By the early 1800s, some Americans believed that kindness to animals was part of good character. They felt that the experience of caring for pets taught children to be kind to others. Some people also argued that childhood cruelty to animals was evidence of bad character and a predictor of future violence.

Animals were entitled to good care for several reasons. First, they had the ability to feel pain and to suffer, just like people. Second, they seemed to have good qualities that people needed, including faithfulness and the ability to love unconditionally.

Popular writers encouraged parents to let their children care for animals, and families seemed to take this advice seriously. As a result, having pets became part of the ideal American childhood.