When Paws and Playmates Collide — Safety Tips for Kids and Pets
While watching your child and pet play together is endearing, safety should always come first. Here's what to do to make sure nothing goes awry during playtime.
Reviewed by Dr. Tracy Duffner
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STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Always stay close when kids and pets play — what starts as harmless fun can quickly turn stressful if either gets scared, overwhelmed, or doesn’t understand the other’s signals
- Not all pets enjoy the chaos of kids. Choose animals with temperaments that match your child’s energy and teach both sides to interact gently and respectfully
- Kids should learn to ask before petting, use soft hands, and recognize when a pet wants space. Pets also need training to stay calm and behave safely around children
- Create safe zones for your pets, separate toys, and watch for stress signals like growling or hiding — small changes at home can prevent big problems later
- When you patiently guide kids and pets through early interactions, you create trust, empathy, and friendship that can grow into a lasting, loving connection
Watching your kids play with your pet is one of the most joyful parts of life at home. There is nothing quite like hearing the giggles that come when your toddler gets their face licked by your dog, or the quiet calm of a child gently stroking a purring cat. These moments can be magical — but they can also be unpredictable.
Kids and pets do not always speak the same language. A young child may not realize that squeezing the family cat is too rough. A dog might not understand that a screaming toddler is just excited, not threatening. That is why it is so important to set up playtime in a way that keeps both kids and pets safe, happy, and feeling understood.
Why You Should Always Supervise Play Between Kids and Pets
Remember the golden rule: never leave a young child alone with a pet, no matter how gentle or well-behaved the animal is. Even the gentlest pet can get scared or overwhelmed. And kids, especially young ones, can act in ways that are confusing or even frightening to pets.
Imagine this scenario: your toddler is playing with the family dog, tossing a toy back and forth. Suddenly, your child grabs the dog’s tail and excitedly shouts, "Let’s go!" For most dogs, this situation can be startling, and they may end up growling and scaring your child. In a split second, the mood shifts from sweet to scary.
This is why supervision is so crucial. You will need to act as the translator and safety officer during playtime. As a pet parent and human parent, you will need to guide the action, teach what is proper and what is not, and step in before things go sideways. Being present and watching over their playtime will help you prevent these unfortunate situations from happening and escalating, keeping both your child and your pet safe.
Choose the Right Pet for Your Family
Bringing a new pet into a home with kids is exciting, but it is definitely not something to rush into. Not all animals are great with children, and not all kids are ready for the responsibility of a pet.
If you are adopting, ask about the pet’s background. Has this pet lived with children before? Does it get nervous with loud noises or sudden movements? Is it okay being touched or handled?1
A high-energy dog might be great for an active family, while a quiet cat might be a better fit for a child who enjoys calm, gentle play. If your child is very young, a small pet like a rabbit or guinea pig might seem like a good idea, but keep in mind that small animals are fragile and do not always like being handled too much.
Also, consider the age of the pet in relation to your child’s age. Puppies and kittens tend to adapt better to busy households, but they will need a lot of training. Older pets might be calmer but more set in their ways.
The bottom line? The better the match between your child and your pet, the smoother and safer the relationship will be.
Help Your Child Feel Comfortable with Animals
Some kids love animals from the moment they meet them. Others might be scared, unsure, or even uninterested. That’s all right. What is important is you must not force a child to pet or hold an animal if they are not ready. Instead, let them go at their own pace. Sit beside them, talk gently to the pet, and show your child how to interact safely.
For example, if your child is nervous around dogs, try starting with small, calm ones. Let your child sit on your lap while the dog lies nearby. Point out the dog’s soft fur or wagging tail and say things like, "Look, she’s happy! She likes being near us." It can take time, but with patience and encouragement, most kids will grow more comfortable. The goal is to build trust — not just between your child and the animal, but within your child, too.
Teach Your Pets To Be Kid-Friendly
Your pet also needs help learning how to behave around children. The younger your pet, the easier it will be to teach good habits — but even older pets can learn. Start with these basic training goals:2
- Teach your dog not to jump up, especially on small children.
- Use commands like "leave it," "stay," and "gentle" during playtime.
- Train cats to stay calm when being approached or touched.
- Socialize your pet gradually by exposing them to kids in calm, controlled settings.
If your pet shows signs of fear, aggression, or stress around kids, talk to your vet or work with a trainer or behavior specialist who understands family dynamics. As for little pets, like hamsters, rabbits, lizards, or birds, there are some important considerations for you to think about.
- Small mammals and reptiles should always be held with two hands and close to the ground, as they can be easily injured if dropped.
- Reptiles like turtles and lizards can carry bacteria,3 so make sure your kids always wash their hands after touching, handling, or playing with these pets.
- Tapping on a fish tank will stress out your quiet and peaceful marine pets — Don’t let your child put anything in their tank either, as this could create stress and upset their balance.
What Kids Need to Learn About Pets
To a young child, pulling on a dog’s ears or chasing a cat around the house may seem like a fun way to play with their animal friend, but to pets, it can be a source of stress. That is why kids need clear, kind lessons about how to treat animals with care. Here are some basic rules to teach:
- Always ask before petting, even with familiar animals.
- Let the pet come to you, not the other way around.
- Use gentle hands — no grabbing, poking, or pulling.
- Never bother pets when they are eating, sleeping, or hiding; do not enter a pet’s crate with the pet inside.
- Respect "no" signals, like growling, hissing, lip curling, "side eyes," or walking away.
One helpful trick is to talk about the pet’s point of view. Explain it to them in understandable ways, like "How would you feel if someone woke you up by poking you?" or "What do you think the cat is trying to tell us by hiding?" When kids learn to be considerate about their pets’ feelings, they will treat them with more kindness and respect.
Set Up a Pet-Friendly Home
Creating a safe environment for both kids and pets doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a few small changes can make a huge impact.
One of the first things you must do is to provide a safe zone for your pet, where they can go when they need quiet time. Also, make sure to keep your pet’s toys and kids’ toys separate. Setting these boundaries early helps avoid confusion and keeps your home calm and organized.
Watch Out for Warning Signs of Stress
Unfortunately, pets cannot use words to tell you they are upset about something in your home. Even so, they are always communicating. Knowing how to spot the signs can help you step in before a situation gets out of hand. Here’s what to look for:
- Growling, hissing, barking, or swatting
- Ears pinned back, tail tucked, or fur standing up
- Panting (when they haven’t been active)
- Hiding, backing away, or pacing
- Side eye, or dilated pupils in good lighting
- Lip curling or wrinkling of the muzzle
If you notice any of these, calmly separate your child and pet. Give both a break and regroup when everyone is calmer. Avoid yelling or punishment — it just adds stress. Instead, focus on what you can learn from the situation and try again later.
Help Your Child and Fur-Child Grow Together Safely and Happily
Helping your child and your pet learn to live and play together is one of the best gifts you can give your family. It teaches your child how to be gentle and thoughtful, while allowing your pet to feel safe and loved. It also creates a home full of warmth, trust, and connection.
