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I had tons of pets growing up, so I can see getting our kids pets. I really dislike caged pets though. Not because I don't like the pet, but just because they are a PITA to clean up after for not as much "reward" cuddle-wise. I probably wouldn't let them get a caged animal until they were closer to 8-10 when I think there is SOME chance they'd really clean the cage and whatnot themselves.

I'd be very open to getting them a cat/dog when they were younger though. We already have 2 cats and a dog, what's one more.

We have a dog and that's it for now (but C is only 8 months, so she doesn't really have much of a say!) I had hamsters and my sister had a guinea pig growing up, but now I think they are kind of gross and stupid. I'm thinking I would hold off as long as possible until she could clean the cage herself at least.

My dog is pretty old, so after he passes (hopefully not for several more years!) our plan is to wait until our kids are old enough to beg for a dog before getting a new puppy, and using that to help teach them responsibility. But who knows.

@Mrs. Jump Rope: I had a cat that used to fish out of my aquarium. That stupid cat killed so many fish....... I was not a good fish mommy.

@Mrs. Train: that's what I'm worried about!
I'm used to have three tree frogs. They were so awesome.

My first cat, Bella, used to sit on top of their aquarium. It had a secure lid but gosh, she's sit on top all day long..

(They were named frog, frogger and froggest)

I am def open to getting future LO(s) pets besides our dog! All I wanted growing up was to have a dog. My parents wouldn't let me, so they let me have different kind of caged pets along the way. I am an animal lover myself so I would want my kids to grow up knowing and loving them too!

Hah. No pets for our kids. Maybe a beta fish when they're older, but that's it!

We have a dog and cat already and DD claims them as hers (although the cat won't let her get near him). She does great with helping feed them both but I'd probably say start with fish unless you are OK with taking care of the pet, especially with your DS being 5.

I had a cat and carnival goldfish growing up that lived harmoniously together. The cat would drink out of the open top fish bowl and the fish would just swim at the bottom until the cat was done; the cat never attempted to eat the goldfish. Although at times I wished she would have since that carnival goldfish lived for 3 years.

We have two cats now who are 10 years old. No new pets until the kitties are in heaven (which I cannot bear to think about). Then, maybe a dog.

We have two dogs, and saltwater fish. So we probably won't be adding any other pets. But, if they wanted somethign small like a hamster or somethign DH and I agreed they can have one once their in4/5th grade We saw a few while we were at the pet store over the wknd adn decided we couldn't do a bird or guinea pig or reptiles. but Hamster we can h andle.