My kids want a pet but we can not have one because

Question

it to much money but i should we do and tell them

Answer 1

Just explain to them that pets are a lot of money, and right now it's not going to be a good option for your family. Just explain that if they were sick, they would want to go to the doctor to get better,  but if you had a pet and it got sick, you might not have the money to make it better, and the animal would have to stay not feeling well.

It's good of you to teach them the responsibility of not getting a pet when you can't afford one. :)  Maybe you could volunteer as a family at an animal shelter?  (Some let kids volunteer with their parents.)

Answer 2

Start with a plant.  Have your children pick a pretty pot and let them repot the new plant.  Make a deal with them that if they can keep the plant alive for a set amount of time then you will let them step up to a fish.  If you can keep the 'pets' small and easy to care for they will not be bugging for another animal and you will have time to research the next step.  If you are unwilling to go beyond fish that is fine there is a multitude of differnt kinds of low cost fish for them to enjoy.  But if possible let them have something.  They will learn responsibility and compassion if they care for a living thing even if its just a plant.

Answer 3

you should explain to them how much work it is to take care of and I mean give details. and maybe tell them that someday it will happen as soon as you can afford it. If they are old enough to understand, explain to them how difficult it can be not only to have a pet but to pay for everyday things for the pet and for the family. If you plan to have a pet someday tell them that someday you will but it just cannot happen right now and you don't necessarily have to say it is because of money. Kids are so resiliant, I'm sure they will understand. Or maybe you could get a  Betta fish. They are VERY cheap and do not require anything but food(which is cheap) a bowl and water, there are no filters or anything "fancy" involved. You could even keep it in a vase and put those colored glass rocks in it and "decorate" your living room or something. And a fish makes an excellent starter pet for kids, they're very easy to take care of, and with Betta's all you need to do is change the water and feed it. Just make sure if you get more than one you don't put them in the same bowl, they need to be kept seperate. good luck and no worries, whatever you decide, your kids will be fine. :)

Answer 4

there are usually ads in your local newspaper for free pets to a good home, we get almost our pets from friends who cant take care of the kittens so they just give them away

Answer 5

Just explain to your kids that having a pet would cost money, and time. If your kids still want a pet, why not go with a turtle ?  

Answer 6

Tell them it's too bad.  Really caring for an animal includes not taking one in when you can't properly pay for it's care.

But!  If you do really want to give them the feeling of having a pet, the very cheapest pets live in bowls... think hermit crab, goldfish (though they should have lots of room really), water frog, or small crab.  They are all very inexpensive themselves, and you just need to get a container for them... a fish bowl or small tank.  Try putting a wanted ad on craigslist.com for the supplies.  Their food can be very cheap as well considering they truly do not eat much.  

Absolutely do not cave about a larger pet though.  They need you to have enough income to care for them in emergencies.

Answer 7

Simply explain that with a pet, you are not only getting the pet, but a whole lot of costs and responsibilities. All animals deserve vet care if they become sick, and if you can't afford an expensive vet, you can't afford the pet.

But there are some very cheap pets which can be exceptions. Betta fish are the cheapest I think. They need small containers, and their food is cheap and lasts a while. They also do not need a vet, necessarily.

Another option is fostering animals. In shelters, some animals that are overstressed or having babies need to get into a home environment, so the shelter places them in your home temporarily. They pay for their food and stuff, and it is only a temporary deal.

Otherwise, consider getting them virtual pets or something. Webkinz are popular. Or do a google search on "free virtual pets".

Answer 8

tell them if they want a pet they will have to get the money them selves.