat or kitten seen within a few days to a week. Bring available health and vaccination records, and tell the veterinarian if the animal came from a shelter or an international adoption.
- Assign adult oversight. Decide which adult checks that feeding, cleaning, exercise, training and follow-up care are actually happening. Children may take part, but the adult remains responsible.
- Revisit the fit if problems emerge. Contact the adoption provider and veterinarian if the animal’s needs, behavior or adjustment are not going as expected. Seek advice rather than asking children to manage a difficult or unsafe situation.
Guidance and local rules can change. For current health advice, consult CDC and your veterinarian; for local requirements, check with your relevant local authority.
Quick Recap
Sources and further guidance
- CDC: Dogs
- CDC: Cats
- CDC: Healthy Pets, Healthy People
- AVMA: Selecting a pet dog
- AVMA: Dog bite prevention
- HealthyChildren: How old should my children be before we adopt a pet?
- HealthyChildren: Before choosing a pet
- ASPCA: Definition of a responsible guardian
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