Prepping For A New Furry Friend: A Checklist For Owners

There’s nothing more exciting for an animal lover than the prospect of bringing a new furry friend into the family.

If you’re adopting a dog, and you’re counting down the days until your pup joins the household, here’s a handy checklist to help you get ready. 

Finding a vet

When you’re a pet owner, you assume responsibility for the health and well-being of your new companion.

Puppies and older dogs will need preventative treatments, and you might also need to call your vet for advice or to make an appointment if your pet becomes unwell.

It’s important to research local veterinary practices before you bring your dog home.

Ask friends and neighbors who have pets for recommendations, check customer reviews online and look for vets with an excellent reputations.

The center or shelter you’re adopting your dog from may also be able to offer suggestions. 

Buying essentials

If it’s nearly time to bring your pooch home, it’s wise to take a trip to a store or place an order online to make sure you have all the essentials you need for those first few fun-packed weeks.

You’ll need to buy a supply of food, some toys for your dog to play with, a collar and lead, water and food bowls, and a bed.

If you already have pets at home, it’s important to buy a new bed for the latest addition to the household to make them feel welcome, to give them their own space, and to try and reduce the risk of other dogs or cats becoming territorial.

There’s a vast selection of beds available online to suit all budgets and tastes.

Take a look at options like Pendleton dog beds if you’re looking for something cool and chic that will fit in with your decor.

When shopping for food, tailor your choices to suit the age and breed of your dog.

Your vet will be able to give you advice if you’re not sure what to buy at first.

When searching for toys, look for products that are going to keep your new buddy busy and enable them to have loads of fun and burn off energy.

Getting your home ready

If you’re not used to having a dog around the house, be prepared to make a few changes.

Dogs can be very energetic, a little clumsy, and a bit messy.

Before your new best friend arrives, it’s worth thinking about moving fragile or expensive decorative items and accessories, investing in stair gates, and putting locks on your doors.

It can also be helpful to place additional mats by your external doors to keep muddy pawprints at bay and to make sure your garden or backyard is safe and secure. 

Bringing a furry friend home is an incredibly exciting prospect.

If you’re in the final stages of preparation and adoption day is looming, hopefully, this guide will ensure everything is ready for your new addition.

Research veterinary practices, stock up on essentials, and pet-proof your home.