Need help choosing a pet for your family? With the help of Dr. Gary Ryder, DVM and Expert on JustAnswer.com, we've ranked the best pets for kids from most to least kid-friendly

Best Pet for Kids:

1. Large DOGS like Labs are typically friendly and encourage kids to be active outdoors.

Plus:
Kids and Pets: A Safety Guide
4 Rules for Naming a Pet
Coping with a Missing Pet

2. CATS are playful and pretty easy for kids to care for, but won’t hesitate to scratch.

Plus:
Kids and Pets: A Safety Guide
4 Rules for Naming a Pet
Coping with a Missing Pet

3. HAMSTERS can be fun to watch and handle, but they require frequent cage cleanings and have a short life span.

Plus:
Kids and Pets: A Safety Guide
4 Rules for Naming a Pet
Coping with a Missing Pet

4. FISH require bowl cleanings and can’t be handled, so kids get bored.

Plus:
Kids and Pets: A Safety Guide
4 Rules for Naming a Pet
Coping with a Missing Pet

Least Kid-friendly:

5. TURTLES, like all reptiles, can carry salmonella (eek!).

Plus:
Kids and Pets: A Safety Guide
4 Rules for Naming a Pet
Coping with a Missing Pet