If you are a parent who has made the decision to introduce a pet to your family in the near future, then of course your main priority is going to be to find kid-friendly pets that will get along with your children nicely. After all, the last thing that you want to have to deal with is an aggressive pet that your children cannot even get close to or have fun playing with. The good news, though, is that there are all kinds of pets that are great with kids, so it is really just a matter of considering your family’s own circumstances and choosing the one that is going to be best for all of you.

If you are looking for something that is easy to take care of, completely safe and friendly around children, and inexpensive to care for, then you may want to consider something as simple as a fish or several of them. These make great first pets for children as a way to teach them responsibility, while still being fun. On top of this, they are simply kept in a tank at all times, so you never have to worry about your child being hurt by the animal.

Watch this cute video on how to choose a child friendly pet!

However, for those who are looking for a pet that is a little more interactive and that the family can play with more, then you may want to consider a pet such as a cat or dog. Either of these can make great first pets for any family, but there are some specific breeds that you may want to keep in mind when choosing either a dog or a cat.

Cats are generally great pets for families who want to be able to have a fun and interactive pet, without having to worry about taking the pet everywhere they go. Cats are very independent, but they still love to play, especially when they are kittens. Still, to keep them kid-friendly, it is best to stick with a breed such as a Tabby or Calico, and to consider getting the cats declawed when they are young. Not only will this prevent cat scratches in the future, but it can also save your furniture. One breed of cats to stay away from if you have children is a Siamese cat, as these can be very needy and sometimes a little overwhelming for those who already have children.

Dogs also make great pets for families because they are energetic and always by your side. Not to mention, they love to play and spend time outside, play fetch, and go for walks. Some specifically good breeds to consider for families with children are:

• Labrador Retriever
• Dachshund
• Dalmatian
• Bull Dog
• Beagle
• Bull Terrier
• Collie
• Irish Setter
• Poodle
• Golden Retriever

Overall, choosing a family pet for the first time can be very exciting, but it is always best to consider your family’s specific expectations and wants for the pet. On top of this, taking the time to visit the pet a few times in its shelter or pet store before taking it home is a great way to ensure that you are making the right choice.