Socializing kids with animals can be an important part of growing up, and it’s good for the pets too! Studies have shown that spending time with animals can improve one’s empathy, confidence, and general mood. It is important, especially with younger pets or children, that introductions are done in a well-supervised manner to ensure that neither party are accidentally injured or scared, as this could be a big setback for future encounters and human-animal relationships. Good hand hygiene is also important, as pets can carry certain parasites potentially transmissible to people.