My preschooler really wants a pet, preferably something small. Right now, we’re trying to decide between a turtle and a hamster. Are these OK pet options for young kids?
Shelly

Good for you for checking before buying! Actually, turtles and hamsters aren’t wise pet choices for young children. What many parents don’t realize is that reptiles (like turtles) and rodents (like hamsters) can transmit the bacteria salmonella through their feces (or poop).

View the rest of this article on the Kids Health website.