If you had a pet while growing up, you probably have some great memories. Pets are our first friends. They comfort us, protect us, explore with us, and play with us. It’s no wonder they’re so important to us during those early years!
Recent studies show that kids who grow up with pets are healthier than those who don’t. Dogs seem to be the best improvers on physical health, although cats also improve it. Some evidence shows that babies from families with pets are healthier overall throughout their first year of life. They also have lower incidences of allergies and asthma.
It’s a complex topic, but some researchers think that exposure to the microbes from pets helps an infant’s immune systems mature. That means fewer illnesses both short- and long-term!
However, pets are great for children’s mental and emotional health, too. In fact, some researchers think pets are instrumental in healthy childhood development. The presence of animals reduces stress, helps kids learn to communicate, and teaches socialization.
Sure, not every home is ready for a pet. But these statistics — and these 56 photos — make a pretty compelling argument.
1. They love getting into trouble together
These two friends might be tiny, but that’s not going to stop them from getting into anything and everything they want. Size doesn’t matter when you have teamwork and determination!
2. “This better be for you”
Some babies love baths and some hate them. The same goes for cats. But since this kitty does a pretty good job of bathing himself, he probably won’t get into the tub unless he falls in.
3. Everybody gets a pillow
This snuggle works out perfectly for everyone involved! With one head on top of the other, both dog and child enjoy a pillow and a little bit of warmth. That’s how to make a naptime a win-win situation for everyone.
Is there anything cuter than a baby and a puppy snuggling? How about a baby and a puppy spooning? That dog’s happy smile says it all!
5. They don’t cry over spilled milk, they drink it
When all your friends are cats, spilling milk isn’t a reason to cry. Instead, it creates the perfect opportunity to feast! No wonder this little girl is the cats’ best friend. When she’s around, there’s free milk.
6. Meeting the newest member of the family
Introducing pets to new babies can be a delicate process, but something tells me these two will be okay. The dog’s first act was to kiss the infant.
These two friends aren’t just striking the same pose, but they’re also dressed head to toe in orange and white! Who wouldn’t want to dress up just like their best buddy?
8. That’s what I call a snuggle
There are snuggles and then there are SNUGGLES if you know what I mean. These two are so cozy that I’m jealous of not having a puppy right beside me, too.
Pets love kids, but kids don’t always understand boundaries — which leads to plenty of situations like this. Hopefully, the dog will survive his face-grabbing and learn to take it all in stride.
This Maine Coon cat is the same size as this baby, but that similarity isn’t important to him. What’s most important to this cat is taking his role seriously as this little girl’s protector — so he always holds her hand!
11. Bunnies can be best friends, too
Cats and dogs might be the most popular pets, but that doesn’t eliminate them from also being your best bud. This bunny gets plenty of love, making it clear he has a special place in her heart.
There’s nothing like capturing the small, sweet moment like this. The pure love this little girl has for her dog is clearly evident in the way she looks at him so lovingly.
Kids and animals come up with all sorts of shenanigans when they put their heads together. This little guy doesn’t just have one dog on his team but four!
14. When you share something in common with a friend
This little boy has heterochromia, meaning his eyes are two different colors. It’s pretty rare, but luckily for him, he’s found a feline friend with the same condition! The two of them even have blue eyes on the same side.
15. You need a friend you can be weird with
Kids love being mischievous so having an animal join in is the perfect way to have fun. Most of the time, they’re all too happy to do so. Let’s face it — animals are pretty weird, too!
16. This kid doesn’t need to fear anything
This little boy might be small, but he’s got a larger-than-life protector watching his back. His German Shepherd is right there to protect him from any trouble that comes his way.
17. One of them thinks this is hilarious
Animals don’t enjoy everything that children do to them. Kids don’t always have a good sense of boundaries, which means that cats and dogs get picked up, poked, prodded, and crowded. This cat’s face says it all.
18. This dog knows how to take care of his girl
Dogs take their roles as caretakers very seriously, and this dog is a perfect example! He saw his girl needed a drink, so he was happy to turn the fountain on for her.
19. Best friends for every era
It took a long time for dogs to earn the title of man’s best friend. Considering it’s a relationship that’s lasted millennia, it’s not surprising there are pictures of kids and their dogs hanging out in every era!
21. Introductions happen slowly
It takes time for pets to acclimate to new babies. This infant girl hasn’t been home long, but the cat is already warming up to her. Today, she decided they’re going to hold paws.
22. If this doesn’t touch you, you have a heart of stone
The love this little girl has for her dog is overflowing. You can see it in her face as she snuggles up to him in the middle of the playground. It was worth stopping everything for a moment!
23. Two very different reactions to snow
This picture captured two hilarious reactions to the first snowfall of the year. The little girl looks like she’s ready to build snowmen and have some snowball fights. On the other hand, this dog looks likes its thinking about those cold bathroom breaks.
24. Watching over her on the road
This little girl is buckled safely into her car seat, but she has an extra layer of security. With her loyal dog at her side, she’s safe and sound!
25. Horses love their kids, too
Who said that big animals can’t have a relationship with kids? This horse is a lot bigger than this little girl, but she knows to be extra gentle so they can play together safely.
26. I dare anyone to come near
This baby might be tiny, but he or she has nothing to worry about. Not only is this dog happy to serve as a comfy bed but also stave off anyone who might bother them.
27. What do you make of this snow business?
This is probably the first time this baby has seen snow, and there’s no telling what the cat thinks of it. Some cats love the snow and some of them really, REALLY don’t.
28. Two babies – one cat and one human
Apparently, this kitten decided it was going to be the baby’s hat. These two are probably about the same age, which makes them perfect playmates for one another!
This baby is cracking up at his cat’s attempt to give some kisses, and it’s no wonder! Those whiskers and that soft nose tickle.
30. A quick kiss between best friends
This sweet boy stopped in the middle of playing to give his best friend a kiss and a snuggle. If you have kids, you know how hard it is for them to take a break from doing what they enjoy, proving this must be love!
31. Even big kids love their dog cuddles
From their earliest days, babies love cats, dogs, and other animals. They automatically light up when they see them and fortunately, that doesn’t change as they get older. While kids might feel they’re too old to snuggle Mom and Dad, they never outgrow snuggling up to their pets.
32. The nap can strike at any time
Cats are known for their ability to stop, drop, and nap at any time. Babies, on the other hand, usually fight naptime so they can keep playing. This picture begs the question: who napped first, the baby or the cat?
Have you ever been so tired that you’ve dropped right where you were and went to sleep? To be fair, this little one had a pretty comfy “bed” to lay on.
There’s quite the size difference between this boy and his big German Shepherd! The dog might be the one on the leash, but you have to ask which one is leading and which is following.
This little boy is in his pajamas and ready for bed, but he looks pretty comfortable right where he is! I would be too if I had a soft, warm, furry dog to sleep on.
What could be better? These dogs have each other, their little girl, and a big yard to play in. No wonder they’re ready and raring to go!
37. A gentle head butt means hello
There are a lot of reasons that cats rub their heads and faces on things. Usually, it’s about marking things with their scent as a way of claiming their territory. But when they do it to people, like this sweet baby, it’s a loving way to say “Hello, you’re mine!”
38. I see your kid + dog and raise you a kid + donkey
We look at adorable photos of kids with cats and dogs all day, and I won’t ever complain! But kids get along with all kinds of pets. Just check out this little boy who’s playing with his friend, a donkey!
39. Having tons of fun together
If you had a pet as a kid, you probably have a lot of memories of the games you played together! You can play fetch, race, play with toys, or even take a trip to the park to go on the swings!
40. I’m here to snuggle and kiss the baby
Some animals take a while to warm up to the new baby, but this cat clearly welcomed this new little human as part of the family. Maybe with that hair, he thinks he’s another kitten!
41. Little girl + baby ducks = I’m dead
Pictures of kids with puppies and kittens will never stop being adorable, but just check out this photo of a little girl with a flock of ducklings. Have you ever seen anything so cute in all your life?
42. There’s nothing like sharing a snack
Kids and animals aren’t very good at respecting boundaries or overly interested in hygiene. But for these two, that works out perfectly Sure, it’s gross, but it’s also sweet.
43. Dog kisses are the best
These two might be separated, but they’re not going to let a playpen wall stop them from sharing a snuggle. You can feel the love pouring from this little girl as she gives her dog a smooch!
Some kids feel nervous when around bigger animals, which makes sense! But not this little one, who’s completely at ease snuggling up with a horse.
45. Friends take care of each other
The beautiful thing about relationships between animals and people is that they take care of one another. This little girl already has the concept down pat. She has a lot of empathy!
46. Cows can be friends, too
Dogs, cats, bunnies, horses — we’ve seen all the pictures proving that kids can be friends with pretty much any animal. But have you ever seen a little boy taking a nap with a cow?
Kids and dogs can do all kinds of crazy things, but they also have quiet moments. Just look at this little girl and her dog surveying the scene through the window.
Have you ever seen a baby smile like this? He or she looks so cozy and comfy and no wonder — there’s snuggling with not just one, but two dogs!
This baby’s still young, but her dog is already extremely attached to her. This little girl’s parents said the dog barely let her out of her sight! This pet’s decided that she’s her responsibility now.
You might think cats aren’t supposed to ride in strollers, but answer this — if she’s not supposed to be in the stroller, why does she match the pattern so perfectly? It might as well have her name on it!
This dog looks a bit nervous at the sight of a new family member. Hopefully, they warmed up to one another and are now best friends!
If you have a baby and don’t dress him or her up to match your pet dalmatian, what are you doing? Take the opportunity right now to start snapping away. You’ll have incredible photos to enjoy and share.
53. Who needs a blanket when you have a puppy?
There are tons of benefits to snuggling up with a pet. But one of the best parts is getting to be super snuggly and warm!
54. The most fantastic snuggle ever
I don’t know the story of why there’s a cat in the car, but honestly, who cares? The important thing is how happy and snuggly these two best buds are.
55. I see your one dog and raise you three
Many of us have memories of romping around with one dog during our childhood. But not all of us were lucky enough to have three dogs, like this ecstatic little guy.
56. A gentle kiss from little sis
How sweet is this little girl? She looks as though she’s barely old enough to walk, yet she mustered up all her power to toddle over to the dog for a smooch.
If you had a pet while growing up, you probably have some great memories. Pets are our first friends. They comfort us, protect us, explore with us, and play with us. It’s no wonder they’re so important to us during those early years!
Recent studies show that kids who grow up with pets are healthier than those who don’t. Dogs seem to be the best improvers on physical health, although cats also improve it. Some evidence shows that babies from families with pets are healthier overall throughout their first year of life. They also have lower incidences of allergies and asthma.
It’s a complex topic, but some researchers think that exposure to the microbes from pets helps an infant’s immune systems mature. That means fewer illnesses both short- and long-term!
However, pets are great for children’s mental and emotional health, too. In fact, some researchers think pets are instrumental in healthy childhood development. The presence of animals reduces stress, helps kids learn to communicate, and teaches socialization.
Sure, not every home is ready for a pet. But these statistics — and these 56 photos — make a pretty compelling argument.
