Preparing for a new pet

You have finally given in to the children’s pleas for a new pet. You have decided on the perfect pet for your family and you have even arranged to collect one. But what do you do to prepare for your newest kitten or puppy’s homecoming?

Place your new pet’s bed somewhere that is free from draughts and as quiet and private as possible. Your pet may be overwhelmed by their new home at first so make sure that they have somewhere to escape to for a little peace and quiet – especially if you have young children running around the place who are keen to get to know their new friend!

Prepare a specific feeding area for them. Have a bowl of fresh water ready for them for as soon as they arrive. Ask which foods they are already used to and try to stick to the diet to which they are accustomed as young tummies can be particularly sensitive to change.
Your new puppy or kitten may not yet be toilet trained so have an area ready for them to train in – perhaps several layers of newspaper or some litter placed in a tray. Familiarise the feeding, sleeping and toilet training areas to your new pet when they arrive. You may need to keep a zealous eye on your new puppy or kitten and take them over to the tray several times before they get the hang of it so be warned!

Make sure you have a box of supplies ready for all your pet’s grooming and health needs. Keep a supply of treatments and pet meds in a lockable box but do be aware that some products may require your pet to be over a certain number of weeks old to use them.
Night times may find your pet particularly unsettled especially in the first week or so. Placing a heat pad or a ticking clock in their bed may provide the comfort they associate from being close to their mother, helping them to settle more peacefully as they adjust to their new surroundings.

Getting prepared before your pet arrives and having everything they will need ready and waiting for them will help them to settle into their new home more quickly and give you the opportunity to get to know the newest addition to your family too!

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