A good alternative to purchasing your child a real pet is to introduce them to virtual pet games. There are many different online games available in which players raise, feed and care for different kinds of critters, including dogs, cats, horses and make-believe animals. Raising a virtual pet is not only cleaner but also cheaper than raising a real one.
ShowDog.com and ShowCat.com
In ShowDog.com and it's sister site ShowCats.com players have to manage a kennel of show dogs or cats. The aim is to breed the perfect animal and enter them into different competitions. Each animal must be raised, fed, trained and groomed just like a real dog or cat. Players can choose from 180 different breeds and watch as their puppy or kitten grows into a champion show animal.
"RSPCA Cyber Pet"
The "RSPCA Cyber Pet" game is a good introduction for children into the reality of owning and caring for a pet. Produced by the animal rescue organization specifically for inexperienced pet owners, the game enables players to experience the real commitments required to raise an animal. There is a choice of a dog, cat or rabbit who live on the computer desktop and requires the same level of attention a real pet would.
"Petnebula"
"Petnebula" is a free online virtual pet website where players can design their pet after signing up. Most pets are alien or dragon-like in appearance. The website includes a forum where other petnebula owners can chat, trade, auction for items and even battle other petnebulas. While the basic site is free, members also can purchase add-ons like petnebula battle skills and special items.
"Neopets"
"Neopets" is another critter-raising game with over 270 million unique neopets. Players select a species of neopet and choose it's color, strength and weakness levels, personality and character traits. Once the neopet has been designed players can explore the world, communicate or battle with other neopets, play flash games and join competitions. The neopet needs to be fed, and players have to monitor their pet's health and mood.
Tags: dogs cats, players have, RSPCA Cyber