Meeting a small furball or scaly reptile is an important event for any owners. You will need to treat your future pet with all responsibility. This article covers everything you need to do before you bring your new family member into your home.
Essential questions to ask about the New Pet
Make sure to ask some important questions about the animal.
Does the animal have any health issues, and has it been vaccinated? Knowing the exact date of birth and details about spaying or neutering will also be helpful. Don’t forget to complete all necessary paperwork and, if available, collect the animal’s veterinary passport.
What food are you planning to give your pet? Are there any specific preferences or allergies you need to be aware of? If you decide to change your pet’s diet, try to choose food with a similar flavor to avoid causing unnecessary stress.
What type of litter and tray is the animal used to? When it comes to diet and hygiene, it’s crucial to ensure a smooth, stress-free transition to their new home. Avoid changing these habits unless absolutely necessary.
Lastly, find out if your pet has a favorite toy or a specific item they’re attached to, like bedding or a pillow. If possible, bring these familiar items with you to help your pet feel more comfortable.
What to buy?
Do not try to buy everything imaginable and inconceivable at once. Accessories bought in a hurry are often not used later. What will definitely be required from day one?
- Bowls (for water and food). You can immediately buy a bowl with height adjustment for dogs so that the bowl “grows” with the puppy. Look and choose a bowl.
- A suitable size bed/basket. But you shouldn’t buy a climbing set right away since all cats have different attitudes to such entertainment.
- Tray and litter for cats. Small breed dogs will also need absorbent diapers, especially if the pet will have to stay at home for a long time. View and select the tray and filler.
- Harnesses, collars, and leashes. Although these are traditionally “dog” equipment, some cats are willing to walk on a leash. The main thing is to accustom the kitten to a harness early.
- Brushes, scrapers, furminators – the choice of grooming accessories depends on the animal’s breed and the coat type. Therefore, you should not buy “hairdressing sets” of hundreds of items – start with a silicone brush and/or a furminator. If you are adopting a pet of a breed that is “difficult” to care for, it is worth meeting a good groomer: he will cut/comb the animal and give advice on caring for its coat.
- Food, treats, and vitamin supplements. Do not buy large packages: it is quite possible that the food will have to be changed depending on the pet’s preferences.
- Food for kittens. Food for puppies. Treats for dogs. Treats for cats. Vitamin supplements.
You can buy toys in a week or two. At first, the animal will get used to the new home and will not have time for games. But don’t forget about disposable diapers. They will come in handy in case of “accidents,” especially if you are not taking an adult pet but a kitten or puppy.
Preparing your home & routine for your new pet
Bringing a new pet into your home will require some adjustments to your living space, daily routine, and habits. It’s a good idea to plan ahead.
Decide where your pet will eat, sleep, and play. You may need to rearrange some furniture to accommodate them. Also, be sure to move any items that could be dangerous to your pet, such as glass vases, electrical cords, or household chemicals, out of their reach.
Designate someone to be primarily responsible for the pet. This doesn’t mean that other family members won’t help care for the animal, but there should be a ‘lead’ owner who takes on the main responsibilities. This person will be the one to walk the dog in the rain or clean up after the cat at 5 a.m.
Consider your daily routine, especially if you’re getting a dog that will need regular walks. Cats also don’t like being left alone for long periods, so you might want to invest in an automatic feeder or water dispenser.
Time, budget & planning
The first and most important thing to consider is how much free time you and your family members have. Helping a pet adjust to a new home is similar to a child’s first day at kindergarten. If you can spend an extra 2-3 hours a day with your pet during the initial period, it will make the transition smoother. You don’t need to take time off work, but planning the move for a Friday will give you the weekend to focus on your pet.
You’ll also need to budget for the new addition to your family—starting with basic expenses like pet food.
Factor in the costs of a Dubai vet (medical examinations, vaccinations) and the inevitable costs of chewed shoes or a torn pillow.
Think about how you’ll feed your pet. If you plan to serve natural food, be prepared to double your grocery budget and improve your cooking skills. Creating a balanced diet with natural food—and getting your pet to eat it—can be quite challenging.
