Kids and Pets: The Shared Benefits of the Family Pet

Greg Young • June 19, 2017

The Mutual Benefits of Having a Family Pet

Ask any pet lover about his or her first pet and you’ll likely get a gushing adult recalling some of the happiest, most fulfilling memories from childhood. In short, kids and pets go together like peanut butter and jelly.

Caring for and loving a pet is a veritable childhood rite of passage, and adopting a pet is possibly one of the most worthwhile adventures your family can have together. As such, we’d like to shine a little light on the important bond between kids and pets, and the ways in which pets contribute to a growing child’s development.

Magical Moments

The human-animal bond is magical at any age, but children are perhaps more respondent to the role pets can play within the family dynamic. Pets can quickly become a best friend, co-conspirator, or protector, and even more so if the child has an active imagination. Beyond being a great cuddle buddy at night or nap-time, pets can also be depended on to help a child in the following ways:


  • Physical – Kids and pets can keep each other busy and active for hours at a time. Certain developmental milestones can not only be reached but enhanced by active time spent walking, playing fetch, and general horseplay. Furthermore, your child’s developing motor skills can get practice by grooming, bathing, and feeding your family pet.
  • Social – Animals lovers make great conversationalists and children can quickly engage with others over the mutual interest in a pet. Pets make excellent bridges between people and, if your child is reserved, he or she may learn the ropes of social interactions by way of a happy-go-lucky, non-judgemental pet. Teaching your child about the needs of the family pet also creates compassion and empathy for other beings.
  • Emotional – Caring for a pet can dramatically increase your child’s confidence and self-esteem. Instill a powerful sense of responsibility and watch it flourish as your child graduates from playing with to feeding to grooming, and so on. This also creates independence and reinforces the bond between your pet and child.

Kids and Pets – Basic Care Covered

Your close supervision and involvement is crucial to everyone’s – your child’s and your pet’s – safety, health, and comfort. By bolstering your child’s interest in pet care you are creating a future responsible pet owner, and feeding the spark between kids and pets is an important endeavor. Of course, you will be the pet’s primary caregiver, but you can include your child in the following ways:

  • Wellness exams
  • The importance of necessary vaccinations
  • Behavior patterns
  • Training

For The Love Of Kids And Pets

Whether you adopt an older shelter pet, or decide a puppy or kitten is the right choice for your family, we are here to help you get started. Request an appointment and bring your child with you; we’d be happy to support your family’s new addition, and any questions you may have along the way.


The choice you make together will change your child’s life – and the family pet’s – forever, and will hopefully set the tone for lifelong connection to animals and responsible pet ownership. If you need any assistance or guidance ensuring a smooth transition for your children and your pets, call Good Mojo Pet Care today!

Cat Leash Training: It Can (and Should) Be Done!

By Greg Young • July 6, 2017
It’s common knowledge that the daily walk is a necessity for most dogs. Not only does walking provide exercise and increase bonding, it also provides your sweet pup with an important daily dose of interest and excitement. But why should dogs have all the fun? Animal behaviorists are learning that many of the same training techniques used on dogs can be tweaked to apply to our feline friends as well. This means that cats can derive of the benefits of fun, exercise, and fresh air, while still living safely indoors. Our cat leash training tips are simple and effective, and should have you and kitty hitting the sidewalks in no time. Gear and Goodies Now that you are getting ready to expose kitty to the big, bright world, make sure he or she is healthy enough for the task at hand. Being outside increases your cat’s risk of exposure to parasites and transmissible diseases. Set up a wellness exam for your pet prior to your first outing to ensure that he or she is healthy and up-to-date on vaccines and parasite preventives. Time to gather up the right gear for the job! Don’t attach the leash to a collar, since these are easy for cats to slip out of. Instead, opt for a harness or walking jacket designed specifically for cats. The lightweight leash should not exceed 4-6 feet in length for safety purposes. Make sure you have a few delicious morsels on hand to use as rewards during training. Be certain your cat’s harness or collar has current ID tags, and if he or she hasn’t been microchipped yet, we encourage you to do so before you begin your outdoor adventures. Cat Leash Training 101 Acquiring any new skill takes time and patience, and cat leash training is no exception to the rule. Place the harness or jacket on your cat during times when he or she seems relaxed to create a positive association. Once your cat seems comfortable with the harness, attach the leash. Allow your cat to lead you around the house as you loosely hold the leash in your hand. Now you’re ready to take it outside. Practice in the yard or other secure area for several days to get your cat used to the new sights, sounds, and sensations of the outdoors. Try walking up and down your street. If your cat seems ready, graduate to a small park or green space and let kitty explore, making sure no dogs are nearby, just in case. Always supervise your cat, and never allow him or her off leash. If at any point your cat appears to be in fear or reluctant to continue, return home and try again when he or she is calm. Keep in mind that walking a cat is not like walking a dog! Your walks with kitty will very likely be much shorter and slower than they would be with a dog. You will mostly be following your cat’s lead as he or she sniffs, nuzzles, rolls, and explores the surroundings. Although we recommend that all cats live indoors for their health, safety, and longevity, we recognize that cat leash training is a powerful tool for giving cats some of the freedom and flexibility they crave. Please don’t hesitate to contact the staff at Mojo Pet Care with any questions or concerns you may have.