How To Welcome Your New Furry Friend Into The Family

There are few things as exciting and nerve-racking as welcoming a new furry friend into the family. They bring in a lot of joy and cuteness, but you’ll need to prepare beforehand! There’s a lot involved in caring for a new pet, and you’ll want to make sure you’re ready.

Some important things to have beforehand are a collar—either with a lead for a puppy, or a bell for a kitten. Purchase any medicines as well, such as anti-tick, flea and deworming treatments. Puppies will require grooming equipment, while cats can clean themselves most of the time. And don’t forget their beds and play toys!

(And of course, the top of the list will always be all the love you can give. Cheesy? Yep, but it’s true!)

Will you be getting a puppy or a kitten anytime soon? We have prepared some checklists for a new dog or cat to have to welcome your new puppy or kitten. Now get ready for a cuteness overload!

New Puppy Checklist

Yay—a new puppy! It’s immensely rewarding to welcome a new furry bundle of joy into your home. But before you go and pick up your new little friend, you’ll need to prepare beforehand.

How to care for a puppy? Here are some of the puppy essentials you’ll need for your new pet.

Walking accessories

Item number one on your checklist should be anadjustable harness and matching lead. Your dog should always be harnessed unless you can guarantee it’ll stay indoors. If your dog is particularly excitable, there are no-pull varieties with a leash attachment at the chest instead of the back.

For extra security, you can attachdog tagswith your dog’s name and your contact information, in case of any incidents.It’s also a great idea to have anup-to-date microchipso you can locate your dogif you become separated.

Food and accessories

Puppies have different nutritional requirements, so make sure you’re gettingpuppy food.Double-check with the breeder or shelter whether your puppy has any allergies or specific dietary needs that will necessitate special food.

Haveseparate water and food dog bowls—possibly even several water bowls, placed strategically around the house. Your dog needs hydrating just as much as you do! (If the pup likes splashing around, set the water bowls on mats or newspapers.)

And of course, don’t forget to pick up somedog treats!

Toys

One of the best aspects of getting a new dog is gettingAll. The. Toys.Your dog will needat least one or two toys so it doesn’t feel bored, since playing with your dog is essential to their health and happiness. Chew toys, feeding toys, chase toys, puzzle toys—is there such a thing as too many toys?

(Unfortunately, the answer is yes. You don’t want to clean twenty of them!)

Puppies go through teething just like babies, so it’s not unusual for them to mouth and bite almost anything. By the age of about 7 months your puppy should have all its adult teeth. Providing them with the right type of chew toy for their age and stage will ensure they are getting the relief they need during teething.

If your dog isn’t sleeping with you on the bed (cuddles!), make sure to get them adog bedof their own.

Grooming equipment

Unlike kittens (which we’ll cover next), dogsdoneed grooming equipment to keep them clean. These include:

• Puppy shampoo and conditioner
• Anti-tick/flea and deworming treatments
• Dog toothbrush and toothpaste
• Enzyme spray (for any accidents)
• Pooper scooper and baggies
• Nail clippers/files

New Kitten Checklist

Cats are less high-maintenance than dogs, but kittens still need a lot of preparation. They’re much more delicate than adult cats and need plenty of attention. They’re also just so wonderfully adorable.

How to take care of a kitten? Here’s what kittens need when coming to a new home.

Collar and transport equipment

Your kitten will also needan adjustable collar, preferably witha bell. This will let you know where your little feline friend is (especially if they’re getting up to any shenanigans). Attach any necessaryidentification tagsin case your cat gets out.

For any vet visits and other travel, get acat travel crate. It should be big enough to hold your cat comfortably and let it move around a little bit.

If you’re planning to take your cat on walks, consider acat carry bag! 

Food and accessories

Also, like a puppy, your kitten will have different nutritional requirements from adult cats. As such, make sure to get the appropriatekitten foodalongsidefood and water bowls. (Of course, your kitten will still try to drink out of your glass, because cats will be cats.)

Kitten entertainment

Kittens are naturally curious, so they also need toys to keep them entertained. Choosetoys designed specifically for cats—they shouldn’t splinter or tear. Hard rubber mice, celluloid balls, or catnip animals are perfect.

Cats will also entertain themselves with anything they come across, such as balled up paper or cardboard toilet paper tubes. Just make sure to keep them away from balls of string or thread, rubber bands, and anything they can accidentally swallow.

Avertical cat treeis also an excellent investment—cats love climbing!

Grooming equipment

One important item for your cat is a sizeablelitter box—more than one, if you’re able. Place them strategically around your house and make sure to change the litter regularly.

Otherwise, cats can groom themselves and won’t need bathing. You can purchase aflea comb or brush if you’d like; ask your vet to recommend one.

Essential Pet Services

For both puppies and kittens, it’s essential to have aqualified veterinarianto take care of all their medical needs. Take them for regular check-ups and make sure they’re updated on all their shots.

You may also want to invest inpet insurance plans.