Fish ideal pets for teaching children responsibility

"Different pets have varying benefits and requirements, but before anything else, I'd recommend families consider the age of their children, how much interaction the kids will have with the pet and the degree of responsibility the parents want to take for the general care of the pet."

Dogs and cats require a lot of care and maintenance but pets such as fish and hamsters demand less work. However, they still need love and attention, of course.

Fish can be a great start for children, says Gething. "They can teach care and responsibility without needing large amounts of time and upkeep. The equipment required for a simple tank is also fairly cost-effective, and easy to set up."

Instead of a typical goldfish, Gething suggests getting a betta, also known as Siamese fighting fish. "The males are beautifully coloured and have long flowing fins. They are also one of the few fish that are able to breathe air, and don't need a tank with aerators."

Care and feeding are simple, he says, and they need just a small aquarium. Despite the name, they are placid creatures, as long as they are kept alone. And always use de-chlorinating drops to treat tap water before using it in the tank, he adds.

Tortoises and terrapins also make good starter pets. "There are a number of types of tortoise and terrapin, some of which live on land and some need water to swim in, so make sure to check the requirements."