The Best Pets for Families

The list of best pets for families by Good Housekeeping.

If you find yourself longing for a pet on this “National Take Your Dog to Work Day,” and you are about to give in to your family’s begging…just in time, the list of best pets for families by Good Housekeeping.

Dogs of course made the list as they are playful loving and hard to push around. Look into behaviors of breeds to find a good personality. All puppies are cute but remember some dogs were born to guard, others herd, and smaller dogs need more exercise than you think. So, find the breed that fits you and your kids.

Cats are playful animals that require less maintenance than dogs but can still hold their own when interacting with small children. They’re not as energetic, but still require playtime twice a day. They also need space to roam, hide, wander and climb. Consider taking two cats from the same litter so they can play with each other.

If your kids are looking for an animal to bond with and care for, a bird could be the right match. They are not as high-maintenance as dogs or cats, but still have big personalities and activity time. They are intelligent creatures that need stimulation. It’s also important to feed them properly. Birds can also live up to 20 years, which would give your family a lifelong friend.

Reptiles, like turtles, snakes, or lizards, are great starter pets for kids to have. They’re quiet, low maintenance, and nonallergenic. But, it’s key to get as much information on your new animal before buying. You’ll also want to make sure there’s a vet in your area that can take care of your pet in case anything were to happen in the future.