Have your kids started to demand a pet? It’s that dreaded moment for some parents where you must choose between what they want and what you want because we all know you’ll be the ones looking after it!

If you’re happy to go ahead, the next important thing to decide is what kind of pet would best suit your family. And don’t forget to do your research to learn about your pet. For example, guinea pigs have sensitive ears and are very social. Here we look at the three most common domestic pets and the pros and cons of owning each one.

Getting a Fish – the easiest pet to look after:

Fish are obviously the easiest pet when it comes to maintenance. They don’t require any exercise other than happily swimming around in their tank. However, this does make them one of the least interesting pets so if you have boisterous children who are full of energy, then a fish may not be the best pet for them.

There are plenty of types of fish to choose from, so the initial buying process can be fun. You can visit aquariums with your kids, and they can choose from loads of different colors and shapes of fish. But be careful, different kinds of fish require different environments. So, if you’re not up for maintaining a professional level fish tank with the perfect climate, go for fish who are quite happy in a simple fish bowl.

Feeding fish is also easy and fish food is usually very affordable. They don’t need much food either and the depending on the kind of fish you choose, the cost of initial equipment is low. So, you don’t have to worry about the financial impact of having fish as pets.

Getting a cat – you are there to serve them:

Cats also do not require a lot of maintenance; they largely look after themselves. They will take themselves outside for exercise and will come home for food and sleep when they feel like it. But like fish, this does tend to result in having a pet which isn’t particularly engaging to have around.

However, depending on the breed that you go for you can get some very playful cats, especially if you get them from kitten age. Cats have a reputation for being quite reserved and keeping themselves to themselves, but if you choose the right breed, they can be a warm, fun addition to the family.

Cats can be really interesting creatures for example, did you know that cats noses are ridged and completely unique to every cat, like a human fingerprint? Be careful if you have young children though, as cats can often lash out after too much heavy petting.

Getting a Dog – they will never leave you alone:

Dogs are the ultimate pet when it comes to bringing some fun into your family. Depending on the breed, they are often full of character and are known for their loyalty. They love to exercise, so make sure your family does too. Dogs are great for helping you to get rid of all that energy your children have.

Just like fish and cats, the temperament of dogs can depend heavily on their breed, so make sure you do your research before buying one. When it comes to feeding dogs, it can have an impact on your finances as dogs, particularly large ones, can eat a lot!

The popular phrase ‘Dogs are for life, not just for Christmas’ shows just how much work dogs can be. Not everyone is up for the commitment needed when you get a dog, so make sure your expectations are realistic before making your decision.

You’ll soon find yourself with some real parent points if you decide to get your kids a pet. If you’re worried that your kids might not have what it takes to dedicate themselves to looking after a pet full time, maybe consider an easy-to-look-after fish. If your kids are full of energy and could handle a spirited dog, go for it. And if you fancy something in between, which could have a more active role in the family without needing too much in return, then you should take a look at the different kinds of cats available.