How to Show Your Parents You Are Responsible Enough to Own a Pet

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: March 11, 2023 Approved

The idea of getting a new pet is super exciting, and you may be eager to get your pet as soon as possible. But you still have to somehow manage to convince your parents that you’re responsible enough for one. You may feel like it’s a lost cause, there’s no way they’ll go for it. But have no fear! If you can demonstrate to them that you’re responsible and you’re able to talk to them about a pet in a well-informed and respectful manner, you may just be able to get them on board with the idea of getting a new pet.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Demonstrating Dependability

1
Keep your room clean at all times. Pets require lots of care and maintenance, and will be an extra burden on your current housework. Your parents are not likely to think you’re ready for a pet if you can’t even keep your room clean now. Show them that you are responsible and ready to handle the extra work that comes with a pet by keeping your room clean.^{[1]
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- Make your bed after you get up. If your parents take a quick peek into your room, a well-made bed can make your room look that much better.
- Don’t leave any cups or empty plates in your room. It just looks sloppy.
Tip: Vacuum every day and make it a daily habit. They’ll notice!
2
Do your homework and keep your grades up at school. One way to show your parents that you’re responsible enough to have a pet is to show them that you’re taking care of your responsibilities at school. That means completing your homework on time and preparing for your tests so you can keep your grades up.^{[2]
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- Your parents are much more likely to agree to you getting a pet if you’re doing well in school and your teachers have nothing but good things to say about you.
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3
Complete any chores they give you without complaining. Anytime one of your parents give you a task or a chore, even if it isn’t your normal responsibility, you should do it without complaining. A big part of caring for a pet are the tasks are not so fun, like cleaning up their messes and training them.^{[3]
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- Show your parents that you’re responsible by going above and beyond when they give you a chore. Don’t cut corners or do the bare minimum.
4
Pet sit for a friend or family member. One of the best ways to show your parents that you’re responsible enough for a pet is to take care of a pet! Offer to pet sit for a friend or family member for a few days. It will give your parents a chance to see your responsibility in action and it also gives you a chance to see what it’s like to care for a pet.
- Make sure you have all that you need before you pet sit. You don’t want to look like you can’t handle it.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Preparing Your Case

1
Research the pet you want so you can answer your parent’s questions. If you plan to ask your parents for permission to get a pet, they’ll probably have a few questions for you. They’ll want to know about the type of pet you want, and what you have to do to care for them. Read up on the pet you want so you are prepared for their questions.
- A responsible person wouldn’t rush into a decision on a whim. They would look into it and become knowledgeable about it. Show your parents that you’re responsible by knowing your stuff.
- Research the costs of any medications or supplies your pet requires.
- If your pet requires special equipment like a heating lamp or terrarium, make a note of the cost and maintenance for the equipment.
2
Save your money to help pay for a pet. Pets usually cost money, and so do the things that go along with them like food, a cage or tank, leashes, toys, etc. You can demonstrate to your parents that you’re responsible by working and saving up any money you get to help contribute to getting a pet.
- Collect any birthday money or gift money that you receive to add to your pet fund.
- Ask your parents if they have any jobs that you could do for a few extra bucks.
Tip: Go around your neighborhood and ask if anybody has any odd jobs like gardening or cleaning that you could do for them.
3
Create a long-term care schedule you plan to follow. Convince your parents that your responsible and serious about getting a pet by creating a schedule of how you would care for your pet’s long-term needs. Organize the schedule around monthly and yearly needs like vet visits or specialized grooming needs, and estimate the potential costs so you look prepared and serious about getting a pet.
- Write down what times you would walk or groom your pet.
- Make a note in your schedule about vet visits and trips to the pet supply store.
- Make a list of any preventative medications that you plan to get to keep your pet healthy.
4
Make a feeding chart to show them so they see that you're prepared. School and other responsibilities already take up a lot of your time. Show your parents that you can handle a new pet by organizing a daily feeding routine to care for it. The more organized you are, the more responsible you look, and the more inclined your parents are to allowing you to get a new pet.[Image:Show Your Parents You Are Responsible Enough to Own a Pet Step 8 Version 2.jpg|center]]
- Include any walking or play time in the daily schedule as well.
5
Put together a presentation for your parents. Write down what you plan to say so you can make a more convincing presentation. Include all of your research information and stay away from purely emotional appeals like, “Because I just want one!” Your parents will appreciate and respect a well-researched and prepared presentation.
- Print out materials to use when you talk to your parents about getting a pet.
- Make a PowerPoint presentation with each slide presenting a piece of your research. Nothing says professional like a PowerPoint slideshow!

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Presenting Your Case to Your Parents

1
Present your case at an appropriate time. Show your parents that you’re patient and responsible by bringing up the idea of a new pet at an appropriate discussion time, like at the dinner table, or after you finish your homework in the evening. If you’re impatient and pounce on them as soon as you see them, they may be less open to the idea of discussing a new pet.
- Don’t nag them either. The more you ask them about it, the less responsible and impatient you’ll seem.
Tip: Consider printing out information about the pet for them to review. You can give them your long-term and daily schedule to show them you’re serious.
2
Tell your parents in a calm and direct way that you'd like to get a pet. Don’t get emotional or frustrated if they seem hesitant at first. Instead, use the research you’ve done and answer any questions they may have about the pet and how you plan to care for it. If they need time to consider it, let them!
- Don’t force them to answer the question in the moment. Tell them you can answer any additional questions they may have.
3
Show your parents your research and preparation. After you’ve started a conversation about getting a pet and your parents are open to discussing it with you, use the research and the charts you’ve made to help convince them. Tell them how much money you’ve managed to save, show them the feeding and care charts, and ask them if they have any questions.
- Mention your grades at school and tell them that a new pet wouldn’t disrupt your studies, affect your grades, or keep you from your household chores.
- Break out the PowerPoint presentation!
4
Ask your parents what they think about getting a new pet. Your parents will be able to see how passionate you are about getting a new pet, and they may have some valuable input about it. Ask them what they think about a new pet and ask if they have any tips or advice about it. They may be able to help you prepare for a new pet, and they will appreciate that you’re responsible enough to get their input.
- If they’re hesitant or not open to you getting a new pet, ask them what you can do to help convince them that you’re responsible enough for one.
5
Respect their decision. A big part of being responsible is accepting your parent’s decisions, even if you don’t agree with them or like them. Getting a new pet is a big deal and will change everyone’s lives. It may be that the timing is right, or they need more time to warm up to the idea. Show them that you’re responsible by accepting their decision without complaining.^{[4]
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- If they’re against the idea entirely, you can ask them their reasons, but do it in a respectful manner. Say, “Okay, would you mind telling me what I could do to possibly change your mind?”
- Listen to their opinions on the matter. They may have some good insight that you hadn’t considered.

Community Q&A

Question

I have had a dog before but I didn't take care of it. How can I prove I am responsible now?

Community Answer

Everyone makes mistakes. If you can prove to your parents that you are more responsible than you used to be, they might change their mind. For example, you could tell your parents that you'll do some sort of job every day at a specific time. If you stick to this promise, you'll prove that you can be responsible and remember to do something every day.
Question

What do I do if my dad and sister both really want a dog like me, but my mom doesn't?

Community Answer

Try listing the pros and cons of having a dog to your mom, to show that there are more positive sides than negative. Assure her that those of you who want the dog will take full responsibility for it. Team up with your other family members to try and convince your mom.
Question

My Dad just won't budge no matter what I do. So what do you think I should do?

Community Answer

The answer depends on whether he has a valid reason or not. With a valid reason: Ask him if you can look after friends' pets while they're on holiday/volunteer at a rescue centre. Without a reason: Ask him why politely and explain you understand he doesn't want you to have a pet but you would like to know why. With a reason you do not believe is valid: Explain carefully and gently why you do not believe it is valid (i.e if he has said he is allergic to dogs, but has had no reaction previously or that there are low-allergy dogs) and then proceed as with valid reason.