Are Hamsters Safe Animals for Children?

Young children often express a desire to bring a new pet into the family. Since dogs and cats are a big commitment, it might be better to start off with something a little smaller. Hamsters are cute, fuzzy and require minimum care. However, hamsters may not be a safe pet for all children. You must take your child's individual needs into consideration before you decide to bring home a hamster.

  1. Age

    • Evaluate whether your child is old enough to care for his new pet. If you have younger children, hamsters are the perfect "training wheel" pets until they're responsible enough for a cat or dog. They require minimal attention and spend most of the time in a tank. Hamsters usually live between 1 to 3 years, so be prepared to deal with the pet's death when the time comes. For the first few days, always hold the hamster yourself while your child learns how to properly handle the animal without hurting it.

    Source

    • Always get your pets from reputable breeders, pet stores or animal shelters. If not, the hamster could be ill and pass something on to other animals or your child. Do research online to investigate the breeder or pet store. Ask for a vet to check for the hamster if you're getting it from a shelter.

    Hygiene

    • Proper hygiene is important for both the animal and your child. Tell your child to wash her hands right after she handles the animal. Place a small bottle of hand sanitizer next to the tank to make it easier to keep clean. Let your child know that proper hygiene is necessary to keep the hamster healthy, too. Teach him to empty and clean the tank each week. You needn't scrub every corner of the tank to keep it clean. Simply change the bedding and quickly wipe down the glass weekly.

    Hamster's Happiness

    • A new pet is the perfect opportunity to teach your child how to care for a living thing. A happy hamster will have a better temperament, meaning a safer experience for your child. Talk to your child about how best to treat her hamster. Consider getting a pair so they don't get bored. Make sure their tank is big enough, at least 20 gallons. Take the hamsters out and handle them often, so they're used to human contact.