Kids and pets

Guests: James Serpell, Gail Melson, Megan Mueller

If you’re a parent, chances are your son or daughter has asked for a pet – maybe a dog, a cat, a guinea pig or bearded dragon. And they’ve probably promised to walk it, feed it or clean up after it. But most days you’re the one shaking the kibbles into the bowl and changing the litter. So is it worth it? Today — kids and pets. We’ll look at why children are so drawn to animals and the emotional, social, and physical benefits of pets in childhood. Marty talks with JAMES SERPELL, director of the Center for the Interaction of Animals & Society at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, GAIL MELSON, Professor Emerita of Human Development and Family Studies at Purdue University and MEGAN MUELLER, research assistant professor at Tufts University.

Image: gunnicool