Pets & kids

Under 5 — no pet of their own (kids don't understand). 5–10: the parents' pet, the kid helps. 10+: possible responsibility for a rodent/cat; a dog stays on adults.

Iron rule: kid + pet never alone before age 6. Never touch food, sleep or toys. No pulling, no hugging from above, no staring. Teach kids dog body language.

Before birth: get the pet used to baby sounds and smells (a blanket from the hospital). First contact — controlled, pet on leash/in carrier. Never 'pet + infant in one room unsupervised'.

Allergy — test BEFORE buying (allergy tests or guest visits). Toxoplasmosis — no litter cleaning for pregnant/child. Worms — regular pet deworming, hand washing after contact.

Start small: fill water (3–4y), help feed (5–6y), walk with an adult (8+), solo walks for a small dog (12+, by agreement). Reward — not money, but shared time with the pet.