What pet care responsibilities can my school-age child handle?

Children ages 6–10 can feed pets on a schedule, refill water bowls, help with grooming, keep pet areas tidy, and walk dogs with supervision. By age 10–12, they can handle more independently: walking dogs solo in safe areas, cleaning cages or litter boxes, and helping with bath time. Use a chore chart to track pet care tasks. Expect to coach and remind — full independent pet ownership typically isn't realistic until the teen years. Consult your pediatrician about hygiene practices around animals.