All parents know that a pet for your children is, in fact, a pet for you to take care of. So in our busy lives, it’s crucial to choose a pet that is easy to care for, and will be interesting for children, and won’t live for decades after they’ve gone off to uni, or otherwise moved out. Many parents look for the best pets for kids that are both manageable and enjoyable for the whole family.
I give you the wonderful world of isopods. Small, relatively cheap to get set up, very cheap to feed, for many species, there is no need for heat or similar, you don’t need to walk them, and there is no need to be cleaning out the enclosure weekly. Other than making sure the enclosure is at the right humidity and providing food, they don’t need much more attention. Isopods are considered among the easiest pets for families seeking low-maintenance options.
Equally, they can provide a fascinating insight into the world of creepy crawlies, teaching the responsibility of a pet, without a huge amount of work required. Having a family pet can help children learn about caring for another living being.
Isopods can be a great first pet for children due to their simple care requirements. However, it’s important to consider what happens if a child loses interest in the pet—planning ahead ensures the pet's continued well-being, whether that means taking on the responsibility yourself or finding another suitable home. Before bringing any pet home, make sure you understand the work involved and the ongoing pet's care responsibilities to ensure a positive experience for both your family and your new companion.
Introduction to Pets for Kids
Bringing a pet into your family can be a truly rewarding experience, especially for kids. Pets for kids offer more than just companionship—they can help teach children valuable lessons about responsibility, empathy, and the importance of caring for another living being. When choosing a pet, it’s important to consider your family’s lifestyle and how much space you have at home. Low maintenance pets, such as guinea pigs, are often ideal for families with young children. These little guys are gentle, easy to handle, and don’t require a lot of complicated care. By providing fresh food, clean water, and a tidy living space, children can learn the basics of pet care from a young age. Not only does this help kids understand what a pet entails, but it also sets the foundation for a healthy life for both the pet and your family.
You can't cuddle an isopod, but they are among the best pets for kids
Correct, you can’t, but so many children are injured each year after incorrectly interacting with a dog or a cat. Dogs are among the most popular family pets, but they require careful supervision with small children to ensure safe and positive interactions. If you have young children and aren’t an experienced dog owner, then I’d suggest waiting till your children are old enough to be able to learn to read the dog’s body language.
There are many pets that you can’t cuddle, parrots and other birds, fish, most reptiles, and many more. Whilst you can stroke a rabbit or a guinea pig, it’s important to teach gentle handling so both the pet and the child feel safe and comfortable. That’s something that can become boring after a few minutes, for both you, your children, and the animal itself.
The main part of owning a pet is taking care of the pet. So, are you getting something to accompany you on twice-daily walks? Or something to keep you company, even though most of us are out of the house all day? For children, a pet should be easy to care for, ideally so they can do the bulk of the care themselves. When choosing the best pet for children, consider which pets are suitable for small children based on their age and ability to handle the responsibilities involved.
Types of isopods as low maintenance pets
There are hundreds of isopods in the hobby. We normally have around 100-200 species available here in our shop (link to all isopods page in the shop), some need supplemental heat, some can be unforgiving if you get the humidity wrong, and some are tricky to breed. Some families purchase isopods from pet stores, but it's important to research the source to ensure you are getting healthy pets. Instead, here are 5 species that are easy to care for, and large enough that you can easily see them when they are out and about foraging—some of these isopods are becoming popular pets among families with children.
Dairy Cow Isopods (Porcellio Laevis)
So many people start keeping isopods with Dairy cows, with their black and white patched bodies, active behaviour, and easy to care for needs, they are a great species to start with. They make a great pet for families looking for an engaging and manageable option. They’re only downside is how good they are at breeding. A small group will quite rapidly become a large group. Kids love watching their unique patterns and lively movements.
Being an active species, they need a larger enclosure, and I’d recommend keeping them apart from other species of isopods.
Magic Potion Isopods
Outgoing, bold, easy to care for, stunning looking, and with a huge variation in patterns, meaning that you can identify individuals, what’s not to love about these isopods? Magic Potion Isopods also provide fun and entertainment for children, as they enjoy watching their unique behaviors and caring for them.
Scaber Ghost Isopods (Porcellio)
A selectively bred mutation of the common wood louse or rough wood louse, these are the pill bugs or roly-poly that you are used to, but so much more to look at. Found across a range of locations, including most of Europe, this species is highly adaptable, which translates to being easy to care for, easy to breed, and will thrive in most setups. Because of their hardy nature, Scaber Ghost Isopods are considered ideal pets for children and beginners.
Powder Orange isopods
A slightly different body shape from your traditional rolly-poly type, these are active, and the colour allows them to stand out against the soil. They are also relatively low maintenance, making them a great choice for families seeking easy-care pets. Don’t fancy orange? We have them in Blue, White, Orange Dalmatian, Oreo Crumble, a Wild type, or you can buy a Rainbow mix of the colours.
Rubber Ducky Isopods (Cubaris sp.)
Rubber duckies aren’t the easiest isopods to take care of, but before you decide against them, take a look at those little faces. The visual appeal is enough to convince me that these should be on the list. Many isopod keeper started their collection because they fell in love with one of the Cubaris sp. Compared to other isopod species, Rubber Ducky Isopods are considered high maintenance due to their specific care requirements.
The difficulty is that they need this warmer and more humid than other species on this list, and that means that for at least part of the year, you will have to have supplementary heat for them. Yes, it’s an extra stage, and I’d never suggest that young children are in charge of looking after them, but if you’re looking for a challenge that both you and the kids can enjoy, this is something to consider. If you’re worried, start with an easier species and come back to this one as your confidence grows.
Benefits of Having a Pet
Having a pet can make a big difference in children’s lives. Pets can help kids develop cognitive skills, boost their empathy, and give them a sense of responsibility. The unconditional love and companionship that animals provide can be especially comforting for children, helping them feel secure and valued. For example, a pet dog can become a loyal friend and playmate, teaching children about friendship and trust. Other pets, like cats and small rodents, can also be great additions to the family, offering comfort and a sense of routine. Whether it’s a furry friend to cuddle or a small pet to watch and care for, having animals around can enrich family life and help kids grow in confidence and compassion.
How to Introduce a Pet to Your Family
Introducing a new pet to your family is an exciting time, but it’s important to make sure it’s a good fit for everyone. Consider the ages and personalities of your children—very young children may do best with pets that are gentle and easy to handle, such as guinea pigs or hamsters. Think about how much space you have at home and whether you can provide regular playtime and attention. Teaching children how to interact with pets gently is key, especially for young children who may not yet understand how to handle animals safely. Supervision is important to ensure both your child and the pet feel comfortable and secure. By taking the time to choose the right pet and setting clear expectations, you can help your new family member settle in smoothly.
Caring for Your Pet
Caring for a pet is a long-term commitment that requires dedication, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Every pet, from pet rats to bearded dragons, has unique needs that must be met to ensure a healthy life. Pet rats, for example, are social animals that thrive on interaction and regular playtime, while bearded dragons need a specific diet and a carefully maintained living space. No matter which pet you choose, it’s essential to provide fresh food, clean water, and a comfortable environment. Regular veterinary care is also important to help your pet stay healthy. By making pet care a family activity, you can teach children about the importance of responsibility and help your pet enjoy a long, happy life as a valued family member.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When bringing a new pet into your home, it’s easy to overlook some important factors. One of the biggest mistakes families make is not considering the long-term commitment that comes with pet ownership. Many pets have a long life span, and it’s crucial to be prepared for years of care, including regular veterinary care, food, and supplies. Another common issue is not providing enough space or resources, which can affect your pet’s quality of life. Avoid making impulsive decisions—take the time to research the best pets for your family and make sure you’re ready for the responsibility. By planning ahead and understanding what your pet needs, you can ensure a happy, healthy relationship that benefits both your family and your new furry (or scaly) friend.
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