The 8 Best Children’s Books About Pets for New Pet Owners Available Today

Written by Maxwell Martinson
Updated: April 12, 2023
© Nina Buday/Shutterstock.com

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A childhood pet can make a lasting impact on a person’s life. Close connections help to develop compassion, responsibility, feelings of belonging, and much more.

That connection doesn’t always fall perfectly into place, however. You often need some supplemental tools like books to help your child understand their pets and care for them properly.

We’ve compiled a list of great books that help children learn about pet care, responsibility, and more. We’ve even included a few books that are made for unique pets, specifically.

Let’s dive in.

  1. Look & Learn: Pets
    • Published by National Geographic
    • Helpful for children who might be a little timid around animals
    • Great illustrations
    Check Amazon
  2. Gordon's Guide to Caring for Your Guinea Pigs (Pets' Guides)
    • About a guinea pig named Gordon
    • Helps your child work through all of the necessary products, supplies, skills, and attitudes needed to care for a guinea pig
    • Will familiarize your child with guinea pigs
    Check Amazon
  3. Caring for Your Pets: A Book About Veterinarians (Community Workers)
    • Covers the ins and outs of what a veterinarian is
    •  Addresses why your animal might not enjoy going to the vet 
    • Will set your child up for a lifetime of responsible pet ownership
    Check Amazon
  4. How to Care for Your Dog: A Color & Learn Guide for Kids (Dover Kids Activity Books: Animals)
    • Educational coloring book for kids 3-8 years old
    • Contains a neat chart detailing their dog ownership responsibilities
    • Helps children understand various tasks like walking, bathing, and taking the dog to the vet
    Check Amazon
  5. A Kid's Guide to Cats: How to Train, Care for, and Play and Communicate with Your Amazing Pet!
    • Goes through everything that a child would ever want to know about cats
    • Full of interesting details and illustrations
    • Great for early readers ages 8-12
    Check Amazon
  6. When a Pet Dies
    • An invaluable book for parents with aging pets
    • A sensitive way to teach your children about some unfortunate realities of life
    • Written by Mr. Rogers
    Check Amazon
  7. The Little Book of Pets: Children’s Book about Pets, Animals, How to Care for Pets, Kids Ages 3 10, Preschool, Kindergarten, First Grade
    • Teaches kids the responsibility of caring for a pet.
    • A useful resource for parents and teachers.
    • Written for children ages 3 through 10.
    • Cartoon illustrations featured throughout.
    Check Amazon
  8. Much To Do Before A Dog
    • Charming story about a girl who wants to adopt a dog
    • Details the process of working up to dog ownership and responsibility
    • Great way to illustrate to your child why they may not (yet) be ready for an animal
    Check Amazon

A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for the Best Children’s Books About Pets

1. Look & Learn: Pets by National Geographic Kids 

If your child hasn’t decided on their dream pet quite yet, Look & Learn: Pets is a great place to start. This National Geographic book for kids highlights some of the best and friendliest pets that families can bring home.

This board book is particularly helpful for children three to five years old who might be a little timid around furry creatures and uncertain if they really want to bring one home.

Look & Learn: Pets will help them get a better grasp on what different types of pets are like, why they’re so much fun, and more.

Pros and Cons of Look & Learn: Pets by National Geographic Kids 

ProsCons
This book is ideal for kids that haven’t decided which type of pet they want, yet.None
It’s also great for kids who may be a little timid around animals and unsure whether they really want a pet at this time.
The book provides an excellent overview of what different types of pets are like.
It’s geared toward kids three to five and available in board book format.
Look & Learn: Pets
  • Published by National Geographic
  • Helpful for children who might be a little timid around animals
  • Great illustrations
Check Amazon

2. Gordon’s Guide to Caring for Your Guinea Pigs by Isabel Thomas (Author), Rick Charles Peterson (Illustrator)

Gordon’s Guide to Caring for Your Guinea Pigs by Isabel Thomas (Author), Rick Charles Peterson (Illustrator) is directed by a fun and friendly guinea pig named Gordon. He helps your child work through all of the necessary products, supplies, skills, and attitudes needed to care for guinea pigs.

(AZ Animals’ note: Guinea pigs are herd animals and should always be housed in groups of two or more. A male and a female, one or both of which is neutered, or two females are usually the best pairings, since two males may fight.)

Your child will become familiar with the idea of engaging with guinea pigs through Gordon, getting them started with the process from the second they begin reading.

Guinea pigs are fun, intelligent, sweet creatures that are great partners in crime for kids who might not want a larger animal in the house.

This book is appropriate for kids six to eight years old and is available in Kindle, paperback, and illustrated library binding formats.

A couple of readers said that this book was too basic and didn’t contain enough details.

Pros and Cons of Gordon’s Guide to Caring for Your Guinea Pigs by Isabel Thomas (Author), Rick Charles Peterson (Illustrator)

ProsCons
This book is narrated by a friendly guinea pig named Gordon, that will help your kid learn all the products, supplies, skills and attitudes they will need to care for a guinea pig.A couple of readers said that this book was too basic and didn’t contain enough details.
(AZ Animals’ note: Guinea pigs are herd animals and should always be housed in groups of two or more. A male and a female, one or both of which is neutered, or two females are usually the best pairings, since two males may fight.)
Guinea pigs are fun, intelligent, sweet creatures that make perfect pets for some kids that don’t want larger animals in the house.
Gordon will walk your child through interacting with guinea pigs.
This book is appropriate for kids six to eight years old and is available in Kindle, paperback, and illustrated library binding formats.
Gordon's Guide to Caring for Your Guinea Pigs (Pets' Guides)
  • About a guinea pig named Gordon
  • Helps your child work through all of the necessary products, supplies, skills, and attitudes needed to care for a guinea pig
  • Will familiarize your child with guinea pigs
Check Amazon

3. Caring for Your Pets: A Book About Veterinarians by Ann Owen (Author), Eric Thomas (Illustrator)

Caring for Your Pets by Ann Owen (author), Eric Thomas (illustrator) covers the ins and outs of what a veterinarian is, how they help animals, and why they’re so important.

Trips to the vet are an essential aspect of pet ownership. The book also covers why your animal might not enjoy going to the vet even though it’s the best thing for them. This can be difficult to accept for a child who sees their animal struggling and wants to help.

Establishing the owner-veterinarian connection early on will set your child up for a lifetime of responsible pet ownership.

This book is geared toward kids ages four through nine and is available in Kindle, audiobook, library binding, and paperback formats.

Pros and Cons of Caring for Your Pets: A Book About Veterinarians by Ann Owen (Author), Eric Thomas (Illustrator)

ProsCons
This book explains what a veterinarian is and how they help pets.None
It also covers why pets may not enjoy going to the vet even though it’s necessary for their health.
Establishing the owner-veterinarian relationship early will set your kid up for a lifetime of responsible pet ownership.
This book is geared toward kids ages four through nine and is available in Kindle, audiobook, library binding, and paperback formats.
Caring for Your Pets: A Book About Veterinarians (Community Workers)
  • Covers the ins and outs of what a veterinarian is
  •  Addresses why your animal might not enjoy going to the vet 
  • Will set your child up for a lifetime of responsible pet ownership
Check Amazon

4. How to Care for Your Dog: A Color & Learn Guide for Kids by Janet Skiles

How to Care for Your Dog: A Color & Learn Guide for Kids by Janet Skiles is an educational coloring book for kids three to eight years old. The book includes color-in images depicting children caring for their dogs in various ways (bathing, taking to the vet, and more).

When they’ve worked through the coloring book, children will find a neat chart detailing their dog ownership responsibilities. It’s a great way to introduce the idea of caring for a dog to a young child, especially one who isn’t the strongest reader quite yet.

The chart allows children to feel like they’re playing a big part in the care of the dog, developing a sense of responsibility and importance when it comes to caring for an animal.

A sole reviewer had the following criticism about this book: “Cute pictures. A little too lengthy for smaller children and too specific. Not all of the situations apply to everyone. I thought it would be more basic and broad; how to take care, how to play, etc. My four-year-old daughter was over it about a page in. The words are far too descriptive for this age. I was really hoping to use this as a tool to prepare her for a new puppy.”

Pros and Cons of How to Care for Your Dog: A Color & Learn Guide for Kids by Janet Skiles

ProsCons
This coloring book is designed to teach kids ages three to eight how to care for their dogs (bathing, taking them to the vet, etc.).One reviewer said that the book was too lengthy and specific for small children.
The back of the coloring book includes a chart detailing dog ownership responsibilities.
How to Care for Your Dog: A Color & Learn Guide for Kids (Dover Kids Activity Books: Animals)
  • Educational coloring book for kids 3-8 years old
  • Contains a neat chart detailing their dog ownership responsibilities
  • Helps children understand various tasks like walking, bathing, and taking the dog to the vet
Check Amazon

5. A Kid’s Guide to Cats: How to Train, Care for, and Play and Communicate with Your Amazing Pet! by Arden Moore 

A Kid’s Guide to Cats: How to Train, Care for, and Play and Communicate with Your Amazing Pet! by Arden Moore covers everything that a child would ever want to know about cats and cat behavior.

They’ll get a good sense of where the housecat sits in relation to other feline species, appreciate what’s possible if you care for your cat properly, and learn on how to give your cat the best life possible.

This book is great for early readers ages eight to 12 who have a deep interest in learning about all things cat. It’s available in Kindle, hardcover, and paperback formats.

A single user had the following criticism: “Nope, don’t waste your money! Kids want to into immediately and figure things out fast, no need to buy this, there aren’t any good tips or anything new to learn.”

Pros and Cons of A Kid’s Guide to Cats: How to Train, Care for, and Play and Communicate with Your Amazing Pet! by Arden Moore 

ProsCons
This book teaches kids ages eight to 12 everything they need to know about cats and their behavior.One reviewer said that there aren’t any good tips in this book.
They’ll get an overview of where housecats sit in relation to other feline species and learn how to car for their cat properly in order to give it the best possible life.
It’s available in Kindle, hardcover, and paperback formats.
A Kid's Guide to Cats: How to Train, Care for, and Play and Communicate with Your Amazing Pet!
  • Goes through everything that a child would ever want to know about cats
  • Full of interesting details and illustrations
  • Great for early readers ages 8-12
Check Amazon

6. When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers

When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers is an invaluable book for parents with ill or aging pets. Mr. Rogers has a brilliant way of making us feel at ease as we learn some of life’s hard truths.

The challenge is that pet death is one of the hard truths that kids have to face. If you’re not experienced with the deaths of pets, this book could be a real benefit to you and your family.

It’s simply a resource that kids ages three to six can use to familiarize themselves with the process and mentally prepare for that difficult day. In many cases, this will be the first death that your child has had to go through.

It’s a challenging thing for us all, and who better than Mr. Rogers to guide you through your first brush with grief?

This book is available in Kindle, school and library binding, and paperback picture book formats.

A couple of reviewers said that this book was old fashioned or “sweet, but dated.”

Pros and Cons of When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers

ProsCons
This book about dealing with the death of a pet was written by Fred Rogers, otherwise known as Mr. Rogers of TV fame.A couple of reviewers said that this book was old fashioned or “sweet, but dated.”
This book can help young kids (ages three to six) familiarize themselves with death and prepare mentally for the impending death of their pet.
This is especially important since, for many children, this will be the first death a child has gone through.
This book is available in Kindle, school and library binding, and paperback picture book formats.
When a Pet Dies
  • An invaluable book for parents with aging pets
  • A sensitive way to teach your children about some unfortunate realities of life
  • Written by Mr. Rogers
Check Amazon

7. The Little Book of Pets by Zack Bush and Laurie Friedman 

The Little Book of Pets by Zack Bush and Laurie Friedman helps children ages three to 10 understand the level of love and care that all animals require.

It goes through the steps of pet care in simple ways, covering the realities of pets’ needs in relation to the care that kids will be responsible for. This book, which is available in Kindle and paperback formats, is an excellent primer, particularly if you think that your child might not fully appreciate what having a pet entails.

One of the mantras in this book is “the more love you give a pet, the more love your pet will give back.”

Pros and Cons of The Little Book of Pets by Zack Bush and Laurie Friedman 

ProsCons
This book helps kids ages three to 10 understand the level of love and care that all pets require.None
It explains the steps of pet care in simple ways, covering pets’ needs in relation to the care that kids will be responsible for.
It’s available in Kindle and paperback formats.
The Little Book of Pets: Children’s Book about Pets, Animals, How to Care for Pets, Kids Ages 3 10, Preschool, Kindergarten, First Grade
  • Teaches kids the responsibility of caring for a pet.
  • A useful resource for parents and teachers.
  • Written for children ages 3 through 10.
  • Cartoon illustrations featured throughout.
Check Amazon

8. Much To Do Before A Dog by Danny Blitz (Author), Sheridan Blitz (Author, Illustrator)

Much To Do Before A Dog by Danny Blitz (author), Sheridan Blitz (author, illustrator) is the timeless tale of a young girl who wants to adopt a dog.

It details the process of working up to dog ownership and conveys the reality that not everyone immediately gets a dog. Instead, your child will relate to the kid in the story who, despite her wishes, has to wait to get a dog until she fully understands the responsibility involved.

This is a perfect allegory to the plight of almost all children who want a pet but can’t have one, yet. Much To Do Before A Dog also touches on the wonderful yet heartbreaking realities of owning an animal.

This book is geared toward kids ages five to eight and is available in Kindle, hardcover picture book, and softcover picture book.

Pros and Cons of Much To Do Before A Dog by Danny Blitz (Author), Sheridan Blitz (Author, Illustrator)

ProsCons
This book is about the timeless tale of a young girl who wants to adopt a dog.None
It details the concept of working up to dog ownership and conveys the reality that not everyone gets a dog immediately.
It will help your child relate to the kid in the book who has to wait to get a dog until she understands the responsibility involved.
It’s geared toward kids ages five to eight and is available in Kindle, hardcover picture book, and softcover picture book.
Much To Do Before A Dog
  • Charming story about a girl who wants to adopt a dog
  • Details the process of working up to dog ownership and responsibility
  • Great way to illustrate to your child why they may not (yet) be ready for an animal
Check Amazon

What’s the Right Pet Care Book for You?

The books above are geared toward young children, and most of them center on the idea of responsibility and care. Depending on the age of your child or the specific type of animal you’re planning on acquiring, various books in this list might stand out to you more.

That said, a good rule to go by is emphasizing the fundamentals of pet care before focusing on the specifics. For example, you might want to invest in Much To Do Before A Dog to teach your child about pet ownership before you adopt a dog.

About the Author

Hi! I'm Max and I'm a writer from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I've been freelancing for more than five years and love the freedom and variety that this profession offers. Animals are also a big part of my life, and a lot of my time is dedicated to playing with my cat, Herbie.

The 8 Best Children’s Books About Pets for New Pet Owners Available Today FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

When’s the right age for a childhood pet?

It’s generally recommended that parents wait until a child is older than four years old to purchase a new pet. Younger children may not be able to control their angry or frustrated impulses toward the animal, and this could cause the animal to lash out in different ways.

So, for the safety of the child and the pet, it’s best to wait until after the age of four years old.

What is the best pet for kids?

This is a difficult question, as individual animals come equipped with their own personalities. On one hand, you could say that the smallest, least dangerous animal is the best for kids.

So, a mouse might be a great choice. On the other hand, a well-behaved Labrador retriever could become your child’s best friend and teach them invaluable life lessons.

Try to find sensitive animals and do your best to train them. Well-trained animals who belong to compassionate owners are generally very kid-friendly.

Why do kids want pets so badly?

While it might seem natural to want a pet, it’s worth thinking about why kids are so interested in them. It’s believed that kids want pets because they provide reliable companionship and a sense of belonging.

Many animals, especially dogs, tend to offer selfless affection and love to their owners, which is something that children can benefit from immensely.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.