Feathers, fins, scales and shells

As kids are enjoying summer vacation, parents might notice their child’s increased interest in pets. From furry to feathered or scaled to finned, PetSmart has the resources to help families select and care for their first pet.

“Non-traditional animals which range from fish to guinea pigs and lizards, make fantastic pets because they teach children how to care, love and appreciate their new family member,” says PetSmart’s specialty pets expert John Gerstenberger.
Selecting the best pet depends on each individual family, and considerations should include the age and personality of the children, as well as the family’s lifestyle and schedule. Parents who have children ages 10 and under can consider small animals because they are easier for kids to care for and interact with.

Here is a list of good first pets and some of their fun features. They include:

Bearded Dragon: They get their name from the spiny skin found under their throat which when puffed-up looks like a beard. Bearded dragons are active and gentle by nature; children will love watching them climb all over rocks and branches in their terrarium.
Betta Fish: These tropical fish come in a variety of beautiful colors and may greet you by pressing their “faces” against the tank.

Guinea Pig: They are naturally social creatures and enjoy the companionship of other Guinea Pigs as well as interaction with pet parents.  Guinea pigs are diurnal which means they sleep at night and are active during the day, so children have ample time to play and engage with them.   Leopard Gecko: These lizards are clean, docile and easy to hold, but they require careful handling, making them better pets for children 10 and older. Leopard geckos like to chase their food (live insects), which is fun to watch.

Parakeet: They are social, active birds who love to play with toys and interact with their pet parents. Children will enjoy teaching their parakeet tricks such as such as how to “step up” and “step down” from one’s hand.

Aquatic Turtle: These creatures are highly entertaining pets because they like to swim, as well as hang out on land.  Kids will get a kick out of seeing turtles go back and forth between the two environments.

Parents can visit www.petsmart.com to learn more about these small animals, their characteristics, habitat and nutrition needs, as well as why they are good first pets for children.