Do you have other extra-curricular activities (e. g. sports, music, dance class, etc. ) that take up your time? Are you willing to wake up early to care for your animal before you go to school? How will you fit your pet into your current schedule? Are you willing to use your allowance or chore money to help pay for your pet?
The lowest maintenance pets (e. g. fish, snakes, lizards, and turtles) require about 15 minutes a day for feeding and one hour a week to clean the tank. These animals will be fun to watch but are less likely to interact and play with you like other animals. Low maintenance pets (cats, rabbits, canaries, medium-sized parrots and parakeets, guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, mice, and rats) require about 15 to 30 minutes of daily maintenance and weekly cage and litter box cleaning. [4] X Research source [5] X Research source Dogs are medium maintenance pets that require one or two hours of care every day. They will require much more attention than cats, and you will need to walk them every day. [6] X Expert Source Natalie Punt, DVMVeterinarian Expert Interview. 14 September 2021. The highest maintenance pets (horses, big parrots, potbellied pigs) require a lot of time and space, and your parents will probably not agree to this.
How long will your pet live? Why do you want a pet? How much will your pet cost? What type of food your pet will need? What type of accommodations (e. g. tank, aquarium, cage, kennel) will your pet need? How you will help pay for the pet? What time will you wake up in the morning to feed your pet before school? Who will take care of your pet when your family goes on vacation? What type of exercise will your pet need? How big will your pet be when it is the full size? When does your pet like to sleep? What areas can you take care of the pet yourself (e. g. walking the dog, feeding your pet)? What areas will you need some help with (e. g. giving your dog a bath, cleaning the cage, taking your pet to the veterinarian)?[8] X Research source If you have any friends that have a pet, talk to them about their responsibilities. They can give you some good advice. The more information you know, the more your can impress your parents. Take notes as you learn all of this information. You can use your notes when you talk to your parents. Read about your potential pet in books, magazines, and the internet. Watch any television shows or videos about the animal.
Always complete your tasks on time. If you can get your chores done earlier than your parents expect you to, you will win extra points. If you have done all of your chores, ask your parents, “Is there anything I can help you with?” If you do not do your chores and show your parents that you are responsible, they will not think that you are ready or mature enough to take care of a pet.
Giving your parents a plan will let them know that you are serious and have put a lot of thought into this. There are online resources to help you organize the pet information,[11] X Research source pet expenses,[12] X Research source and weekly pet care schedules. [13] X Research source
Make a mental note of the things you like and do not like when you are spending time with the animals. You can visit the Petfinder website to find an animal shelter in your area. [14] X Research source If you are not old enough to volunteer at an animal shelter, try to pet sit for someone you know or bring home the class pet.
Before you start the conversation, you may say, “Mom/Dad, do you have a minute?” You will probably have to talk to your parents more than once about getting a pet. Always try to choose a good time to start the conversation.
At the end of your presentation, tell your parents, “Please don’t say yes or no right now. I want you to think about everything I said before you answer. " This will show your parents that you are patient and willing to wait for an answer. [16] X Research source Your parents will probably ask you some questions. If you take the time to plan for a pet before you talk to your parents, you will be prepared. Don’t forget to tell your parents about all the benefits of having a pet. [17] X Research source
If your parents say no, ask them if there is anything you can do to turn the “no” into a “yes. “[18] X Research source Think about what you can do to address these concerns. Try to understand your parent’s reasoning and thank them for explaining things to you. [19] X Research source Do not whine or beg your parents for a pet after they tell you no. Wait a couple of weeks before you bring up the topic of a pet again. [20] X Research source
Have a positive attitude when you are negotiating with your parents. It may take a while before your parents decide to let you have a pet. Be patient throughout the process. If your parents say no at first, always answer with a simple " Okay” rather than a “yes sir” or “yes ma’am” so that they don’t think you are kissing up to them for a pet!
