Should you rename your backyard “Animal Planet”? Is there a zealous pet fanatic in your home? You know the type—the child who can’t pass up a stray pup without leaning down to give it a pat and a long hug. Maybe you were once that child and still are at heart.

Kids and pets go together like peanut butter and jelly. Even if the kitten scratches the furniture or the doggy needs more practice making it outside in time, there’s much to gain by making a permanent pet connection for your children. A guinea pig, fish, or bird can be full of personality if you take the time to communicate. Coax them out of their shells unless, of course, they’re hermit crabs. Some claim it’s even possible to train a cat to use a toilet! You won’t know until you try.

It doesn’t take long for pets to become members of the family. Every animal lover has a story about how his or her dog, cat, guinea pig, or fill-in-the-blank pet expressed intense affection when the owner was feeling the lowest.

Without doubt, animals are capable of exhibiting love, fear, pain, sadness, loneliness, and joy. Teach your child that God loves every animal, no matter how small. No animal should be viewed as disposable or “not worth the trouble.”

Animal care teaches kids to take responsibility for another living thing—making sure their creature has fresh water, healthy food, and a clean place to sleep. Your children help guard God’s worldwide zoo. In doing so, they begin to understand the bond between man and beast. They get a sense of why the Maker of the universe even keeps such careful track of a fallen sparrow.