6 Kid Friendly Pets

PEKIN, Ill., – Are your kids begging for a pet? If you're like most parents, you might feel apprehensive about getting your child their first pet. We came up with a list of 6 kid friendly, easy to manage pets that won't drive you crazy! Animals are a fun and rewarding addition to your family! Check out these fun critters to pick up from the pet store:

1. Hermit Crabs

Hermit crabs are probably the most low maintenance pets you can think of. They're a great first pet for kids learning responsibility and they're very inexpensive.

2. Hamsters

Hamsters are also a great low-maintenance pet for kids. They are relatively easy to care for and can be fun to play with and handle outside of their cages.

3. Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs require a bit more space than their hamster friends as they grow to a larger size. They are also much more vocal and can be a great pet for kids.

4. Fish

Once you have their habitat set up, fresh water fish are probably the easiest and most visually appealing pets to care for. The hardest part is keeping the tank clean!

5. Tortoise

Tortoise are an easy to care for and fun pet for children. Be aware though, that they're lifespan is rather long so you could be in for a time commitment! 

6. Rabbits

Rabbits require a bit more attention and space than other small pets, but given the proper attention they can make cuddly companions! They can even be easily trained to use a litter box!

There are tons of other animals that would make great small additions to the family, but these 6 kid friendly pets are our favorite! We would like to encourage you to do a lot of research when choosing to bring an animal into your home! Always purchase pets from reputable stores and never remove an animal from the wild! To ensure your pets are receiving the best care possible, be sure to consult with professionals before bringing your new friend home! 

While you're getting your home ready for a new companion, be sure to take good care of your vehicle investment! Check out our routine maintenance pages and our seasonal maintenance pages to stay up to date on your vehicle service. Check out our spring car care pages for advice on spring cleaning for your vehicle! 

Located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554, Velde Ford of Pekin is committed to providing customers outstanding service. We want you to enjoy your car buying experience. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to stop by the dealership or visit our website at www.VeldeFordPekin.com. You can also reach us at (888) 221-2804. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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7 Grilling Safety Tips You Should Know

PEKIN, Ill. – Memorial Day weekend is just the around the corner and so is grilling season, if you haven’t started already. During the warmer months, there’s no better meal then one made over the grill. If you haven't yet, you can try out these mouthwatering grilling recipes that we blogged about last week! While grilling is fun to do and a great way to get everyone together, safety should still be on your mind. Here are 7 grilling safety tips you should know this season to keep you and your loved ones happy and healthy. 

1. Propane and charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and away from your home, camper, or other large structures while you’re cooking. It’s important to keep them out from under tents or awnings as well.
2. Make sure your grill is stable before use. Check to see that all four corners are evenly flat on the ground. This will ensure that your grill won’t tip over while cooking.
3. Children and pets should never be playing around a grill. Don’t take a chance of anyone getting burned. As a general rule, kids and animals should stay at least 4 feet away from the grill while it is in use.
4. Don’t leave your grill unattended. When you’re ready to start cooking, make sure you bring everything you need from the house outside so you’re not making trips back and forth.
5. Use proper barbecuing utensils. Grilling utensils have extra long handles that make food handling easier and safer. These utensils help avoid burns and splatters.
6. Be prepared for anything. In case of a fire, you should have a plan ready. For a grease fire you can use baking soda. Also have a fire extinguisher ready, or if you don’t have one of those, a bucket of sand or a garden hose.
7. Don’t ever try to move a grill while it’s hot. Once the grill is lit, it shouldn’t be moved. Moving a grill is not safe because you could easily get burned or the grill could tip over. 

Please remember these 7 grilling safety tips and enjoy your delicious food! Another way to keep your family happy and healthy, is by making sure your family vehicle gets the Spring Car Care it needs this season. Visit our website and learn about the important maintenance tips your tires, wipers, and car fluids need for the spring season. Schedule your season service appointment at Velde Ford today.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

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