I grew up in a Polish village where animals weren’t “extras” in life – they were life. Cows, hens, ducks, turkeys, dogs, cats, even hedgehogs, and a symphony of insects buzzing around the fields – they were my everyday friends. I never knew a childhood without animals, and honestly, I can’t imagine one.

Convincing my parents to let me keep pets wasn’t always easy – it took tears, pleading, and a few dramatic performances worthy of an Oscar. But in the end, I always had a dog or cat by my side. Even when I moved to the city, I managed to keep my cat with me. She wasn’t just “a cat” – she was basically our family nurse. Whenever someone was sick or sad, she’d curl up next to us – on the chest, by the head, or right against a painful ear. I still remember my childhood earaches: she’d press herself against my ear and somehow make it better. Medicine? Sure. But my cat’s warmth worked faster.

Later, when I had children, it was natural that our family included animals too. Goldy, our golden retriever, grew up alongside my kids. She was intelligent, loyal, and ridiculously gentle. Bringing her from Poland to India wasn’t easy (the paperwork could kill your patience), but we did it because leaving her behind was unthinkable. Pets are family – not luggage you discard when moving. I can’t stand people who abandon animals while traveling or relocating.

The Truth Parents Need to Hear

Getting a pet is like adding another child. The expenses, the care, the daily responsibility – it’s real. You need to walk, feed, groom, and nurture. It’s not just a toy or an accessory.

It makes me genuinely sad when I see people in India buying dogs impulsively – often to “fit in” socially – only to lose interest once the dog grows bigger. Suddenly, the walks are outsourced to strangers, or worse, the dog is tied to a chain in the yard. I’ve seen this in Poland too – animals stuck in kennels, reduced to decorations. These are angels given to us, beings who love us unconditionally just for existing. They deserve respect, freedom, and joy.

So before you say yes to that cute ball of fur, here’s what you must consider:

Things Parents Must Know Before Getting a Pet for Their Child

• Allergies: Check if anyone in the family is allergic. This will save you heartbreak later.

• Commitment: Pets grow up. That adorable puppy or kitten becomes a full-sized family member with needs, energy, and medical bills.

• Exercise: Dogs must walk, run, and play. No excuses. Standing around with a leash for five minutes is not a walk. Walking only for a quick poop and rushing back home is not exercise either – they need proper time to move, sniff, and explore.

• Illness: Pets still need care when you are sick, busy, or tired. You wouldn’t abandon your child if you had the flu – the same principle applies.

• Expenses: Veterinary care, food, grooming, vaccinations… yes, it adds up. Treat it as a long-term investment in love, not a hobby.

• Travel: Think ahead. How will you travel with your pet? Leaving them behind is not an option if they are truly part of your family.

The Rewards: Why It’s All Worth It

I wouldn’t trade my life with animals for anything. Pets gift us moments nothing else can.

I’ll never forget when Daisy, one of our beloved dogs, fell ill with hip dysplasia. We cared for her deeply, adapted our home to her needs, and in return, she gave us 14 years of love – far more than doctors predicted. In her final moments, my son held her in his arms. It broke us, but it also showed the depth of love children can experience with animals. These experiences – the laughter, the companionship, the grief – shape children in ways toys and screens never can.

So, should you get a pet for your child?

Yes – but only if you are ready to become a parent to that animal. Love them, care for them, and never forget: pets are not “extras.” They are living beings who, in their own magical way, raise us.