There are those who believe a pet will teach a child responsibility. Expectations and rules are outlined with the understanding that failure to follow-through will result in consequences.
Sometimes this agreement is put in writing and considered binding, at least for the parties involved.
I don't have a problem requiring the child to pay rescue fees or having to use their birthday/holiday/confirmation savings to buy the pure bred they so much desire.
Problems arise when the child isn't able to consistently ensure the animal's well-being. The kids spent their budgeted allowance on anything other than feed for the animal. Maybe the carpet is soiled repeatedly because Dog wasn't walked. Or Kitty messed on dad's shoes because her litter box was full. Rat got loose because the cage-door wasn't latched & the arm of the couch got chewed. Fishie found floating due to sporadic feeding or the water not being changed for weeks. Kids aren't little grownups. Thats why they need adults in their lives, to guide & help the child in learning the skills needed for a lifetime.
Toys, feed, grooming, vet bills are a biggie, licenses, registrations, training, socialization, repairs, walking, changing the litter, purchasing the necessities; pets are costly & time-consuming. It is possible a pet's surgery used up the funds ear-marked for an upcoming vacation. That is what love is, ensuring the health & well being of those in our lives. We won't take our disappointment out on the kids. We step up & do the right thing.
Using animals for teaching responsibility without commitment to the animal's well-being is not right. Taking a pet to the local shelter due to a child's failures does not prove anything other than that you are the quiter. To willfully allow an animal to die of starvation or thirst is evil.
It is okay to admit you don't have the resources or lack an interest in being personally responsible for animals. If you still like the idea of animals in your children's lives, provide an opportunity to volunteer or help a neighbor with their pets.
Interactions between animals & chidren can be wonderful. Children learn to observe, communicate & play with a totally different species. They learn compassion and how to deal with solitude. But most of all, a child begins to understand what commitment means because they watch adults ensure animals receives what is rightfully theirs.
You're the Adult & Role-Model. You're the one teaching what love means.
