It’s no secret that children love animals. Most pet lovers first connect with animals during childhood; for many of us, that first impression lasts far into adulthood. Pets teach children valuable life lessons, such as compassion, responsibility, and unconditional love. While most US households have cats or dogs (or both!), an exotic pet may become a child’s first pet, like a hamster or a ferret. But families may wonder how to foster safe approaches between little ones and our exotic animal friends. | 
