Bringing home a new pet is super exciting, but it can also be a bit nervewracking when you consider all of the responsibilities of pet ownership. In this post, we’ll discuss how to welcome a new pet into your home in a way that’s comfortable for your pet, for you, for your family, and for other pets in your home. I’ll be providing a ton of information and resources on all apsects of pet care, so don’t worry! I’ve got you…
In this post, we’ll discuss:
- Preparing for a New Pet
- Bonding and Building Trust
- Your Pet’s Health and Well-Being
- If You Have Children and Other Pets
- How to Take Care of Your Pet
- Pet Training
Preparing for a New Pet
Preparing for a New PetIt’s important to take steps to prepare for your new pet before you bring them home. You’ll need to create a welcoming and safe environment for the pet, considering their specific needs. A few basic tips:
1. Pet proof your home
2. Set up a designated area for their food, their bed, and where you want them to go potty
3. Have essential supplies
You’ll want to do your best to make your pet feel comfortable, safe and happy in their new home. For tons of help on preparing for your new pet, read these posts. Each includes a video!
How to Get Ready for a New Puppy Printable Checklist
What Does a New Kitten Need? Printable Checklist
Complete Cat and Health Care Guide
Building a Bond With Your New Pet
Building a Bond With Your New PetWhen your pet first arrives, building trust is crucial. Spending time with your pet and offering gentle reassurance is the best way for them to begin to trust you. Be patient and allow them to adjust at their own pace. A few tips:
1. Set a routine. Just like children, pets feel less fearful if they have a set routine and know what to expect.
2. Be consistent with activities like feeding, potty, playtime and bedtime.
3. Don’t rush your pet or expect too much at once. Acclimating to a new environment takes time!
For more help with understanding and bonding with your new pet, read these posts:
How to Understand Cat Language
Your New Pet’s Health and Well-Being
Schedule an appointment with a veterinarian for a thorough check-up and vaccinations. Be prepared for the appointment with a list of questions, so you’re making the right decisions for your new pet right from the start. A few topics you might discuss with the vet are feeding recommendations, exercise requirements, grooming schedules and any other needs of the pet’s species and breed.
For more help regarding your pet’s health, check out these resources:
The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health
Preparing for Your Puppy’s First Vet Visit
Health Insurance for Pets – Everything I Wish I’d Known
If You Have Children or Other Pets
Bringing home a new pet affects everyone in the household. For help with making this a smooth transition for everyone, read these posts:
Introducing Household Pets (Free Professional Tutorial)
Bringing Your New Puppy Home – Preparing Your Family
Getting the Kids Involved with Training Your New Dog (Free Professional Tutorial)
How to Take Care of Your Pet
Here are two helpful posts that discuss every aspect of pet care with tons of additional resources. Read the post, or watch my video!
Pet Training Recommendations
Successful pet training is essential for you and your new pet to live happily ever after! Here are my top recommendations for easy-to-follow and effective pet training:
Ultimate Guide to Puppy Training (Free Professional Tutorial)
Potty Training Made Easy (Free Professional Video Series)
The Easy Way to an Obedient Dog (Free Professional Video Series)
The Complete Cat Training Guide
Getting a New Pet is Always Worth It
Getting a New Pet is Always Worth ItI’ve had several pets in my life and each and every one of them has brought me tremendous amounts of love and joy. My newest is Whiskers, a male cat who was feral, rescued by a local pet rescue organization. That’s him in the pic. He’s one of the most affectionate cats I’ve ever owned. Seriously, he’s a lover boy!
Bringing home a new pet marks the beginning of a years-long friendship with a loving and loyal companion. From the careful preparation, building trust, creating a routine and commiting to the health, happiness and well-being of your pet, you’ll be investing in a relationship that will enrich your life for years to come.
Sign Up for My Newsletter!
I have a newletter for Dog Lovers and Cat Lovers. If you’d like to sign up, about every week or so you’ll receive an email from me all about the care, health and training of dogs or cats. Most include a video! Click here to choose which list to sign up for – you can choose both!
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I Donate to Animal CharitiesThank you for visiting my website. I donate 10% of my earnings on this website to animal charities. You can see a list of the charities I donate to here. If you like this website, please share it with your friends who have a dog or a cat. Thank you! Debra
