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!)
