We had a dog prior to our children coming along but they’ve never asked. I think we would consider a fish of some sort first. Other pets like dogs, cats, rabbits etc can be a lot to maintain if you’re working full time and being a mum on top.

i think fishes will be a great start

Agree with some other mums. Get a low maintenance pet like a goldfish to begin with. Don’t overload yourself. It’s hard juggling everything as a single mum.

Disagree with the chicken suggestions. Op has said their yard is fully paved. Chickens love sand dusting, scratching at grass and looking for bugs. Pavers just magnify heat. It’s not suitable for any pet.

A gold fish. Nice and easy, cleaning the tank is the only major task.

What would happen to the pet while you’re working and your daughter is at school. Once she has a few friends the pet won’t get as much attention so the responsibility will fall solely on you. I’d wait for a year or two if I was you.

I agree with mom171039, chickens are great !

Five may still be a bit young for a pet. Maybe wait two or three years when she can take on some real responsibility to help to look after it. Also….the expenses of a cat or a dog are quite a bit. Yearly vet check, worming tablets, immunisations, food, etc.

I think a cat fits in well with most families, provided your landlord gives permission. They’re clean and easy to look after and really don’t mind if you’re not there during the day as they tend to sleep then. I’d recommend a kitten so pet and child grow together. You should keep your cat inside too avoid it getting lost or killing wildlife.

Please think very carefully about the pet you pick. You are working, a single Mum and looking after a five year old daughter – its going to increase food expenses, less quality time with your child, and looking after the pet takes time and effort .

Personally, I wouldn’t consider a pet for your daughter – she is too young to look after it and you are too busy as a working mum to give it, no matter what you choose, the attention it needs to not just survive, but to thrive. Nothing wants to be left alone in a house [or yard for that matter] many hours of the day, would you? Explain to your daughter that it would be hurtful and unfair to not be with the pet most hours of the day and that’s why you won’t be getting one.

What about a yabbie? They’re pretty cute and fun to watch once they adapt to the family. I love seeing how vibrant their shells can get depending on the environment you put them in.

A dog! They teach responsibility, can go on holidays and they’re flexible with their love across the family!

I don’t recommend a kitten. My children were 5 when we got one and they were constantly bugging her, picking her up and not listening to me at all when I’d ask them to stop. I even caught one of my children giving her a smack (we had a stern talk). 5 is still incredibly young and can be hard for kids to understand that the pet is not a toy/fragile. With this in mind, I’d recommend a fish or other sea creature.

Get a chicken or 2. We love ours. They are so cute and love hanging with us when we garden. Getting eggs is a bonus. They eat all your scraps. And if you want to go away for a night or 2 They sort themselves out, as long as their food and water is full.