It may sound like a difficult task, but if you really want a pet, here are some tips on how to convince your parents you are ready.
Carefully research the type of pet you’re interested in. Learn as much as you can about the pet. There are always new things to learn about the pet. Talk to pet shop people, friends who have pets and use the Internet to gather as much information as you can.
Talk to your parents calmly about the pet. Share your knowledge of the pet with them. Discuss pros and cons of having the particular pet you’ve chosen. Then give them time to think, but don’t be a pest.
Show your parents that you are mature enough and responsible to take on the care of a pet. Do your chores on time without complaint. Keep your room neat and do your homework. If you have an allowance, save some money and tell them you’ll contribute to the cost of the pet. If you don’t have an allowance, perhaps you can work at odd jobs such as mowing the neighbors’ lawns, babysitting, running errands, etc.
If a neighbor has a pet, ask if you can help with the care on a regular basis. This will help show your parents that you will be a responsible pet person.
Have a plan of how you will care for your pet. Set up a schedule and write down a list. Include the times of day you will set aside for care, grooming, play, care of equipment such as litter box, cage, leash, collar, feeding, toys, etc. Show your parents your schedule and discuss with them the pet’s size, activity, cost of upkeep and equipment.
Be sure you understand that you will be responsible for the pet’s well-being and care for a number of years. If your parents agree, you have to be sure you won’t become bored with the idea or responsibility of pet ownership. Too often pets are given up to shelters where they are euthanized because someone was tired of them.
A note to parents: In spite of all good intentions, you may have to take on some of the care of the pet. Before you say yes, be sure you are ready to do so.
Whenever my children asked for a pet, I’m a softee and love animals. I always said yes even if I wasn’t sure I knew what kind of animal they were bringing home.
