What is your opinion on letting kids have pets?

I think kids having pets teach them about responsibility, which is great as long as the parents don't end up with the resposibility of taking care of the pet. Which happens all to often when the child gets tired of the pet. But also I thinks it's important for the child to know that a dog is around for a long time and to make sure they are ready for that kind of responsibility.

I think that most people who buy pets for their kids and say that the kids have to take care of them that the parents usually end up doing most of the work. so be prepared that if to do the work if you buy your child a pet.

In our city,if you have a dog,you shall buy a certificate for the dog.That will cost $1500.It is expensive.So i do not want a dog.Another reason is i am afraid dogs.It seems each dog will bite me.

i think it is important for children to have an aged appropriate pet.they will learn responsibility by,feeding the pet and cleaning their or litter box.i think it is ,it teaches them how to care for something through food water,brushing and etc..it teaches them about loving,and also letting go when they die which is hard for a child and hard on you as well..but,it is good for them to learn those rather the later in life.

Did your child express interest in and form bonds with the turtle and the hamster at least? Or did you go ahead and get him a dog because he was sick of these other pets? (Not that I'm trying to offend your actions as a parent, I have no children, but I know how love can affect our judgement.) I AM a turtle owner and I know that a turtle is a huge responsibility. Did your son help you clean the tank and feed the turtle? Because if he didn't take responsibility for the other animals, what would make you think he would care for the dog? OK, that sounded wrong, sure he might have loved the dog, but did you think he would care for her? I am glad you love the dog, but I guess it boils down to this, my take on kids and pets is that the goldfish and hamsters pave the way (not necessarily a turtle, since they SHOULD be a high maintenence pet for a competent teen or adult). If he didn't show responsibilty for the other pets, IMO, he shouldn't deserve a dog. Hope that your new dog settles in okay, maybe your kid will come around.

I feel if you are willing to teach your child responsibility and are prepared to be the co-carer of the pet, then by all means go for it.

its good to allow ur kids have pets. they love pets and become conscious about their duties. they become self dependent in handling pets and feel happy.