By the time they pet their first puppies, many children are already begging for a pet. While some parents are discouraged by the potential workload involved in a pet, having a new friend around can actually be beneficial for the whole family. At The Pet Hale in Mililani, Hawaii, the family-owned pet store offers lovable pet tortoises, birds, guinea pigs, bunniesm and ethically sourced puppies that will light up your child’s life.

In case you’re still not sure, here are a few benefits of getting a pet for your child:

• Responsibility & Nurturing: Having a puppy or guinea pig around will teach your child about responsibility and caring for another living being. They will also learn how to properly handle delicate creatures, which teaches them a valuable lesson in empathy.
• Learning: Having an animal around is a valuable learning experience in many more ways. Not only will they likely ask all kinds of questions about their new friend, but young children are likely to talk about, read about, and interact with your pet, which facilitates learning and growth.
• Comfort: It’s no secret that a loving pet can cheer anyone up, but this is especially true of children. If they’re having a bad day or just need to talk, their pet will always be there. Having a pet also serves as a talking point to bond with other children.
• Family Bond: Pets can bring families together in surprising ways, even if it is a relatively tiny addition like a pet turtle or lovebird. This new life lends a sense of common ground, sharing, and closeness between family members and their pet.

Having a pet is also tons of fun for the whole family. At Hawaii’s favorite pet store, they have a wide selection of birds, guinea pigs, and puppies that are always sourced from families and no-kill shelters. As animal lovers themselves, their family-oriented staff wishes to spread the joy of pets to their neighbors on the island.

To find the perfect addition for your family, bring your child to Hawaii’s best pet store. Specializing in birds, they have an extensive variety of conures, cockatiels, lovebirds, and more. If you have any questions, call the friendly staff at The Pet Hale today at (808) 696-1083. For more information about their products and services, including pet supplies and accessories, visit their website.