Contact: Cesar Canizales
214-378-1859;
ccanizales@dcccd.edu
For immediate release — Dec. 7, 2016
(DALLAS) — The scene is familiar in many videos that appear on YouTube just after the holidays: A young child opens up his or her Christmas present, and an adorable puppy or kitten comes out, usually looking a little scared of all the commotion. The child hugs the new pet, and tears of joy often are part of the excitement.
No matter how appealing the thought of that gift is to a parent, giving a pet to a young child as a holiday or birthday present is not a good idea, according to Johnny Castro, faculty member and director of the child development program at Brookhaven College.
“Owning a pet is a huge family responsibility and should not just be looked at as a ‘gift,’” said Castro. “As often is the case with any gift, children can sort of ignore it or not play with it when they get bored.”
Castro, who is himself a pet owner, said families should discuss the proper timing of getting a pet, and it shouldn’t be around a birthday or the holidays.
“There really is not a good time to give a child a pet. Instead, the family needs to sit down and have a conversation about the type of pet to get and the responsibilities surrounding it,” Castro said.
“I know how much work is involved, and this will truly end up being more of a chore for the adults,” Castro added. “If the gift is a small animal, then of course it might be easier to also see it as less work, but all of the same rules apply.”
Owning a Pet Is a Responsibility Better Left to Older Children
Some children will beg for a pet for the holidays, but Castro warns that kids see pets as “fun,” not as a responsibility.
“Procuring a pet is a full family decision, meaning everyone is involved, adults and children alike,” Castro stated, adding that such a conversation is more appropriate with children who are age 8 or older.
Castro added that giving a pet to a child on a special occasion is never a good idea, even if parents think that caring for a pet will teach responsibility to a child.
“A pet is a living being, and counting on the ‘pet chores’ as a method to teach responsibility is not advised,” said Castro. “Teaching children responsibility can be done in many other ways. A pet does help, but it should not be the starting point.”
Castro said that once a family gets a pet, parents can set rules and expectations for their children. For example, he said, the parent and child can take turns walking the dog on alternating days.
Don’t Jump Into Pet Ownership
Castro advised families who are considering getting a pet to first visit family and friends who have pets to ensure that the pet-child interaction works.
In addition, parents should consider their living situation before adopting or buying a pet.
“Location, location, location is prime!” Castro said. “They should think about their living situation as paramount. Wanting a pet may not translate into being able to have one in a crowded home.”
Castro suggested that parents should consider starting a “pet fund” with their children. Every time their son or daughter completes a chore, the parents add a little money to the fund.
“That will buy the parents some time to ensure their child is actually serious about getting a pet,” Castro said.
For more information or to contact Castro, send an email to
JCastro@dcccd.edu.
# # #