Each week, our Parents Council of experts takes your questions, gives advice and shares solutions.

Moms, dads, grandparents and the diverse families who make up our community will have a new resource for questions about local neighborhood schools, the best pediatricians, 24-hour pharmacies and the thousands of other issues that arise while raising children.

This week’s question is:

What are some important precautions to take if you have a child and are planning to buy a pet, especially a cat or dog?

Judy Vincent

My recommendation is to get your children tested for allergies. Many children find out after the fact that they are allergic to their new pet and it’s devastating for everyone at that point to have to give the pet away.

Bringing a pet into the family unit is a huge responsibility for both kids and parents. Waiting until a child is of school age years would probably be the family's best bet.