Guinea pigs are adorable little pets and look to their owners as pack leaders. This means that they check in with the emotional state of their human family.
A cat's warm, furry body and purrs have been shown to alleviate stress. Simply petting a cat makes a child's body produce anxiety-relieving hormones
They are relatively easy to care for, and children can be involved in feeding them and cleaning out their cages.
Rabbits can be kept as indoor or outdoor pets. Most are happy to be held, and they can form strong bonds with their owners. They live for up to 14 years, so this is a long-term commitment for the family.
Scientific studies have shown that observing fish improves relaxation and anxiety. It's common to find aquaria in medical establishments and schools because of their calming effect.
Horses have a stable heart rhythm, which may explain why humans feel calmer when they are around them. You don't even have to ride a horse if you don't want to!
Crickets can be great pets for kids. You need a suitable fishbowl or terrarium and substrate as well as appropriate food and water.
These rodents may not be top of everyone's list of desired pets, but there are many benefits for anxious children in owning a pet rat.