Recommendations

Animals are valuable.

They teach us many things...

And sometimes, it is simply the inherent enjoyment of interacting with soft furry beings that is enough reason to keep caring for them.

But, they require commitment.

Choose wisely
Consider the needs of your centre.  This means the children, the whanau, the staff, the space (both indoors and out), and the budget.  Pick animals that fit the philosophy and aims.  Choose animals that will be comfortable in your space.  Don't put a frog on a back table in a dark corner where it will be forgotten and cold...

Pixel is the "perfect" family pet!  She is incredibly laid back and forgiving, but also good at simply getting out of the way when she's had enough.  Here she has been lovingly wrapped in a blanket by Lydia.

For instance, do not choose a yappy, timid, easily frightened dog expecting it to interact happily with your 45 three to five year olds.  It will probably snap at them.  They will be scared and so will the dog.  Someone may be bitten.  This is a very poor experience for the dog and the child.

Instead, if you want a centre dog, do some research.  Start with dog breeds.  Don't choose a Chihuahua, they are timid and nervous.  Choose something laid back and relaxed around kids.  Perhaps a brown Labrador, or a spaniel or beagle.  Then when looking at a litter, choose from a breeder who understands dogs.  Choose a friendly, but not-too-boisterous puppy.

Invest in the Right Tools
You don't necessarily need a huge budget to have animals in a child's life, but it does pay to investigate their needs and think about how you can best meet them.  Don't get suckered in by a cute furry face or a rave review from a parent.  Do your research.  Think about how you will care for your pet and what you want interactions to look like.  Will it be something to look at (like a fish tank or canary), or something to stroke?  How can children safely hold it or talk to it?  How can you ensure the pet is comfortable?  Can children see it easily?

For instance, these amazing Snuggle Sacks created by a Mum on Trademe make carrying small animals SO much easier for young children!

Monitor
Pets are like people, they grow and age and change.  So that guinea pig you bought four years ago might not have minded being hugged, squished, and force fed every morning when it was young, but now it might be getting a little arthritic and in need of 'kindy retirement.'  You might realise that the children aren't really interested in birds, so the budgies are taking a lot of staff time for very little reward.  Consider whether it is a matter of re-inserting Budgie and Co into your curriculum, doing some projects or reigniting interest in birds with a visit to a wildlife park. Or perhaps budgies simply weren't the best choice and someone else could be looking after and enjoying them more?

Frequent discussions with staff, parents, and children help ascertain how well our pets are being cared for and enjoyed.

Recognise that we are all individuals so how we interact with animals will be accordingly diverse and different.  For some children, tolerant respect for animals will be the most you can expect while for others animals will become a strong and enduring part of their life.  Don't force animals upon children who are uninterested or afraid.  Instead work to build interest.

Take time to recognise the deeper learning that is going on when children are interacting with animals.  Then maximise that.  For instance, a child who has just spent the better part of the last half hour watching a spider on it's web might really enjoy the opportunity to look at Google images of spiders on the I-pad, or sing Incy Wincy Spider with a teacher, or make spider webs with friends at the art table tomorrow morning. 

Teach Children and Adults how to Behave Around Animals
Many people don't realise that common human behaviour patterns can actually be intimidating to animals.  For instance, patting a dog on the head is not helpful.  You're better to approach with palm out so they can sniff your fingers before giving a little rub under the chin.
How to Approach a Dog
A good rule of thumb with all animals and children is that we don't put our faces next to animals which can bite. 
Investigate how to read body language.  Dogs have happy barks and sad barks, angry barks and antsy barks just like people have different tones of voice.  Learn to recognise the signals of your pets, as well as other animals your children may come into contact with on a regular basis.
Pre-empt anxiety by warning a timid child that a big dog is coming, or moving a grabbing toddler away from the bunny with long fluffy ears.
Young children can be very excitable.  So can pets!  So remember that they will feed off each other.  Children might enjoy running round boisterously with a visiting friendly dog, but need to be reminded that if they want the dog to calm down they need to appear calm first.  Waving hands invite curious mouths!  Loud squeals excite barking, or smaller animals running away to hide.
Short interaction times are probably best, particularly when children are initially meeting animals.  It helps keep things positive for both child and pet if they can both go away feeling okay with the encounter.  Too long and the pet can become stressed as the child gets overexcited, or alternatively you may find a beloved pet abandoned on a seat somewhere as the child's gone off to do something new!

Michael has been taught how to hold a chicken with his arms wrapped carefully around it.  Madge is pretty comfortable.  He isn't holding one of the big Australorps as they're really heavy.  A bantam is just right for a small boy, and he will be helped to put her on the ground if she opens her beak (a sign of stress in birds).

Enjoy
Make animals part of the culture of your early years setting.  Plan to maximise on the opportunities they present for learning.  Build a culture of investigation and questioning.  Encourage compassion.