Summer is here and it’s a great opportunity to introduce a new pet to the family, especially since kids have the time to adjust to their new family member before the back-to-school rush. From furry to feathered or scaled to finned, PetSmart (NASDAQ:PETM) has the resources to help families select and care for their perfect first pet.

“Small animals such as fish, guinea pigs and lizards, make fantastic pets because they teach children about responsibility and how to care for, love and appreciate their new family member,” says PetSmart’s Specialty Pets Expert John Gerstenberger.

Selecting the best pet depends on each individual family, and considerations should include the age and personality of the children, as well as the family’s lifestyle and schedule. Parents who have children ages 10 and under can consider small animals because they are easier for kids to care for and interact with.

PetSmart created a list of good first pets and some of their fun features. They include:

• Bearded Dragon: They get their name from the dark skin found under their throat which when puffed-up looks like a beard. Bearded dragons are active and gentle by nature; children will love watching them climb all over rocks and branches in their terrarium.
• Betta Fish: These tropical fish come in a variety of beautiful colors and may greet you by pressing their “faces” against the tank.
• Guinea Pig: They are naturally social creatures and enjoy the companionship of other Guinea Pigs as well as interaction with pet parents. Guinea pigs sleep at night and are active during the day, so children have ample time to play and engage with them. They also interact with their pet parents through a variety of vocalizations.
• Leopard Gecko: These lizards are clean, docile and easy to hold, but they require careful handling, making them better pets for children 10 and older. Leopard geckos like to chase their food (live insects), which is fun to watch.
• Parakeet: They are social, active birds who love to play with toys and interact with their pet parents. Children will enjoy teaching their parakeet tricks such as how to “step up” and “step down” from one’s hand. They can even learn to whistle and talk.
• Aquatic Turtle: These creatures are highly entertaining pets because they like to swim, as well as hang out on land. Kids will get a kick out of seeing turtles bask on the land with their legs extended soaking up the UV rays, and then slide back into the water.

Parents can go to www.petsmart.com to learn more about these small animals, their characteristics, habitat and nutrition needs, as well as why they are good first pets for children. Once parents have chosen the right pet for their family, a PetSmart associate can help select the right habitat and food for that pet.

Put Safety First

All animals have special handling and maintenance needs that are important to maintain for both the health of pets and children. Since pets can be sensitive to dirt and chemicals found on human skin, PetSmart recommends pet parents wash their hands and arms before and after holding or touching the animal to lower the risk of transferring bacteria. Parents should supervise every pet care activity and interaction between their children and pets to ensure the proper care and attention is given.

About PetSmart

PetSmart, Inc. is the largest specialty pet retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. The company employs approximately 45,000 associates and operates more than 1,160 pet stores in the United States and Canada, 165 in-store PetSmart PetsHotel(R) cat and dog boarding facilities, and is a leading online provider of pet supplies and pet care information (http://www.petsmart.com). PetSmart provides a broad range of competitively priced pet food and pet products; and offers complete pet training, pet grooming, pet boarding, PetSmart(R) Doggie Day Camp (SM) pet day care services and pet adoption services. Since 1994, PetSmart Charities, Inc., an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization and the largest funder of animal welfare efforts in North America, has provided more than $109 million in grants and programs benefiting animal welfare organizations. Through its in-store pet adoption partnership with PetSmart Charities(R), PetSmart has helped save the lives of more than 4 million pets.

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