A child and her dog — it’s an idyllic image, and for good reason. “Pet relationships can give children powerful lessons in respect, empathy and love that last a lifetime,” says Rachel Fleissner, M.D., a child psychiatrist in Fargo, N.D. Research shows that kids who grow up with animals have more self-esteem and higher IQs. But choose wisely. “Lots of people bring home the cute thing in the window with no thought as to how it’s going to fit into the family,” says Dr. Fleissner.

Fish & Hermit Crabs

Best for kids: Age 1+

Fish and hermit crabs rank low on the cuddly scale, but they still “help kids tap into the bond between humans and nature,” says veterinarian Mike Staitman, program director for Pet-Smart. Fish are more inter-active than people think — koi and oscars can be trained to eat right out of your child’s hand! Goldfish are popular, but you might want to steer clear, as they produce ample waste; cleaning the tank can be a chore. Guppies and tetras are better starter fish. With hermit crabs, kids 5 and up get a great intro to science when the crabs change shells, which they do as often as every two days.

Pros: “There’s a reason you see fish in dentists’ offices — they’re naturally soothing,” says Diane Pomerance, Ph.D., author of Animal Companions. They’re also low maintenance.

Cons: A fish or crab doesn’t offer the same comfort as a furry pet, so your child is less likely to “confide” in it.

Care required: Hermit crabs, like fish, thrive in groups, so get a few. Tanks need weekly cleaning.

Your total annual expenditure: $150 to $300 for food, maintenance.

What your child can do: Toddlers can help with feeding and older kids can clean out the tanks with supervision.

Cats & Dogs

Best for kids: Age 5+

Dogs and cats can give kids unconditional, 24/7 love, says Pomerance. Wait until your child is 5 before you get a cat or dog, though; before then, kids don’t understand that animals have feelings, and your child may inadvertently hurt the animal.

It’s also crucial that you find an animal with a temperament that meshes with your family. Generally, smaller breeds aren’t as fond of kids as larger dogs are. An animal that’s at least 8 months old is often a better choice than a pup or kitten, since its personality is established, says Sam Stall, author of The Good, the Bad, and the Furry. Also be sure to research breeds’ habits. For example, beagles bark often. Siamese cats can be noisy at night.

Pros: Dogs and cats are loyal; they can teach kids devotion and steadfastness.

Cons: These pets require ample attention. Choose them only if your family will be home a lot of the time.

Care required: Cats and dogs need daily exercise (15 minutes of interactive playtime for cats and at least one walk a day for dogs) and regular vet visits.

Your total annual expenditure: $300 to $1,000 for food, medical care, toys, gear; can depend on the size of the animal.

What your child can do: With supervision, 5- to 8-year-olds are able to help with feeding and grooming. By 12, most kids can handle all the care.

Gerbils, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters & Rabbits

Best for kids: Age 8+

It’s easy for these creatures to be mishandled, so they’re not ideal for very young children. They thrive on being held and spoken to. Kids can enjoy an affectionate relationship with them.

Pros: Since each type has different traits — hamsters, for instance, are nocturnal — kids learn to respect differences in others.

Cons: Most of these fur balls live for only five years or so. They need a special diet and cage setup. Cages require daily cleaning. Gerbils and hamsters may cannibalize each other if the cage is overcrowded or male dominated — a traumatic scene to witness.

Care required: These active pets need plenty of room in cages to run around, plus veggies and supplements. Rabbits should be spayed and litter-box-trained, and your home must be rabbitproofed, advises Stephanie Shain, director of outreach for the Humane Society of the United States.

Your total annual expenditure: $150 to $200 for food, toys, bedding.

What your child can do: With supervision, kids can clean cages and feed these animals; with practice, responsible 10-year-olds can handle caretaking alone.

Birds

Best for kids: Age 8+

Because they can be quick to nip, birds are not good pets for young children. Kids tend to adore the smaller varieties, like parakeets and cockatiels. But your family had better love birds, because large ones can live 50 years or more, and small birds live 15 to 20 years. Since birds are sociable and travel in flocks, you should get at least two to keep each other company.

Pros: Birds are highly intelligent and easily tamed and trained. Varieties that mimic human language can be especially fun to have around, as well as to show off to visitors.

Cons: Even with daily cleaning, cages can be an eyesore when birds muss with their bedding.

Care required: A bird should be let out to fly around your home at least once a day. (Watch for droppings!) They also need fortified seed mix, fruit and vegetables.

Your total annual expenditure: $250 for food, supplements and toys.

What your child can do: Birds love chitchat and interaction, so encourage your children to talk to them every day! Older kids can handle a tamed bird with supervision and youngsters can help you clean the cage. Be sure to teach children how to wash carefully afterward.

Next page: Think twice before you buy these pets!