A toddler isn’t capable of remembering to feed a pet, just as a ten year old can handle more responsibility than just filling up the water bowl. But what pet-related duties are age-appropriate for your children?
Here is a guideline of what age your children should be before doing specific pet duties
Toddlers are capable of:
- Throwing a ball for fetch
- Pouring pre-measured dry food into a pet’s dish
- Give a treat (for pets who take treats gently)
4- and 5-year-olds are capable of:
- Refilling the water bowl
- Playing with the pet
6- to 8-year-olds are capable of:
- Brushings (for dogs that love being brushed)
- Holding a dog’s leash when accompanied by an adult
- Feed the dog (but with an adult’s reminder)
Children 9-years-old and older are capable of:
- Giving the dog a bath (with adult supervision)
- Clean out a cage or litter box (making sure they wash their hands after!)
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