What pet care can my child do?
The AAP says a pet can teach responsibility, with a grown-up still in charge. Younger children can help by filling a water bowl, giving a treat you hand them, or brushing gently. Older children can take on feeding and walks with a reminder chart. Peabody has jobs by age and a printable weekly chart.
Checked October 29, 2026.
Asked by families like yours and answered by Peabody editors. How we write and check. For your own pet, your vet knows best.
Go deeper
Sources
- AAP HealthyChildren: How old should our children be before we adopt a pet? (updated 22 April 2026) (checked October 29, 2026)
- AAP HealthyChildren: Age-appropriate chores for children (updated 9 February 2024) (checked October 29, 2026)