Caring For My Family’s Pet
Here's What To Do
1
Ask your child what kinds of things your pet needs to stay happy and healthy.
2
With your child, brainstorm a list of ways they could help care for your pet. Some ideas (you know your child and pet best, but here are some tasks to consider):
- Learn how to pet your animal safely
- Help shop for pet food
- With adult help, measure and pour food or water into a bowl or habitat
- With adult help, use toys to play with your pet
- With adult help, comb or brush your pet
- Help walk a dog by holding onto a leash (adult should also hold onto the leash)
3
The next time you engage in pet care, invite your child to join you.
4
Thank your child for being such a big help for your family!
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Sit with your child and the pet at eye-level; show the child and the pet physical affection if possible.
E
Engage:
- "What are some of the things Mama and Dada do to take care of Spot?"
- "How do you think you could help take care of our birds?"
E
Encourage:
- Ask your child to observe and share what your pet needs (Are they hungry? Thirsty? Do they need a walk? Do they want to play?).
- When you're engaging in pet care, model what to do first. Then let your child try to complete some or all of the task (if appropriate).
R
Reflect:
- "It's an important job, taking care of our pet. How does it make you feel to be a helper?"
Not quite ready?
If your child isn't ready to help with pet chores, start by helping them learn to pet and interact with your pet safely.
Ready for more?
Once your child has demonstrated they understand a pet task, see if they can complete it more independently (with adult supervision).
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to help their family by caring for an animal.