How to Prepare for a New Pet’s

Arrival

Good organization is key to helping your new pet settle into your family. You’ll not only need to ensure they have all the items they need, but you must provide the appropriate living environment, medical care, and food to start a happy life in your home. If you want to feel 100% ready for a dog, cat, or another pet, check out these top tips for preparing for a new pet’s arrival. Pet-Proofing Caring for a puppy or kitten is like caring for a toddler. They learn by exploring their surroundings and attempting to place objects in their mouths. Protect your new dog or cat by pet-proofing your home. For example, remove potentially dangerous or toxic products, such as: • Electrical cords • Medications • Poisonous food items (Such as chocolate) • Needles • Thread • Toxic houseplants If you are happy for your pet to sit on your furniture, you’d be wise to cover your sofa or armchairs with throws or slipcovers. Invest in Wellness Plans Once you have confirmed your new pet’s arrival, find an affordable veterinary clinic near you to care for their health over the years. For example, your new puppy, kitten, or senior dog or cat might need various vaccines to protect them from many diseases. Veterinary care doesn’t need to be expensive, either. For example, these Manvel vets provide affordable wellness plans to care for your new pet’s many needs, such as unlimited exams, core and non-core vaccines, heartworm testing, microchipping, urinalysis, and much more. It will provide peace of mind that your pet will receive any medical care they need from day one of arriving in your home. Review Your Yard After organizing veterinary care and pet- proofing your home, step into your yard to identify potential dangers, such as poisonous plants, inadequate fencing, or sharp objects. For example, you might need to strengthen weak areas to stop your dog from escaping or remove toxic outdoor plants or cocoa bean shells, as they are poisonous to canines. Also, place any sharp garden tools or garden objects safely in a shed to prevent injuries. Remember, you must always supervise your pets when outdoors. Buy the Correct Products The little details matter when it comes to organization. Talk to the current owner of your pet to discuss the food they are accustomed to eating. You must then serve the same products to prevent digestive upsets. Also, the pet you choose will determine the items required. For example, a puppy or dog will need: • A crate with soft bedding • Food and water bowls • An adjustable collar • Baby gates • Safe dog toys • Dog-grooming products If you are welcoming a cat into your family, you must buy: • A litter box • Litter and scoops • Food and water bowls • A crate or carrier for transportation • Cat toys • Scratching toys • A brush However, if you’re looking forward to the arrival of fish, a reptile, or an amphibian, you may need to purchase: • A tank • A tank heater and thermometer • The correct food • Decorative items If you follow the above helpful advice, you could help your pet smoothly transition into your home.