Pets and the Trail to Eagle
Pets is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Pets Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 5 main requirements for Pets. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Present evidence that you have cared for a pet for at least four months.
- 2
Write in 200 words or more about the care, feeding, and housing of your pet.
- 3
Show your pet to your counselor. Explain the feeding schedule, housing, grooming, and health care.
- 4
Explain the right way to handle your pet.
- 5
Find out about three career opportunities in pet care.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Pets Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Pets, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Pets is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.
3. Budget the time
Expect about 6 weeks for a moderate badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 5 Pets requirements for you.
Pets Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Pets merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Pets is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Pets merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Pets in about 6 weeks, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Pets merit badge?
Pets is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Pets can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Pets merit badge have?
Pets has 5 main requirements, for 5 items in total.
