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If your child is asking for a pet and you are about to give in, there are lots of things to consider before you bring home a pet. Today, we have some ideas to help you chose the best pet for your family in this edition of Pet Pointers.

First, consider your lifestyle. Are you out and about most of the day with lots of after school activities? Can you afford to take care of a pet's needs? Vet care and quality food. Before you decide, make sure everyone in the family wants a pet and you all agree to help care for them.

Now, what kind of pet is right for your family?

A dog of any size needs at least five hours of your time a day. Walks, training and lots of human interaction are key to having a happy healthy dog. If you and your kids are busy, a dog is not for you. Some larger birds also need human contact to be happy so make sure you understand the time commitment with any pet.

Cats need quality food, fresh water, a clean litter box and entertainment. Teach your kids to pet and play with cats gently. Keep in mind extremely active kids may scare a cat and force them into hiding.

With fish, the biggest challenge is keeping the tank clean. One inch of fish per gallon is a guide many fish keepers use. Not overfeeding and frequent water changes can help keep fish healthy. A beta fish in a small tank is a good start.

A sensitive gentle child might enjoy a Guinea pig, hamster, rat or rabbit. Maybe even a bird or reptile. They can all make great pets with proper supervision. Always remember to treat your pets gently and wash your hands after handling them.

Adding a pet to your family can help teach kids patience, caring, responsibility and new studies suggest may even help prevent pet allergies as they grow up.