5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Pet for Your Child Under 5

Thinking about getting a puppy or kitten for your preschooler? It might look adorable on social media, but in real life it’s often a recipe for stress, safety risks, and heartbreak.

Well-meaning parents often believe getting a pet will teach their child responsibility or help them “grow up together and bond better,” but in rescue we’ve seen those myths lead to injured pets, injured kids, heartbreaking surrenders, and even euthanasia. 

The truth is, kids under 5 face the highest dog-bite risk, pets are easily hurt by rough handling, and family pet safety is at stake when the timing isn’t right. That’s why many rescues, including mine, don’t adopt out to families with very young children. Today I’m sharing the five big reasons why waiting is the better choice and why the "best age to get a pet for kids" is a bigger decision than most parents think.

This episode dives into real pet parenting challenges, and gives you expert pet advice you won’t find in social media myths. From managing pet behavior with young kids, to the long-term pet parenting struggles families face when timing is off, I’ll help you see the bigger picture. You’ll also hear pet advice on safer, positive ways to nurture your child’s love of animals until the time is right.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
• Why kids under 5 simply can’t manage the responsibility of pet care, no matter how “responsible” they seem
• How young children unintentionally put themselves and pets at risk, and what every parent should know about dog bite risk
• The developmental mismatch that makes “growing up together” with a puppy or kitten a dangerous myth
• How one negative early experience can shape a child or pet for life
• Safer, positive ways to nurture your child’s love of animals until the time is right—and how to decide the best age to get a pet for kids

If you’ve ever thought about getting a pet for your young child, or know someone who is, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss. It’s all about real pet parenting solutions—the kind of expert pet advice that keeps families and pets safe.

Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.

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Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats.

From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again.

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©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro