Have you always wanted a pet?
Maybe you’ve got pup envy after seeing your friends’ new besties on social media, or kitten fever after watching one too many pet videos on Instagram.
Summer is the perfect time of year to bring home a new addition to the family. The hot weather means plenty of opportunities to spend time outside with your new furry friend, and lots of quality time getting to know each other.
But owning a pet comes with its challenges too, especially in the early days. So, if you’re thinking of bringing home a buddy, check out these three tips to welcome home your new family member.
1. Supplies
This is an obvious first step, but it’s good to be prepared – you don’t want to be caught short.
So before bringing your new pet home, it’s a good idea to double-check that you have everything you need.
With dogs and cats, a well-sized collar is a must. And if they’re still young, it’s worth finding one with a few extra notches to leave room for growth.
You’ll need to stock up on food too – not just regular meals but treats as well. Usually, the shelter or breeder you buy your pet from will give you dietary advice and recommendations.
2. Safety first
Make sure that your home is safe to accommodate a pet, not just while you’re in the house but when you’re out and about too.
Doggy crates can be helpful for those initial training stages, provided it’s an appropriate size that leaves them plenty of space. It’s also ok to leave them with a toy in the crate while you’re out of the house, but opt for something ‘indestructible’ over fluffy, soft toys that can be chewed up, made a mess with or swallowed – rubber toys are ideal for this.
New cats meanwhile should be kept indoors for the first two weeks. After this, consider installing a cat flap to give them a little freedom, and ease them into those early experiences with the outside world.
3. Vet
All pets need to be registered with a veterinary practice.
Upon adoption, find out from your shelter or breeder whether they’ve had all necessary vaccines, and if not arrange for those to happen as soon as possible.
As well as regular check-ups, vets will keep an eye on potential future health issues and possible allergies – some will partner with experts like Avacta Animal Health to ensure the best possible treatment in these cases.
Do some research into the most thorough (and most cost effective) pet insurance policies around, ideally before bringing your pet home. Bear in mind that your pet’s age and breed can be affecting factors in the types of coverage you can get.
The most important thing is to enjoy the time you spend with your new pet, treasure them and make them feel happy, safe and cared for.
Do you have any words of wisdom for new pet owners? Share them with us in the comments below.
