Pocket pets. Many of us have heard the term, but do you know exactly what it is describing?
In a nutshell, pocket pets are exotic animals such as flying squirrels, spiny mice and hedgehogs, all who have risen in pet popularity over the years. While their small size and stature may make them look all cute and cuddly, they require special care and handling.
What’s the Appeal?
Kids and adults alike are oftentimes drawn to pocket pets for a whole range of reasons. From the fact that they are just plain ‘different’ from other pets to their adorableness, it is easy to see why pocket pets are becoming such a phenomenon.
All that being said, selecting a pet that is right for your home is no small feat, and this is also true for pocket pets. If your kid is just begging you for a hedgehog, it is important you sit down with your local small animal vet and make sure this is the right choice for your family.
What Do You Mean, ‘The Right Choice’?
Because some small pets require massive amounts of care and attention and others prefer to be left alone, they may not always be the right ‘first pet’ choice for your family. Unfortunately, pocket pets frequently wind up in climates they are not suited for, leading to many serious problems for both the pet and its caretakers. Furthermore, pocket pets have a higher risk of carrying diseases that are foreign to their new habitat.
It may seem like we are trying to scare you off from bringing a pocket pet into your home, but that is not the case! We simply want to make sure you understand all the different facets of small pet ownership. If it is the right fit, a pocket pet can make a wonderful, enriching addition to your home.
So, is a Pocket Pet a First Good Pet?
There is no all-encompassing answer to this question. For starters, you need to some research and meet with your vet in order to ensure you understand all the responsibilities that come along with owning a small animal. Consider whether you’d like the type of pet you can curl up on the couch with or play fetch, or if you prefer to watch at a distance.
While you there are a few pocket pets that you may be able to snuggle with (like a chinchilla), chances are this notion is off limits for most small pets. Furthermore, there are quite a few pets within the pocket pet category that aren’t a good fit for households with preschoolers, such as hamsters, lizards, rabbits, ferrets and box turtles.
That being said, there are a handful of pocket pets that will fit in with households with children of any age. If your preschooler is begging you for a small animal to call their very own, take the following into consideration:
- Beta fish
- Guinea pig
- Hermit crab
In order to ensure you are bringing the right pet into your family, contact us at Sykesville Vet Clinic today. Our knowledgeable veterinarians are on hand to help you with important decisions such as these when it comes to owning a pet. Pocket pet care comes with a handful of special instructions, which is why it is imperative you understand what you are getting into and what will be required of you.
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