For many children wanting a pet is one thing, convincing their parents to letting them have one is another. This article is written for those kids who want a pet and are trying desperately to convince mom or dad into allowing them to have one.

Considerations:

• Are you allowed pets legally where you live? If your parents rent you may not be allowed pets. If you live in a city you may not be allowed some types of pets, and finally some animals are not legal in some states, provinces or countries.
• What is the pet's lifespan? If the pet is going to live longer than the remaining time left before you go to college or move out, who will care for it? If mom and dad are not willing to keep it, you must note that very few places allow pets, what will become of it?
• What is the cost of the pet? Start-up costs include the price of the pet, cage, or supplies required, and any licensing and early medical care (vaccination etc.). Ongoing expenses include food, treats, and in the case of some dog breeds; regular grooming.
• Who will pay for food and veterinary care? It is easy to say you will, even if you have a job, but what if the situation changes or the pet needs a serious medical treatment?
• What is the time commitment for the pet? Some animals require several hours of time out of a cage. Some breeds of dogs are far more demanding than others. Time spent cleaning up after them must be considered.
• Will mom or dad be willing to care for the pet? Sometimes you may be feeling sick, may want to sleep over at a friends house (or go to camp), or may simply tire of the pet. It is unfair for your parents to be left with a pet they do not wish to care for, but even more importantly, if your parents are unwilling to care for the pet, it is unfair to the pet.
• Why do you want a pet? Some kids want pets for the wrong reasons. Being young of course it is easy to understand that some kids want a cool pet, one that will get them attention, however, this is the wrong reason to get a pet. A pet should be gained only for the betterment of its lifestyle. Because you want to breed it is not a good reason either. With most pets there are a surplus, and millions are euthanized as unwanted animals already.
• Other family members? If there are any allergies, owning certain pets may not be possible. If there are younger kids some pets may be out of the question.

photo by Author

Talking to your Parents

• It is generally best to do some research first to find out if you really want a certain pet. Write down the pros and cons. Compare. Some pets are nocturnal and will keep you awake at night, others are prone to biting, some like to be held, some do not. Do not just pick a pet because it is cute.
• Let your parents know what kind of pet you would like and why. Have a second or third choice. Tell them that you are doing research on pets. Ask them if they had any pets as children. What they say will give you clues to what they might allow, and what they will not. Most parents are more open to the usual kinds of pets, the ones they are more familiar with themselves.
• Ask your parents if they would consider getting a family pet. It is important to note that all pets should be family pets, especially cats and dogs. Smaller pets such as hermit crabs or hamsters may be ones assigned more to a child's ownership and care, but a cat or dog should belong to the parents as most will live longer than the child will be living at home, and it is unfair to get rid of a pet because the child is no longer able to care for it due to moving out.
• Do not beg. This only makes parents angry and they will become resentful of hearing the question of getting a pet over and over. This anger may then be directed on any pet you may get in the future. Ask once or twice, then leave it alone for a while. It is okay to ask “why not” as long as you listen to their answer and try to understand it.
• If they do agree, thank them immediately. Ideally get the pet from a good breeder, or check local animal shelters as they generally have excellent selection, lower prices, honest staff, and sometimes the pets even come with some supplies.
• Uphold any promises to care for the pet.
• If they do not agree, do not sneak a pet into the home, this is unfair to any animal and may put its life at risk unfairly.  It will also almost guarantee that your parents will not agree to a pet in the future. 

photo by author

My Pets

I was lucky, I grew up in a pet friendly home with one cat, fish and caged pets. I always wanted a horse. My parents never did buy me one, but eventually I moved out and got my own. If you are not in a situation where your parents are pet lovers, that does not mean you will never get a pet. Save up your money now so you can afford a home of your own with a yard, and can get what ever pet you want.

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