I think it depends on the child as it depends on the adult wanting the pet. My daughter is 9 and looks after our snake herself, almost entirely. I oversee what's going on and help her when she needs it but she is the one that looks after him. We were careful to do research before we got him and to set rules for his care so she doesn't make a newbie mistake. She did a huge amount of research herself and continues to do so. My 4 year old feeds our cats every morning most of the time without being reminded because she wants to and she loves them. Some PEOPLE are pet people and some aren't. Age is much less of a factor for me than responsibility and desire to care for an animal.