How to Introduce Pets to Kids with Autism

To many households, their furry friend is as much a family member as they are a companion.

How to introduce pets to kids with autism

To many households, their furry friend is as much a family member as they are a companion. Whether it's a mammal, bird, or reptile, they are often a source of joy and comfort. It has even been found that pets may help parents of children with special needs in dealing with the stress of childcare (Wright et al, 2015). Pets have also been reported to benefit children with autism, such as providing emotional comfort and aiding in social skills development (Healis Autism Center, 2023; My World ABA, 2025).

Having said that, getting a pet is not a simple process, as they are also living beings. Hence, it is crucial to do your research and preparations well to ensure a good experience for everyone.

Preparing for a pet

Choose a suitable pet. Before buying a pet, ensure it is suitable for your home and family’s needs.

• Choose animals that your child has observed to show interest and comfort around.

• Hypoallergenic, beginner-friendly, and family-friendly breeds will make pet care and facilitation of interactions easier.

• If your child is particularly sensitive, a pet with a gentle and predictable disposition will be preferable to avoid causing overwhelm or distress (My World ABA, 2025).

Create a safe environment. To make sure that the living space is suitable for both the child and the pet, take note of things such as noise levels and lightning. Designate a safe space where they can interact comfortably, and another space where the pet can get undisturbed rest (Aim Higher ABA, 2024).

Plan routine and responsibilities. Children with autism typically do better with a routine, and so do pets. It would be advisable to create a schedule, including planning for the person in charge of each activity. Simple, age-appropriate responsibilities can be allocated to engage the child in caring for the pet and also help in fostering responsibility.

Preparing your child

Gradual exposure to animals. Zoos, animal shelters, and aquariums allow your child to be around animals without having to directly interact with them. When they become more comfortable, visiting friends with pets – if possible – is also a good opportunity for the child to interact with animals in a controlled environment (Aim Higher ABA, 2024).

Use the power of media. Watch shows or documentaries and read books with animals in them. Social stories can also be helpful to help them understand how to interact appropriately with animals, what to expect when welcoming a pet, and learn expectations and routines (Aim Higher ABA, 2025).

Introducing the pet

Monitor initial interactions. The first few interactions should be closely monitored and facilitated to ensure that both the child and the pet are comfortable. 

• Arrange for the meetings to happen in a safe and familiar space, such as at home.

• Allow your child to approach the pet at their own pace. You can even let them start with just observing other family members interacting with the pet.

• When appropriate, guide your child on how to interact with the pet. For example, with dogs, you can teach them to pet gently or extend their hand for the dog to smell. 

• Keep an eye out for stress or discomfort in both the child and the pet.

(My World ABA, 2025).

Overcoming distress in interactions. Both children and animals can be highly sensitive, especially in novel environments. Things such as noise, fur, unpredictability, and smell may cause distress, so being aware of these triggers can help greatly in managing the interactions.

• Start with shorter periods before gradually increasing the duration of each interaction.

• Preempt your child! Talk to them about how the pet may act, what to do, and what not to do. If possible, start with a fixed interaction timing every day and indicate it on your child’s schedules, if they use one. 

• Familiarize your child with treats or toys that they can use with the pet beforehand.

• Prepare safe spaces for both parties, so that they can retreat or take an uninterrupted break as needed.

(My World ABA, 2025).

Written by: Jia Hui

References

Aim Higher ABA. (18 March, 2024). Introducing pets to children with asd: 6 steps. https://aimhigheraba.com/introducing-pets-to-children-with-asd-6-steps/

My World ABA. (6 January, 2025). How pets create a sensory solace and bring comfort to children with autism in a chaotic world. http://myworldaba.com/aba/how-pets-create-a-sensory-solace-and-bring-comfort-to-

Healis Autism Centre. (9 May, 2023). Does having a pet help children with autism? https://www.healisautism.com/post/having-pet-help-children-autism 

Unsplash. (n.d.). A baby playing with a cat on the floor [Photograph]. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/a-baby-playing-with-a-cat-on-the-floor-v6O_52y5sEA

Wright, H.F., Hall, S., Hames, A., Hardiman, J., Mills, R., Mills, D.S., PAWS team. (2 April, 2015). Acquiring a pet dog significantly reduces stress of primary carers for children with autism spectrum disorder: A prospective case control study. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 45(8), 2531-2540. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2418-5