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Critter Care

Cub Scouts · Adventure, Elective

Printable worksheet (PDF)

Critter Care is about choosing a pet and taking care of it well. You'll compare pets, learn what they need, and find out how animals help people. Caring for a pet is a big responsibility and a lot of love.

Why it's worth it

Critter Care helps you think like a responsible pet owner, even if you don't have a pet. You'll find out which animals make good pets for different families, compare two choices, and learn what a pet needs every day to stay happy and healthy. You'll also discover the amazing ways animals help people, from guide dogs to therapy pets.

Start this week

  1. Make a list of pets you think would be fun, from fish to dogs.
  2. Ask your adult what pets are allowed where you live.
  3. Pick one pet and write down three things it would need every day.
  4. Find a library book about caring for the pet you picked.

Stay safe

  • Ask the owner before petting any animal, let it sniff your hand first, and wash your hands after touching animals or cleaning up after them.

Requirements · 4

Every official requirement and part, numbered to match Scouting America, in plain language. Sign off against the official wording (opens in a new tab).

  1. Requirement 1

    Name an animal that would make a good pet for your family

    Tip: Think about your family's space and time. Would a fish, cat, or dog fit best?

    For example: A goldfish might fit a small apartment and a busy schedule, while a dog might fit a family that's home a lot and likes to walk every day.

  2. Requirement 2

    Pick two animals your community allows as pets; compare and contrast why each could be a good pet for you

    Tip: Compare two pets allowed where you live, like a hamster and a rabbit. Which fits you better and why?

    For example: Compare a guinea pig and a cat: guinea pigs need a big cage, fresh vegetables every day, and a friend to live with. Cats need a litter box and can be alone longer. Which fits your family?

  3. Requirement 3

    Research how to properly care for the animal you chose in requirement 1

    Tip: Find out what your pet eats, how to keep it clean, and when it needs a vet.

    For example: For a rabbit, you might learn it needs lots of hay, fresh water, room to hop, chew toys to keep its teeth healthy, and regular visits to a veterinarian.

  4. Requirement 4

    Discover three ways pets can help people

    Tip: Learn about service dogs, therapy animals, and pets that keep people company.

    For example: Guide dogs help people who are blind cross streets safely, therapy dogs visit hospitals and schools to comfort people, and pets at home help people feel less lonely.

Places to visit

Ask an adult to set it up, and go with your family, den, patrol, or crew.

  • An animal shelter

    Staff and volunteers can show you how they care for animals and how they help match pets with families.

    How: Have your den leader call and ask about a den tour or a short talk. Some shelters let kids help by making toys or reading to animals.

Talk about it together

  • Which pet would fit your family best right now, and why?
  • What part of caring for a pet do you think would be hardest?
  • How can you tell when an animal is happy and well cared for?
  • What surprised you about the ways animals help people?

Good questions to ask a veterinarian or animal shelter volunteer

  • What do people forget about when they get a new pet?
  • Which pets are good for kids who are just learning to care for one?
  • How can I tell if an animal is sick or scared?

Helpful reads

For leaders & parents

  • Invite a veterinarian or animal shelter volunteer to visit the den.
  • Visit a pet store or shelter to see different animals up close.

People & places that can help

Pairs well with

Counts toward

More Bear adventures

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Tips, examples, and questions are ideas from experienced leaders, not extra requirements. Your unit leader or counselor decides when a requirement is complete.