Donal Skehan and Arthur Gourounlian have their say on what is a pretty big decision in most houses.
At some point in almost every family home, the question comes along….’Can we get a pet? A puppy, kitten, hamster, budgie, or even pets that are very popular right now, geckos and lizards.
For many parents, it begins with promises from excited children who swear they will walk the dog every day, clean crates/beds/cages without complaining, and happily take full responsibility forever. But behind the excitement, bringing a pet into a household with young children is often a much bigger decision than many families initially realise.
Getting a pet – the ultimate parenting dilemma?
Pets are often a child’s first experience of unconditional companionship. Affectionate dogs waiting at the door after school, cats curling up beside upset children, or even smaller pets becoming part of daily family routines can create memories that last long into adulthood.
And while many parents dread it, pets can also introduce children to one of life’s hardest lessons: grief.
For many children, the illness or death of a beloved pet becomes their first real understanding of loss. Experts say that while painful, it can also help children begin learning about life cycles, empathy, and coping with sadness in a safe, supported environment.
Donal Skehan and Arthur Gourounlian share their thoughts
One of Ireland’s best-known dads, Arthur Gourounlian, had the conversation about whether or not to get a dog for his two daughters, Blake and Blu, on his podcast ‘Let’s Do This’ with popular TV Chef Donal Skehan, where the two friends spoke about a recent health scare for Donal’s beloved dog, Max, and what pets can mean for a family.
Arthur said that he and his husband Brian Dowling had the discussion about getting a puppy saying, ‘ I love dogs, I absolutely love dogs, and I have read that they are very good for kids, so never say never’.
Donal chimed in, reading an article to Arthur in what seems to be an effort to sway him in favour of getting a dog for the girls, saying that having a dog is ‘Good for learning responsibility for the girls, companionship, emotional development and studies have shown that rhythmically petting your dog, pet or animal can help lower stress and anxiety, and help regulate a persons heart rate’.
Experts say pets can bring enormous benefits to children, from companionship and emotional comfort to teaching empathy, patience, and responsibility. But timing can also make a huge difference.
For families with toddlers or babies, the reality of adding a puppy, kitten, or other animal into an already busy household can sometimes feel overwhelming. Young children may struggle to understand boundaries around animals, while parents often end up managing both childcare and pet care simultaneously.
Many child development experts believe that primary school age is often when children begin to truly understand the responsibility involved in caring for a pet. At that stage, they are usually better able to help with feeding, grooming, and routines, and to form strong emotional bonds with animals. And for many children, those bonds become incredibly important as they grow up.
Of course, pets are not always magical storybook experiences. They are expensive, messy, noisy, and time-consuming. Puppies chew furniture, cats scratch sofas, and somebody always ends up cleaning something unpleasant off the kitchen floor.
But despite the chaos, many parents say the joy often outweighs the stress.
Because long after toys are forgotten, and childhood phases disappear, many adults still remember the names of the pets they grew up with, and the comfort those animals brought during some of the biggest moments of childhood.
Psychologists also say growing up with pets can help children develop emotional awareness in ways parents may not immediately notice. Caring for an animal teaches consistency, gentleness, and the understanding that another living creature depends on them.
