Best Pocket Pets for Families

Are you trying to choose a great pocket pet for your Rapid City family? There are several great choices for family pets. Cats and dogs are, of course, at the top of the list for most popular pets, and make wonderful companions. If you would like to start your children out with a smaller pet that requires less care, there are several great options for caged pets that may work for you. All pocket pets have very specific requirements as far as feeding, treats, and toys, so do thorough research before making a final decision.

Here are a few suggestions:

Guinea pigs are very tame and friendly, and make wonderful first pets for young children. These cuties rarely bite, and enjoy being played with and petted. Guinea pigs will enjoy vegetables and other treats, and will need attention and play time.

Gerbils are very gentle, and will rarely bite or nip. They are quite active, however, and will enjoy being played with during the day. Gerbils do need to be handled very gently, so they may not be the best choice for very young children. You’ll want to get your gerbil at least one buddy, as these little guys are very sociable and tend to get lonely without roommates.

Hamsters are super cute and very playful little pets. They are somewhat nocturnal, and tend to want to play at night, but are typically quite friendly and sociable, and like to be held and petted. Hamsters have very soft and silky fur, and tend to be inquisitive and playful, so children can interact with them very easily.

Rabbits are among the cutest possibilities for a pet. Bunnies can be very friendly, tame, and playful, and can even be taught to use a litter box. Rabbits do need to chew, and can damage wires or wooden furniture, so you’ll need to bunny-proof your home if you choose to get one of these endearing animals as a pet.

Pocket pets are a great way to teach your child how to be a loving and responsible pet owner. You’ll of course need to supervise your children when they are handling their pets, and make sure they wash their hands thoroughly when playtime is over.

Your child can help with feeding your little furball, and keeping the cage clean, and keeping your little furball entertained. Pocket pets are all similar in that the main expense is in the initial purchase of the pet and their habitat. Once you are past the initial purchases, maintaining and feeding a pocket pet is fairly inexpensive, though they will all need annual visits to your Rapid City vet.