7 Simple Chores For Kids With Pets During The School Year
Whether your child is attending school in-person or learning from home, there are plenty of easy, meaningful ways they can help care for the family dog. Involving your kids in pet responsibilities not only strengthens their bond with your dog, but also helps build important life skills like routine, empathy, and responsibility. From walks to grooming, here are seven simple pet chores kids can do—even during a busy school year.
1. Walk the Dog
A morning or after-school walk is a great way to keep your pup happy and get your child moving. Just 30 minutes of exercise before or after class can improve your dog’s mood and help release pent-up energy, making the school day smoother for everyone.
Walking isn’t just physical exercise—it also stimulates your dog’s mind with new scents and surroundings. If your child is younger, we recommend tagging along for safety. For older kids, dog walking is a simple way to encourage daily responsibility and time outdoors.
2. Help With Dog Training
Dog training is more effective when the whole household is on the same page. Including your child in your pup’s training routine teaches consistency, patience, and the importance of positive reinforcement.
Encourage your child to praise and reward your dog for good behavior. As professional dog trainer Kathy Santo explains, your child becomes the “gatekeeper” of what your dog wants—making their bond even stronger. This simple chore helps kids understand the power of communication and teamwork in pet care.
3. Administering Food and Supplements
Feeding your pet is a great way to introduce daily responsibility. If your child is old enough to prep their own breakfast, they can also fill the dog bowl and add any vet-approved supplements, like CBD oil, digestive support powders, and omegas.
Liposomal CBD Oils, for example, can be administered during mealtimes without losing effectiveness. Just be sure to guide your child on how much to use, and supervise in the beginning to make sure they’re administering it properly. This task gives kids a sense of ownership and helps your dog stay calm and balanced throughout the day.
4. Make DIY Treats to Keep the Dog Busy
Pups can get restless during long school days—especially if they’re not getting as much attention. Creating DIY dog treats with your child is a fun after-school or weekend activity, and those treats can help keep your pup calm and occupied while your child is focused.
Try stuffing a Kong toy or making frozen peanut butter and banana bites together. Not only are they tasty, but they’re also a great way to work in daily supplements like in a creative way.
5. Get Active with Your Dog
If your child is into sports or just loves being active outside, encourage them to bring your dog along for the fun! Whether it’s soccer in the yard or tossing a frisbee, combining outdoor play with your pet’s exercise needs is a win-win.
Regular physical activity helps reduce destructive behavior in dogs and keeps them mentally stimulated. For less sporty kids, try these 4 easy exercises to do with your dog to stay moving and build a healthy routine.
6. Team Up for Grooming
Bath time doesn’t have to be a battle. Turning grooming into a team effort makes the process faster—and more fun. Choose a weekend or weeknight after a walk or trip to the park to give your dog a good clean.
If your dog gets stressed during grooming, try giving them a calming supplement like CBD an hour beforehand. And don’t forget to use gentle, eco-friendly grooming products that are safe for kids to handle and good for your dog’s skin.
7. Don't Forget Cuddle Time
Last but not least—schedule time for love and snuggles! For dogs who crave physical affection, a morning cuddle session or mid-day belly rubs are just as important as any other chore. This simple task helps your dog feel secure and keeps your child emotionally connected, even on their busiest days.
Building Responsibility Through Pet Care
Giving your child pet-related responsibilities is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to build structure, boost confidence, and strengthen the human-animal bond. These small daily tasks can help kids develop a sense of accountability, empathy, and pride in caring for another living being. Start with simple, age-appropriate chores that feel achievable, and gradually add more as your child becomes more confident and independent. With consistency, these moments will turn into meaningful routines that benefit both your child and your pet — and create lasting memories along the way.
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