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There are a million reasons why you might be inclined to say “no way” to your child’s pleas for a pet: Your daughter loves kittens, but your asthmatic son begins to heave at the mere sight of Hello Kitty. Or maybe both kids are jonesing for a black lab, but your apartment is way too cramped and you don’t have the time to walk Phideaux four times a day. Instead of depriving them outright of the creature companionship they crave, consider these “pets” that don’t involve around-the-clock responsibilities.
Williamsburg’s BARC (Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition) Shelter lets kids ages seven and up socialize with its four-legged residents—provided they have an adult chaperone. Pups need walking every day (9am to noon and 5 to 8pm), while the center’s cat loft invites feline-fanatics to snuggle and play (Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 5pm). Visitors should bring a photo ID and proof of address to BARC’s home base, the BQE Pet Supply Store, and complete a volunteer form on the first visit only. BQE Pet Supply Store, 253 Wythe Ave at North 1st St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-486-7489, barcshelter.org).
Your child’s allergies act up the minute she gets within five feet of fur yet her heart’s still set on caring for an animal. For less than 33 cents a day, she can sponsor a special-needs cat or dog (one that’s blind, for example) at Animal HavenAnimal Haven, locations in Soho and Flushing; check website for details (Soho: 212-274-8511, Flushing: 718-886-3683; animalhavenshelter.org).
The Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, a nonprofit corporation that unites the city’s various animal-care groups, features an exhaustive list of organizations that allow kids to hang out with would-be pets. Through the Alliance, volunteers are hooked up with participating local shelters and rescue centers, where they can walk, groom or help train cats, dogs, birds, rabbits and other critters in need of love. Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, locations throughout the five borough; go to animalalliancenyc.org for details.
You might have a hard time convincing Junior that a stuffed animal is just as good as the real thing, but Russ Berrie’s Shining Stars ($19) have a novel appeal. Each of these eight-inch-tall bears, pigs, frogs and other snuggly varmints is tagged to a actual celestial body that’s recorded with the International Star Registry. This means that after your kid names his plush pet and registers it on the Shining Stars site, a real star will be dubbed the same name. It’s heavenly. Available at various stores; go to shiningstars.com for details.
Less cuddly than a furry pal but cheaper than tween therapy, Tiger Electronics’ futuristic Mio Pups ($50) are designed to give their owners emotional support. Vibrant eyes flash one of a hundred different images (such as hearts and stars), based on the pup’s “feelings.” Geared to girls ages six to nine, these gadgets are also programmed to respond to tickling and petting with lights and sounds. Available at hasbro.com.
