Adding a pet to your family is very exciting, but can also be stressful if you are a new pet parent! All animals have unique needs and require certain things to maintain their well-being. Here are a few things all people should do when bringing home a new pet!

Pet-proof your house  

Before bringing your new pet home, make sure your home is safe! Dogs and cats can’t consume certain foods like onion, garlic, chocolate, and grapes. You don’t need to fully remove these foods from your kitchen, but make sure that they are out of your new pet’s reach! Keep them in cabinets as opposed to easily accessible spaces. Puppies and kittens love to explore, so limiting them from finding toxic food items in your kitchen is important! 

Find a reliable veterinarian

You want your pet's veterinarian to be reliable and someone you trust! It’s important to not only find a veterinarian but to find one that is close to where you live! In case of an emergency, you want to be able to get to the veterinarian quickly. 

Make sure your pet is updated on medical exams

After finding a veterinarian, it’s a good idea to take your pet for a routine checkup, especially if you weren’t given detailed records of their medical history. You want to make sure they are healthy, update to date on vaccines, and won’t bring any fleas or ticks into your home. It’s recommended that you take your pet to the veterinarian at least once a year for a wellness exam, so getting your animal used to these appointments is a good idea. 

Create a pet first aid kit

This kit should include HoneyCure, bandages, gauze, medical gloves, saline solution, a flashlight, and your veterinarian’s contact information. You should keep a first aid kit in your house, as well as a travel-size version to take with you while you are on the go!

Get a chip or I.D. tags

Getting your pet chipped is a great way to help keep them safe! This requires a small procedure where a chip is implanted into your pet that allows you to register them under your contact information. In the case of your pet getting separated from you, the person who finds them can have a veterinarian scan the chip to pull up your contact information. 

If this isn’t something you are interested in, you can also put an I.D. tag on your pet's collar with your contact information on it. Even if your animal doesn’t go outside much, it’s best to be prepared with the proper identification in case of an emergency!

A new pet is always a fun addition to a family, but can also be a lot of work. You will need to get into a new routine with your pet for training, walking, and adapting them to your family. A great way to help them adjust is to provide lots of toys and treats to help them feel welcomed into their new home!

1. “Microchipping FAQ.” American Veterinary Medical Association, www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/microchips-reunite-pets-families/microchipping-faq. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023. 

2. “Off-Limit Food for Your Dog or Cat.” Banfield Pet Hospital®, www.banfield.com/en/Wellness-at-banfield/Diet-nutrition-obesity/foods-pets-shouldnt-eat. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.