5 ways to encourage a love of animals in children

Advertorial – Post in collaboration with Very 

We often talk about how we think our six year old son, Freddie, should be a veterinarian. He has such a lovely way with animals; he loves to interact with them, is always intrigued by them and wants to look after them; which is always wonderful to watch but upsetting that my allergy to many animals, prevents him from realising his dreams. He has always wanted a variety of animals to tend to and care for but it’s just not practical within our home so we are always looking for alternative ways for him to spend time with animals. 

Visit Animal Farms and Petting Zoos 

If you or someone else in the family has an allergy to animals, it can be tricky to navigate. One of the ways we try and minimise the contact but encourage the love for animals is to take our children to animal farms, petting zoos and wildlife sanctuaries. These outdoor settings minimise allergen exposure for me while allowing my children to see and interact with a variety of animals. Freddie’s favourite animals to see on the farm have to be the Llama’s as they look super cute and have brilliant facial expressions! 

Encourage play at home 

We were recently sent My Puppy’s Home Playset and the Lil’ Mouse PlaySet from Little Live Pets and they have been a huge hit with Freddie. Little Live Pets gives your children the full adoption experience with various ways to play and enjoy bonding with their new furry friends. 

Freddie was super excited to have his very own puppy and couldn’t wait to unbox him and play. The My Puppy’s Home Playset includes everything you need to welcome your new puppy. The set comes with a build your own doghouse complete with welcome mat and bowl. Little ones can name their new puppy and write their name above the door of their new home. Freddie decided to call his new puppy, Maddox. 

The puppy is interactive and makes over 25 sounds and reactions. Freddie’s favourite reaction is when he gives Maddox the bone in his mouth and Maddox can be heard chewing. After playtime, Maddox falls asleep and can be heard snoring happily away. It is super cute and Freddie has really enjoyed caring for Maddox at home. 

The set also comes with a pet adoption certificate so the Puppy’s new owner can be named. This gives a sense of belonging and responsibility and encourages little ones to really care for their new puppy. 

Freddie has really enjoyed spending time with Maddox, his new Puppy. He has moved his little doghouse into his bedroom and he talks to him every morning before school. It’s super cute to see him interacting with the puppy and caring for him. 

Visits to friends and family 

Whilst we cannot have many pets within our family home, that doesn’t stop us visiting friends and family who have pets themselves. We have friends who have cats, hamsters and rabbits and Freddie always loves to see them and help, where he can, to look after them. 

Watching live streams from the zoo 

We love to log online and watch animals in their natural habitat. Many zoos stream live footage of their animals so people all around the world can watch as they sleep, eat and play. These streams can provide educational and entertaining animal experiences for children who may never get the opportunity to see these animals in real life. 

Other experiences to enjoy 

There are lots of other experiences that children can get involved in to encourage their love of animals. There are party experiences where reptiles and amphibians are showcased to children within a party setting; wildlife sanctuaries are always keen for volunteers and this can be a safe and informative way of children learning all about animals, bugs and insects within their local community and cat / dog cafe’s are popping up around the country and are a safe way for children to enjoy some quality time with a furry friend or two. We are keen to continue Freddie’s love for animals and hope his enjoyment of them extends into his future.