Best Small Pets for Kids This Summer
June 23, 2025
Are you looking to get your child’s first pet in the summer holidays, with six whole weeks for bonding and learning the ropes of responsible pet ownership?
If the answer is yes, we’ve got the perfect article for you – read Molesey Vets’ advice on what to consider before buying a pet and what are the best small pets for kids.
Which small pets are good for children?
Many parents think of small furry pets first, but they still need plenty of care and commitment to be looked after properly. Common small animals kept as pets include guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, mice, and rats. According to our East Molesey nursing team, they have many differences besides appearance, so it is crucial that you fully research the species and what their requirements are before committing to any of them.
Below, our team at Molesey Vets have put together a list of small pets often considered best for young children, based on ease of handling, care needs, and temperament:
- Guinea pigs – Gentle, sociable, and enjoy being handled with supervision
- Rats – Intelligent, friendly, and bond well with people
- Gerbils – Active and curious, with simple care needs
- Hamsters – Low-maintenance, though some breeds prefer solo living
- Fish (coldwater or tropical) – Great for teaching responsibility, with minimal handling
- Budgies (parakeets) – Chatty and interactive, suitable with older children
Each pet has different care needs, so supervision and adult support are key to helping children build positive, responsible bonds. In this article, we’ll be talking mainly about small furry pet mammals, although much of the advice can be related to a range of small pets.
Check out our small furry pet stats
What else should you consider?
There’s plenty to think about before bringing a small pet home, including:
- What kind of housing and equipment will they need?
- Who’ll be in charge of feeding, cleaning and daily care?
- How long do they typically live – are you and your child ready for that commitment?
- Is the species happiest with a companion, or best kept alone?
- Are they more active at night?
- Do they hibernate and need special care?
Molesey Vets’ nurses advise that having a good understanding of the above questions can make choosing the most suitable pet easier. Download our guide to the different types of small furries you can keep as pets.
Home setup needed for small furry pets
- Outdoor pets: Need a shaded hutch in summer that can be moved indoors or into a shed in winter
- Indoor pets: Require a secure, well-ventilated cage
- Space matters: Housing must be large enough for movement, especially with a companion
- Enrichment: Provide tunnels, toys, chew items and safe spaces to explore
- Cleaning routine: Plan who will clean the housing regularly and keep it hygienic
Average lifespan
- Short-term pets: Some live only 1–2 years
- Long-term commitment: Others can live 8–10+ years
- Good to know: Lifespan can help guide your choice of pet for your child
Veterinary care
- Routine checks: Regular visits to our vet practice in East Molesey help catch issues in small furries early
- Species-specific risks: Ask our team about common problems, like flystrike in rabbits and guinea pigs
- Other issues: Some small pets are more prone to respiratory problems or lumps
Pet pals
- Social needs vary: Some pets need a companion, others prefer solitude
- Pairing considerations: Same or opposite sex, personality and species matter
- Neutering advice: We recommend neutering rabbits and male guinea pigs in same-sex pairs
- Family planning: Neuter mixed-sex pairs to avoid unplanned litters
- More pets = more care: Feeding, cleaning and vet visits increase with each additional animal
Further advice
There are many places you can go to for advice on what small animal may suit your family most. These include speaking to our vet nurses at Molesey Vets, reliable internet sources, and pet shops and rescue centres in East Molesey or further afield in Surrey. Taking time to do your research early on helps set you up for a happier, healthier pet – and gives your child the best chance of enjoying caring for their new companion.
Remember to check out our helpful Pet Stats to aid your decision making.
