Fish are the easiest pets. I’d be glad it wasn’t something harder to take care of

My daughter is always asking for a pet, even though we already have 2 dogs and a cat. Is there a pet that you would consider having as a compromise? Also, how old is the child? Are they old enough that they could demonstrate responsibility in caring for a pet on their own? At the end of the day, if you don’t want to do it, your word goes. Sometimes a pet is impractical because you might go away on holidays a lot, etc. All things to think about.

If you get a fighting fish please keep in mind they are a tropical species and will need a heater and thermostat, a filter for the water, and a tank at least 11L big. They are such lovely fish.

Ohhh I have been in this fishy situation before. I caged and we ended up getting. a small tank with about 8 fish…..which ended up getting stinky, lots of cleaning but all the fish ended up going to fish heaven. Next time around we went with a Siamese fighting fish – so much better!! Smaller tank, not smelly and sooooooo pretty and mesmerising to watch! Our last siamese fighting fish lasted about 4years and he was beautiful. Perhaps check them out as an option, They only need a small tank and are very beautiful.

Also; it is always a good idea to get books on possible pets and read and research them. The local library and bookshop should have a good range of books on pets. It can be good for children to read books on possible pets and get a good of idea of what will be needed to care for them.

I completely get it! Hubby is fish obsessed and we have 6 massive tanks in the garage. They stink to me and need constant cleaning. I’d just tell your child no and they will move on with it. Or maybe get an animal you’re willing and happy to have in your home.

Owning any pet is always a big responsibility and it really does have to be well considered and researched. When a child wants a pet they have to be responsible for the care of the pet; in this instance feeding the fish and maintaining and cleaning the fish tank. Pet ownership and responsibility depends on the age of the child too and their ability to take on the responsibility of pet ownership. If they are not old enough for the care and responsibility of a pet; then possibly delay and revisit the request when they are older.

Another idea could be that you visit the people for whom you have been baby sitting the fish tank ond ask them if your child could be involved to care for the fish on a regularly basis.
Other ways could be
Volunteer at or visit Rescue Centres.
Visit the Pet store.
Go to Pet Events.
Help out Friends and Family with a pet
Become a Dog Walker.
Borrow a pet for a while.

First of all, how old is your child and is your child able to carry responsibility ?
Talk to your child about the many responsibilities of owning an animal, and be clear that life moments are not appropriate times to gift a pet. This discussion will give you time to think about whether your child is ready to help take care of a pet, and will encourage your child to take time to think about it, as well.
You could also have a round the table discussion about alternatives of a fish. Would you be open for another pet ? And if so try to divert the discussion into that direction.

This is a hard situation because your child really wants the pet, but it sounds like they are still at an age where you would be the main carer of the fish. If it’s something you don’t have any desire to do then you shouldn’t consider it. It’s very hard to convince a child out from wanting a pet, they only see the fun upsides to it. Maybe explain that they need to be bigger to take on that much responsibility, but you’re so proud of their love of animals and eagerness to learn.