Why Kids should own a pet?
Most parents would agree, bringing up our kids to be kind, considerate and responsible humans are top of the parenting shopping list.
So what can we do to teach them these key life values ?
One excellent method is for them to have their very own pet. Not only a commitment of time, effort and love, but a
Research has shown that owning a pet can help with a child’s development in many ways. Some of the benefits include:
1. Learn to respect living creatures.
Owning a pet is a unique experience. Caring for an animal quickly teaches children how
Guinea Pigs
2. Learn responsibility.
Pets depend on their owners for food and shelter. Having to feed, clean and play with a pet gives your child a sense of responsibility. Kids do lose interest quickly, but will soon learn that they cannot do this with animals.
Owning a pet is a commitment and kids will have to accept that the daily feeding, grooming, and cleaning regime that comes with owning a G
3. Develop practical skills.
Making sure the Guinea Pig is safe when out of their cage, arranging their homes or changing bedding all involve practical and problem-solving skills.
Where does your child put their Guinea Pig when changing their bedding? Is it safe, can they escape? Does it give them a chance to explore and get exercise.
These are examples of questions your child needs to answer and then apply when caring for their pet guinea pig. Adding new bedding and disposing of the old whilst not making a mess around the house or yard.
Children as young as 3 can fill food and water bowls. Caring for the Guinea Pig day to day will help your child develop practical and
4. Learn about animal behaviours.
Owning and caring for a Guinea Pig gives your child an insight into the world of small animals, or little furry pets as we like to call them.
By spending time with their pets, your child will be able to notice small differences in moods, likes, dislikes etc. What makes your guinea pig make happy noises? Plenty of cuddles we expect!! How about when they are tired and want to be left alone to relax?
Do they like their home in a certain way?
Watching animals in a relaxed and familiar environment is fascinating, and your child will learn lots about animals and their behaviours and learn to appreciate them.
5. Provide stress relief and help with calming.
There have been plenty of
Not that children should be stressed. But, owning a guinea pig or any pet can produce a
A study back in 2001 (Details here – warning, it’s pretty scientific) demonstrates that owning a pet can reduce blood pressure and physical and mental stressors.
6. Fun! (no computer screen).
In this digital age, its often said that kids spend far to much time on their phones, tablets and consoles. Whilst we encourage everyone to spend time on our website 🙂 there is a lot to be said for time away from the screen.
Guinea Pigs are many things; Cute, funny, entertaining, but video gamers they are not
Whilst your child is attending to and playing with, their little furry pet, they are not glued to the phone and are more physically active.
7. Love and affection.

There is no
Pets are
Guinea Pigs
8. Develop a passion/hobby and encourage learning.
Owning a pet Guinea pig is an excellent way to encourage learning and interest. What is the best playpen for a guinea pig? Luckily for you, you have found
When your child has a pet that they care for, they’ll want to learn more. Reading about guinea pigs, speaking to other owners at school, or at the local pet store, is a great way to encourage
9. Personality.
As you can read in our guide to guinea pig noises, these pets are full of personality. They make all kinds of noises, happy and sad, and are known to popcorn when they jump in the air with delight.
All this adds to the Guinea Pigs endearing
10. Relatively easy to care for.
Guinea pigs make excellent pets for kids. Practically, they are smaller than say a dog or
Go for an easy breed such as an American or Abysinnian and the grooming needs are less than say a Peruvian
They are pretty hardy and love to be handled, making them perfect for younger children.
And, with the right amount of love and care, you can expect your guinea pig to live to an age of 5-7 years, which in terms of smaller pets with very good.