Delegate pet duties to children gradually

By Dr. Beth Leermakers

The bond between children and pets is magical, and caring for a pet strengthens that bond. In addition to teaching children responsibility and empathy, taking care of a cat or dog may provide physical and mental health benefits. Some studies have found that infants and toddlers who grow up with dogs or cats are less likely to suffer from allergies (dogs and cats), asthma (dogs) or upper respiratory problems (cats). Having a dog or cat in the home provides social interaction, stress relief and exercise. Cat owners have lower blood pressure, heart rate and risk of cardiovascular disease (heart attack and stroke).  

Parents need to keep the children and animals safe, and that means teaching kids how to behave properly around cats and dogs and assigning age-appropriate tasks. 

Teach Kids How to Interact with Animals 

Children of all ages must be taught (or reminded) how to behave respectfully around animals. I once took a foster dog to meet a family with two young boys who ran around the yard, yelling and waving sticks dangerously close to the dog. My anxiety level soared, and Ollie and I couldn’t wait to escape to the peace and quiet of home. 

Show children how and where to pet a dog or cat and instruct them not to pull ears or tails or sit on the dog. Even the most tolerant animal may eventually snap when treated roughly. Unfortunately, the pet — not the child or inattentive parents — is usually blamed for a bite or scratch, endangering the animal’s life if she’s surrendered to a full animal shelter that euthanizes owner surrenders first when space is needed.

Children less than 10 years old should not hold the leash while walking a dog (even a small one), unless the parent is holding a second leash. A 5-year-old child walking a dog by herself won’t be able to stop the dog when he takes off in hot pursuit of a squirrel or another dog and dashes across the street. 

Children 10-12 years old may be able to walk a dog with parental supervision. Letting a pre-teen walk a dog by him/herself is probably unwise. A pre-teen in my neighborhood walks a bulldog (by himself) that he can’t control. One day the dog pulled away from his young handler and got into a scuffle with another neighbor’s dog. Although his dog wasn’t injured, that man was understandably angry. Please leave independent dog walking to people who are strong and experienced enough to safely handle the dog.  

What pet chores can kids handle? Follow these guidelines, keeping in mind that your child may not be able to safely perform certain tasks:

Toddlers (Ages 2-4)

Always supervise toddlers when they interact with dogs and cats but encourage them to help care for them. Toddlers can help with: 

Feeding: With assistance, toddlers can pour food into bowls. 

Parents or older siblings will need to measure out portions, handle clean-up and give the food to the pet (particularly if your eager dog pounces on her food). Children of almost any age can stuff treat toys and puzzles.

Walking: Toddlers can accompany parents or older siblings when they walk the dog (but not hold the leash by themselves). 

Elementary School 

(Ages 5-10) 

Older children can take on more responsibility (with supervision), but they must be taught how to perform these tasks correctly:

Watering: Fill the water bowls every day. Parents must check to be sure the bowls are never empty. 

Playtime: Show kids how to throw a ball, dangle a cat toy or play with a feather wand. If you have a ball-crazy dog, instruct your child never to take the ball out of the dog’s mouth, but to wait until the pup drops the ball. 

Grooming: Provide guidance and supervise while your child brushes your dog or cat.

Waste management: Children 7 years and older can start cleaning the litter box or scooping dog poop (with supervision). Turn it into a game by rewarding the child for finding dog poop (like an Easter egg hunt). 

Pre-Teens 

(Ages 10-12)

Pre-teens who have been caring for pets consistently during the past few years may be ready to take on more responsibility for their four-legged friends.

Walks: Supervised walking of dogs or playing with cats in designated areas. Pre-teens should only control the leash if they have practiced in a fenced area first.  

Bathing: Help wash the dog, with parental oversight.

Feeding: Measure out food portions and follow routine feeding schedules.

Teenagers 

(13 years and older)

Many teenagers can handle most pet chores independently. Put your teen in charge of feeding, watering, grooming, cleaning up after, playing with and walking your pet. Posting a pet-care chore chart — and having your teen check off each task when it’s completed — is a good way for parents to be sure everything is getting done without micro-managing. 

By proceeding with caution when delegating pet care responsibilities, you’ll keep children and pets safe while lightening your load. 

Win win!