Stream Valley Veterinary Hospital 2009 / Starter Pets

Starter Pets

by Shannon M. Pecora, M.A.

Stream Valley Veterinary Hospital

It’s a familiar question this season: “Mom and Dad, since I’ve been so good this year, can we get a kitten or puppy for the holidays?” Of course, this would be an enormous commitment, so many parents are happy to say no and let the pleading subside until next year. However, some parents find that their kids are ready for the responsibility of a pet, but maybe not for the kind that needs walks or sheds all over the house.

Kids (and grown-ups) should certainly develop stronger senses of maturity, accountability, and compassion when they are charged with the care of a companion animal. Sometimes, though, our houses are too small, our kids are too young, or our schedules are too busy to accommodate the needs of a puppy or kitten. A “pocket pet” may be the answer.

Guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, mice, and rats all fall under the category of “pocket pets.” These guys spend much of their time confined to a cage or similar habitat, and most often could literally fit in your pocket. While they need food, water—even the occasional vet visit—much like dogs and cats, most of their “mess” is restricted to one small area. This means cleaning one cage instead of poop-scooping a litter box or an entire backyard and vacuuming the whole house. In fact, as you should only use mild soaps or vinegar and water mixtures for cleaning food bowls, water bottles, and cage parts, kids can help in these care and maintenance tasks and learn that responsibility.

If you decide that a pocket pet is right for your family, you can also take your kids to the pet store and local library to help research the life spans and food and habitat needs of the pet you choose. For example, help your children discover what size or type of cage and bedding are appropriate. What kind of base diet and supplements will my new pet need? When and how do we offer out-of-cage exercise? How often do we clean the habitat, and how do I keep myself clean and safe in doing so?

To give you a head start, most pocket pets will live a maximum of three to six years. They’ll need a cage big enough to truly run around in, and they need cage substrate that is non-toxic and not too dusty, along with bedding that is soft enough to sleep in. Pellet diets can be supplemented with appropriate treats, hays, water additives, or fresh fruits and vegetables, depending on the species of the pet. Smaller pets can have free reign of smooth, even surfaces in a plastic “run-around” ball, while pets like guinea pigs may enjoy time spent out of the cage in a wire play pen. Habitats generally need at least weekly cleanings and substrate changes, and it is best to wear rubber gloves in the process. Always wash your hands thoroughly afterwards!

Minor research can get you to more specifics, and it’s easy to find all the products (cages, food, treats, toys…) you’ll need at most local pet stores. The first step to adding a family pet is a big one, but it doesn’t have to be Labrador Retriever-sized. Check out your options and see if a pocket pet is the right “starter” pet for you!