For kids who have never had a pet

With all this discussion about the new Obama dog, the issue of kids being responsible pet owners is even more in the limelight than it's ever been before. Here's a great gift idea for the family that is thinking about getting a pet.

Find out if your kids are ready for the responsibility of caring for a pet with Ubisoft's Petz Dogz Pack and other pet-related games (getting a cat? a hamster?, a horse? here's some other games you're kids can play).

Petz Dogz Pack is a new game from Ubisoft's casual game line for kids ages 6-12. It is designed to be played on the portable Nintendo DS. Petz Dogz Pack allows young players to crossbreed and create their own looks and personality for their new dog, as the game helps teach responsibility, showing kids how to interact and care for their new family member. This is the perfect way to show your own children what it is like to have a puppy and help them decide what breed is the best choice for their family. Petz Dogz Pack is also very affordable at $29.99, and is a good way to determine if your kids are ready for the real thing!

This is a much better option than getting a pet on impulse just because it's the holidays. If your child wants to get a pet then you can make a pact with them saying that if they do well with this game you can choose a puppy together at a later date...preferably at a rescue or animal shelter.