Even if they don't own a pet, kids love pet games. Pet games can provide comfort and fun for kids who cannot own a real pet due to allergies, where they live or for other reasons.
Pet games for kids come in many forms, including virtual pets, free online pet games, computer games, pet games for cell phones, plush pets, board games and, of course, pet games played with a real pet.
Virtual Pets
Children can adopt digital pets that have to be fed at certain times, thrive on routine and can actually "die" if not cared for properly.
At AdoptMe, your child chooses the type of animal, the color and even the clothes it will wear. Go to http://www.adoptme.com.
VirtualPet offers an extensive list of places to find a virtual pet for your child. Go to http://www.virtualpet.com/vp/links/links.htm. One site, FooPets, for example, lets you adopt a realistic-looking pet. Go to http://www.foopets.com/adopt.
At ShowCattle, your child can take care of a steer, just as she would at 4H. Go to http://www.showcattle.com/.
Video Pet Games to Buy
Video pet games have been created for every gaming console from Nintendo to Wii. They can be purchased for both handheld and console game systems.
The educational software game "Vet Life" allows your child to learn about being a veterinarian. Some cell phones and iPhone also have software for pet games. iPod Touch has many pet games to buy and at least 13 free games to try. See Resources for links.
Free Online Pet Games
A pet game on Animal Planet has a dog catching flying disks in the air to gain points. Go to http://animal.discovery.com/features/expo/frisbee-game/frisbee-game.html. There also are fantasy pet games in case your kid's idea of a pet is his own winged dragon. There is even a pet game site that allows you to play as a parasite on a pet. Go to http://animal.discovery.com/tv/monsters-inside-me/pet-parasite/.
No Batteries or Electricity Required
A plush pet can become a forever friend. They are made with fake fur, organic wools and organic cotton. Handcrafted needle-felted pets are available as dogs, hamsters, rats, iguanas and almost any other pet your child has dreamed of owning.
Pet-oriented board games based on Monopoly are also available, including Dog-opoly, Cat-opoly, Pony-opoly and more. Tractor Supply stores carry the most options. Pet Detectives is a simple card game with the goal of finding lost pets.
Games with Real Pets
Perhaps the best pet games are the ones that give a child plenty of exercise. Encourage your child to toss a Frisbee for his dog every day. Tug-of-war with a rope will promote coordination and muscle development. Other age-old games to play with a pet are fetch, hide and seek, keep away and Simon says.
Instigate role-playing games with your children and the pets in your home. Provide a cape and a bandana so they can be Super Dog and Super Kid. They can slay dragons and save Mom (the queen) from doing the dishes. Pretending to be a dog trainer will help train the dog as well provide a pet game to play.
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