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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Office Hours

Monday:

9:00 AM-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 AM-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Thursday:

9:00 AM-7:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Feedback from our clients

  • "Thanks for everything you did for Ready !
    Obviously he loved you all !"
    Bart V.
  • "I will continue to bring my furkids to Buck Road. They are absolutely wonderful with my dog and have been a great resource for my cat who suffers from allergies and kidney problems. They really care about their patients and their humans, and listen to me when I have concerns. They are never, ever overcrowded. Usually there is maybe one other dog in the waiting room. That is a relief and keeps everyone's stress levels down! The facility is clean and staff is always friendly and willing to walk you through, step by step, the treatment plan ahead. I never leave feeling confused. I love this place - and we keep coming back despite moving pretty far away!"
    Courtny S.
  • "Awesome staff ~ great veterinary care ~ Dutch is lucky to have such wonderful professionals looking after him!"
    Beverly B.
  • "A top notch practice. Highly recommend."
    Jason D.
  • "I've been bringing my pets to Buck Road Animal Hospital almost from the time they started and I have never had anything but positive experiences there. The staff feel like friends to me and they always make you feel like they're happy to see you and your pets. The vets take their time with you and your pets and they go out of their way to give you any information you might need about a pet's condition or treatment. I have A LOT of pets and some of my dogs have aggression issues but you'd never know it to see them there. They understand how to make any animal feel at ease and even my most difficult dog is welcomed there. I'd never go anywhere else. Best veterinary practice anywhere."
    Mary K.
  • "I have been a client of Buck Road Animal Hospital for 30 years..and they are the all the greatest caring friendly kind people..I would not go anywhere else..They go out of there way to accommodate you..They are Number 1..Hats off to Caroline Renee Leanne Donna Lindie and to the best vets Dr Steve and Dr Mary Pat."
    Carole M.
  • "Probably the greatest animal hospital of all-time. The staff is superb, and the Doctors are as kind and knowledgeable as they come. Can't wait for our next visit!"
    Andrew S.