Advantages & Benefits

girl with dog

If you’re still on the fence about getting a pet for your child, you should know that there are many benefits of owning a pet for children. Of course, there are responsibilities and other aspects of pet ownership that need to be considered. Owning a pet is a big decision. But there are definitely more pros than cons. Here are some of the many benefits you and your child can gain from owning a pet.

A Play Companion

Children need a lot of playtime for healthy development. Even if your children have siblings, there will be times when there is no one to play with. If you have a pet, your child has an automatic play companion that is available 24/7. And as you know, many pets, such as dogs, have seemingly boundless energy, much like children!

A Sense of Responsibility

Owning and taking care of a pet is a big responsibility, as your veterinarian can tell you. Very young children can’t fulfill a pet’s entire needs, but they can be responsible for small tasks, like making sure the water bowl is always full. Older children can take on more responsibility, like feeding, grooming, and ensuring the pet has adequate shade when it’s outside. These pet owner duties help to teach your child how to be a responsible adult.

A Path to Confidence

As your child fulfills their pet responsibilities, they will grow more confident in their own abilities to follow through on tasks like walking the dog or checking the cat for ticks. Owning a pet will also give the child confidence that they can successfully take care of another living being, which will help them when it comes time to raise children of their own someday.

A Confidant

If your child has trouble expressing themselves or has trouble making friends, then pet ownership is even more beneficial. A pet makes a great confidant; someone that the child can tell secrets or fears to without fear of judgment or repercussion. Often, children refer to their pet as their best friend for that very reason.

A Way to Make Friends

If your child does tend to shy away from friendships, having a pet can open up that door, too. Pets provide a great way to connect with others while out walking or playing with the pet.

When you’re ready to introduce a pet into your family, talk to your vet for recommendations on what kind of pet to get and where to get it from.

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Testimonials

How Pet Parents Feel About Gooding Vet

  • "Educated and caring staff!"
    J.P.
  • "Very compassionate."
    K.G.
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  • "Absolutely the best. Don't intend to take my dogs anywhere else from now on. Dr.'s office for people should take a page from this clinic."
    M.S.
  • "Always very helpful and knowledgeable and my furbabies seem to like it as well."
  • "If you are looking for an amazing vet for your fur babies, look no further. Dr. Parish and her entire staff treated all of my dogs like their own, giving them such good treatment our dogs love to go visit just to say hi to the staff."
    J.L.
  • "Best place to go. We had our first visit today and I couldn't ask for better! Everyone in there was amazing. Beyond blessed. Thank you guys for what you do."
    J.K.
  • "Thank you for helping my pup overcome her vet-anxiety without medication. Takes time, persistence and patience."
    C.S.
  • "New vets are caring, gentle and very nice."
    L.F.
  • "Great local vet. Can't say enough about Dr. Amber and her crew. Caring, warm, thoughtful, compassionate and all for reasonable costs."
    C.S.
  • "They are the best for our pets. You come in and you know they love animals. Every thing that they were doing was explained to us. I love the vet and the vet tech!!"
    T.H.
  • "Great Vet ❤️ Great Vet Tech Care!"
    B.C.
  • "Dr. Parish is so kind and amazing with my dogs ... so glad to have her as a part of our community."
    S.F.
  • "Great service so far. Treat my puppy with great care. Doesn't know he's getting any shots."
    L.J.
  • "Very professional & friendly. Helped me through a very emotional time."
    R.H.
  • "Dr. Amber Parish is experienced, knowledgeable, and highly professional. She is easy to talk to and explains things very well. I trust her opinions and judgment when it comes to my pets."
    C.J.