Image via: Unsplash

Pets are important members of the family. Dogs and cats make fantastic companions and with the right introductions they can start to bring joy to your family in no time.

Pet ownership, however, is a big responsibility. It takes time, planning and lots of research. Pets require a smooth transitional period to get settled and this means carefully considering the needs of both your family and your new pet. 

Bringing a new pet home as a first time pet owner? There are certain things you should know.

Pets require a solid commitment. You’ll be responsible for food, exercise, housing, grooming and veterinary care. As a pet owner, you need to meet the physiological, behavioural and social needs of an animal. Before you decide to become a pet owner, it’s essential to thoroughly research the care an animal will need so that you can be sure that you’re up to the job. 

An animal needs to be appropriate for your lifestyle. Not all animals are the same, so take time to research species, breed, crossbreed and whether adopting or purchasing a pet is right for you. Adding an animal to your family should not be an impulsive decision. Every year, dogs, cats and other animals are surrendered to the care of shelters or rescue organisations because owners can no longer give them the right care. Understanding the reasons for why pets are surrendered can help you to plan for the long-term commitment of having a pet. 

The average lifespan of a dog or cat is 12 years. Some dogs and cats can live as long as 20 years of age, so it’s important to consider your future situation. Will pet ownership still work for you more than a decade on?

The average costs associated with owning a dog or cat can be expensive too. Upfront costs of a dog can be as high as a few thousand dollars and if you’re considering purchasing a dog, this cost can be significantly higher. Upfront costs for a cat can be as much as $2,000. Ongoing costs for both pets include annual vaccinations and health checks, flea and worming treatments, food, grooming, toys and treats.  

As you can see, there’s lots to think about before committing to pet ownership and once you do, there are certain tips you should follow as a first-time pet owner. 

1. Get ready

Have everything you need before you pick up your dog. This includes a lead, ID tag, food and water bowls, food, a crate, bedding and some toys. Consider getting a treat pouch or bumbag for carrying treats, allowing you to instantly reward positive behaviour. 

Doggy proof your house too. Put away loose cables, store household cleaners, remove plants, rugs and breakables and check your fencing for any gaps from which your dog could escape. 

1. Make their first day as comfortable as possible

Preparation and patience will be the key to a successful adjustment period for both you as the owner, and your new dog. Bringing a new dog home can be exciting, but it can also be stressful for you both. 

The day your dog arrives should be a quiet time and a day when you can spend some quality time together. Rushing your dog into an unfamiliar environment only to rush off to work can leave your dog feeling highly stressed. So too can stopping at the pet store or visiting friends on your way home. 

Upon pickup, go straight home. One helpful tip can be to take a boisterous dog for a walk around the block before entering your home. This way he’ll have burned some energy ready to calmly explore your home. 

1. Limit access to some parts of your home

You can’t supervise your dog at all times, therefore it’s recommended that you limit access to some parts of the house. This can help to limit accidents and it can be less overwhelming for your dog. As your dog starts to settle you can start to open up other parts of your home. 

It’s unlikely that your dog will know that your home is a “no potty” zone. Instead of giving them lots of space to have accidents, confine them to a smaller area and then take them outside frequently to pee. Every time they do, give your dog a treat so your dog knows this is the right place to go. 

1. Come up with a routine and stick to it

Change can be unsettling. To help your dog adjust, establish a routine quickly and then stick to it. Allocate time for a walk, food, play, fuss time and quiet time, as well as opportunities to urinate and defecate. This might mean taking your dog outside before you go to bed and first thing when you wake up. 

1. Schedule a visit to a vet ASAP

Whether you’ve adopted your dog or you’ve purchased him from a breeder, it’s essential that you have your dog checked over by a vet as soon as possible. At this visit, get a full checkup and any vaccinations that your young pup needs.  

1. Get ready

When providing beds, litter trays, scratching posts, food and water bowls, it’s a good idea to provide one extra. Other things you’ll need ahead of time include a brush, cat toys, a cat carrier and access to a high spot where they can view their surroundings. 

1. Make their first day as comfortable as possible 

The most important thing your new cat needs is a quiet, comfortable and secluded space of their own. It could be a spare bedroom or a cosy nook in the living room. Having this space will help your cat become more familiar with their surroundings. 

Your cat will be shy at first, so try to make your home as welcoming as possible. It’s perfectly normal for your cat to hide from you, so be patient. A calming diffuser can sometimes help, as it releases a drug-free odourless vapour that mimics the pheromones a cat releases to indicate an area is safe and secure. 

1. Try different types of litter and boxes

Some cats prefer softer litter while others prefer crystal litter that doesn’t stick to their fur. Some cats like covered boxes, others like uncovered boxes or boxes with low edges. Experiment with the different types and remember to clean out the litter box every day, with a deeper clean happening every week. 

1. Make indoors fun

Cats get bored inside but it’s the safest place to be both for them and other wildlife. If you can, set up an enclosed outdoor space for your cat to play in and change up toys on a regular basis. Play with your cat too. Cats love to be chased and often a cat will stand at one end of the hallway and look back at you as they take a few steps away. This is a cue that they would like to play. Light play can also be fun for a cat, so consider hanging a few CDs that will catch and reflect light around the room or purchase a laser pointer. 

1. Schedule a visit to a vet ASAP

Whether you’ve adopted your cat or you’ve purchased her from a breeder, it’s essential that you have your cat checked over by a vet as soon as possible. At this visit, get a full checkup and any vaccinations that are required, and consider getting your cat microchipped. Keep the microchip number and a photo of your new cat on your phone in case she ever escapes. 

It’s also a good idea to think about how you’ll handle unexpected vet bills. Buddy Pet Insurance can help cover the cost of sudden illnesses, injuries, or other health concerns, giving you peace of mind as you navigate cat ownership for the first time. Having that safety net allows you to focus on bonding with your new companion, not worrying about finances.

Final tip: As a first-time pet owner, you probably feel a little overwhelmed and unsure, albeit excited. Remember that these feelings will also be the same for your pet. You’re in this together, so use these feelings to create a special bond that will last.

Image via: Unsplash

Pets are important members of the family. Dogs and cats make fantastic companions and with the right introductions they can start to bring joy to your family in no time.

Pet ownership, however, is a big responsibility. It takes time, planning and lots of research. Pets require a smooth transitional period to get settled and this means carefully considering the needs of both your family and your new pet. 

Bringing a new pet home as a first time pet owner? There are certain things you should know.

Pets require a solid commitment. You’ll be responsible for food, exercise, housing, grooming and veterinary care. As a pet owner, you need to meet the physiological, behavioural and social needs of an animal. Before you decide to become a pet owner, it’s essential to thoroughly research the care an animal will need so that you can be sure that you’re up to the job. 

An animal needs to be appropriate for your lifestyle. Not all animals are the same, so take time to research species, breed, crossbreed and whether adopting or purchasing a pet is right for you. Adding an animal to your family should not be an impulsive decision. Every year, dogs, cats and other animals are surrendered to the care of shelters or rescue organisations because owners can no longer give them the right care. Understanding the reasons for why pets are surrendered can help you to plan for the long-term commitment of having a pet. 

The average lifespan of a dog or cat is 12 years. Some dogs and cats can live as long as 20 years of age, so it’s important to consider your future situation. Will pet ownership still work for you more than a decade on?

The average costs associated with owning a dog or cat can be expensive too. Upfront costs of a dog can be as high as a few thousand dollars and if you’re considering purchasing a dog, this cost can be significantly higher. Upfront costs for a cat can be as much as $2,000. Ongoing costs for both pets include annual vaccinations and health checks, flea and worming treatments, food, grooming, toys and treats.  

As you can see, there’s lots to think about before committing to pet ownership and once you do, there are certain tips you should follow as a first-time pet owner. 

1. Get ready

Have everything you need before you pick up your dog. This includes a lead, ID tag, food and water bowls, food, a crate, bedding and some toys. Consider getting a treat pouch or bumbag for carrying treats, allowing you to instantly reward positive behaviour. 

Doggy proof your house too. Put away loose cables, store household cleaners, remove plants, rugs and breakables and check your fencing for any gaps from which your dog could escape. 

1. Make their first day as comfortable as possible

Preparation and patience will be the key to a successful adjustment period for both you as the owner, and your new dog. Bringing a new dog home can be exciting, but it can also be stressful for you both. 

The day your dog arrives should be a quiet time and a day when you can spend some quality time together. Rushing your dog into an unfamiliar environment only to rush off to work can leave your dog feeling highly stressed. So too can stopping at the pet store or visiting friends on your way home. 

Upon pickup, go straight home. One helpful tip can be to take a boisterous dog for a walk around the block before entering your home. This way he’ll have burned some energy ready to calmly explore your home. 

1. Limit access to some parts of your home

You can’t supervise your dog at all times, therefore it’s recommended that you limit access to some parts of the house. This can help to limit accidents and it can be less overwhelming for your dog. As your dog starts to settle you can start to open up other parts of your home. 

It’s unlikely that your dog will know that your home is a “no potty” zone. Instead of giving them lots of space to have accidents, confine them to a smaller area and then take them outside frequently to pee. Every time they do, give your dog a treat so your dog knows this is the right place to go. 

1. Come up with a routine and stick to it

Change can be unsettling. To help your dog adjust, establish a routine quickly and then stick to it. Allocate time for a walk, food, play, fuss time and quiet time, as well as opportunities to urinate and defecate. This might mean taking your dog outside before you go to bed and first thing when you wake up. 

1. Schedule a visit to a vet ASAP

Whether you’ve adopted your dog or you’ve purchased him from a breeder, it’s essential that you have your dog checked over by a vet as soon as possible. At this visit, get a full checkup and any vaccinations that your young pup needs.  

1. Get ready

When providing beds, litter trays, scratching posts, food and water bowls, it’s a good idea to provide one extra. Other things you’ll need ahead of time include a brush, cat toys, a cat carrier and access to a high spot where they can view their surroundings. 

1. Make their first day as comfortable as possible 

The most important thing your new cat needs is a quiet, comfortable and secluded space of their own. It could be a spare bedroom or a cosy nook in the living room. Having this space will help your cat become more familiar with their surroundings. 

Your cat will be shy at first, so try to make your home as welcoming as possible. It’s perfectly normal for your cat to hide from you, so be patient. A calming diffuser can sometimes help, as it releases a drug-free odourless vapour that mimics the pheromones a cat releases to indicate an area is safe and secure. 

1. Try different types of litter and boxes

Some cats prefer softer litter while others prefer crystal litter that doesn’t stick to their fur. Some cats like covered boxes, others like uncovered boxes or boxes with low edges. Experiment with the different types and remember to clean out the litter box every day, with a deeper clean happening every week. 

1. Make indoors fun

Cats get bored inside but it’s the safest place to be both for them and other wildlife. If you can, set up an enclosed outdoor space for your cat to play in and change up toys on a regular basis. Play with your cat too. Cats love to be chased and often a cat will stand at one end of the hallway and look back at you as they take a few steps away. This is a cue that they would like to play. Light play can also be fun for a cat, so consider hanging a few CDs that will catch and reflect light around the room or purchase a laser pointer. 

1. Schedule a visit to a vet ASAP

Whether you’ve adopted your cat or you’ve purchased her from a breeder, it’s essential that you have your cat checked over by a vet as soon as possible. At this visit, get a full checkup and any vaccinations that are required, and consider getting your cat microchipped. Keep the microchip number and a photo of your new cat on your phone in case she ever escapes. 

It’s also a good idea to think about how you’ll handle unexpected vet bills. Buddy Pet Insurance can help cover the cost of sudden illnesses, injuries, or other health concerns, giving you peace of mind as you navigate cat ownership for the first time. Having that safety net allows you to focus on bonding with your new companion, not worrying about finances.

Final tip: As a first-time pet owner, you probably feel a little overwhelmed and unsure, albeit excited. Remember that these feelings will also be the same for your pet. You’re in this together, so use these feelings to create a special bond that will last.