Have you got everything you need for your new pet?

Welcoming a new pet into the family is always a joyous occasion. They bring so much love and light into our lives and we want to make them feel as welcome as possible. Whatever pet you’re thinking of adding to your family, you’re bound to need some new bits and pieces to make them feel comfortable when they arrive. It’s a good idea to be prepared in advance so that once your pet arrives, you can relax and enjoy the first few days with them without having to pop to the shops to buy anything you’ve forgotten.

Food

The first thing you’ll need to get for your new pet is the right kind of food. You’ll need to do your research on the right type of food that will suit your pet best. Alternatively, you could speak to a veterinarian who may be able to make some recommendations. Make sure you’re providing a healthy, balanced diet that will give them all the nutrients and vitamins they need to grow big and strong. You’ll also need to think about food and water bowls for them to use. If you’re getting a more unusual pet, you may need additional, specialist equipment, like live insects for lizards or a cage-mounted water bottle for a rabbit or hamster.

Sleeping arrangements 

Your pet will not only need a comfortable place to lay down when sleeping, but they’ll more than likely use this spot as a retreat if things get a little overwhelming or noisy for them. You’ll need to think about what rooms you want your pet to have access to at night time. Will you need more than one bed? Will they need a cage to sleep in? If you’re getting a cat, you’ll need to put extra thought into their sleeping spot as cats are notoriously fussy about the location of their beds! 

Identification

If you’re getting a pet that will leave the house, you’ll need a collar and a tag with space for a name and phone number. You can also get your pet microchipped. At the moment, you are only legally required to microchip dogs, horses, ponies and donkeys in the UK. But the government is said to be planning to expand this to apply to cats too. 

Toilet provisions

This will vary depending on the type of pet you are getting but every animal will need somewhere to do their business. If you’re getting a dog, you’ll need to buy poo bags. Cat owners will need to consider different litter tray and kitty litter options. Although pets like hamsters and lizards might not need a specific toilet spot, you’ll need to make sure you understand how to properly clean out their cage or tank and make sure your cleaning supplies won’t harm them.

Toys

All animals need some form of entertainment and pet toys can be a lot of fun to shop for. There are so many options available! From hundreds of different types of balls, ball throwers, frisbees, squeaky toys, teasers, scratching posts, the possibilities are endless! Just make sure that the items you are choosing are safe for your pet and don’t pose any choking hazards.

Walking equipment

This one mainly applies to dogs, although it’s not unheard of for people to walk their cats, rabbits and pigs too! First of all your dog will need a comfortable collar. Then you’ll need a lead of some sort. This might be a standard lead, or maybe a retractable one. Or a harness-based lead might work better. Make sure you buy one that is suitable for the size of your dog. 

Grooming equipment

Your cat or dog will need regular grooming to keep them nice and healthy, particularly if they’re a long-haired breed. A nice brush will help keep their fur in check and help to avoid matting and keeps their coat healthy. You might also need to buy some dog shampoo to keep them clean. Nail cutting can be done at home or you could go to a vet or a groomers for this service. It’s also really important to brush your dog’s teeth regularly. Good dental hygiene can help prevent your dog from suffering gum disease.

Fri Feb 26 2021