First Time Pet Parent Guide

Before welcoming your new companion into your home, it's crucial to find a trusted vet in your area. They will play an important role throughout your new additions life in keeping them happy and healthy so getting this right is crucial. If you’re bringing home a fur baby like a cat or a dog, this search will only involve finding the best fit but if your choice of companion is a little more specific, you may need a vet who specialises in them. There are small animal vets who specialise in reptiles, fish and birds so if your new friends are a little more niche, you may want to look around for a vet that is really going to understand their specific needs and health issues.  

Once you find a vet who is really going to know how to best take care of your four legged family member, you need to be sure you can build a long lasting and good working relationship with them. Vets are generally very individual with their opinions so finding one you work well with and trust will make things easier for you and your pet to become comfortable with them. Some practices will have packages and deals that cover vaccinations and routine parasite treatments at a fixed cost.  

Sourcing these from your vet means you don’t have to shop around and keep tabs on all the moving parts of your beloved pet’s health. They can help you in everything from choosing the right diet to offering advice when it comes to adjusting your home environment to make it ideal for your latest addition. Your chosen vet will be a valuable tool throughout your pet’s life.  

When considering pet insurance, it's essential to delve into the specifics of what each plan covers. Look for policies that not only provide protection for accidents and illnesses but also include coverage for medications, surgeries, diagnostic tests, and even alternative therapies. Additionally, some plans offer additional benefits such as coverage for behavioural therapy or hereditary conditions. 

Enrolling your pet in insurance early on is crucial for several reasons. It ensures that your pet is covered as soon as possible, offering peace of mind knowing that you're prepared for any unforeseen circumstances from the moment they join your family. Early enrollment also helps avoid the possibility of exclusions for pre-existing conditions. By getting covered as soon as possible, before any health issues arise, you guarantee that your pet receives comprehensive protection without any limitations or restrictions based on their medical history. 

You will need to consider factors such as deductible costs, reimbursement rates, and annual coverage limits when comparing insurance plans. Tailoring your policy to suit your budget and your pet's specific needs ensures that you're getting the most value out of your investment. Pet insurance ranges from basic accidental cover to long term illness cover and ongoing treatments like hydrotherapy if they ever need it. Ultimately, pet insurance provides invaluable financial security, allowing you to focus on providing the best possible care for your furry friend without the burden of unexpected vet costs. 

Pet-proofing your home and garden is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and well-being of your new furry friend. It will look a little different for every pet as they might have full reign of the house or just access to their own enclosure unless you’re there to supervise them. You should comb through their living space for any potential hazards, including toxic substances, small objects that could pose a choking risk, and plants that may be poisonous to pets. Take proactive measures to eliminate these dangers, such as swapping out your cleaners for pet friendly products, securing cabinets with childproof locks, and removing or relocating hazardous plants. 

In addition to indoor precautions, don't forget about your outdoor space. Secure fences and gates to prevent escape, and remove any sharp objects or potential entanglement hazards. Consider installing a pet-friendly garden with non toxic plants and avoiding the use of pesticides or fertilisers that could harm your pet. Removing any risks will help to create a safe and secure environment where your furry companion can thrive and enjoy their new surroundings without risk of injury or illness. 

As soon as you bring your new addition home, you’re going to want to establish a routine. This includes feeding, talking and setting play and sleep schedules. For smaller pets, it may mean getting them used to handling and helping them to establish a good routine in their enclosure with the ideal heat gradient. For some pets, it’s teaching them where their toilet area is and for your canine companions, it’s giving them a predictable routine to follow. Knowing when their walks are and establishing boundaries within the home to reinforce behaviours you want can start as early as day one.  

Most pets will benefit from a strict feeding schedule so they can predict when food is coming. When food is unpredictable, it can be a real cause of anxiety for them. Creating an expectation for time outside their enclosure or crate and giving them an ideal environment for whenever they need to be confined is also just as important. If you plan on crating a puppy, they may need some crate training to create a positive association and get you off on the right foot. It may take some time to adjust a routine to make it perfect for both you and your new companion but once you get into the swing of it, it will help them to settle in.  

Making time for play and bonding is a cornerstone of nurturing a fulfilling relationship with your companion. Beyond providing basic care, investing in quality bonding activities strengthens the emotional connection between you and your furry friend. Set aside dedicated time each day for interactive play sessions, whether it's tossing a ball, finding new and fun toys, or engaging in stimulating activities that cater to their preferences. In addition to playtime, prioritise affectionate snuggles and cuddles. These calm moments are important for bonding and helping them to feel secure in their new environment. Some pets will need some time to settle in before they feel safe enough to appreciate a cuddle so it’s important to cater to every individual animal.

Consider enrolling in training classes together as another avenue for bonding. Not only do these classes provide valuable opportunities for socialisation and learning essential skills, but they also strengthen the bond between you and your pet as you work together towards common goals. Ultimately, these shared experiences enrich both your lives, contributing to your pet's overall wellbeing by fulfilling their need for mental stimulation, physical activity, and emotional connection. 

As much as we'd love to bring our pets everywhere we go, there are times when travel arrangements need to be made. Explore options for pet boarding or hiring pet sitters to care for your companion in your absence. Introduce your pet to crates or carriers early on to acclimate them to safe and stress free travel experiences. Every pet will have different needs and based on those, you can decide if it’s easier to take them to someone who can care for them all day or if you just need someone to pop around and feed them or spend time with them when you’re gone.  

Dogs, cats and small furries all enjoy having company throughout the day while fish and reptiles are a little harder to move around so they do better with visits. If your pet is a little more exotic like a snake then you will need to focus on finding the right fit who knows how to handle and feed your scaly friend when you’re not home. Every pet will have different needs so it’s vital to create arrangements that will suit them. Being a new pet parent is a big adjustment, but also very rewarding. Set your pet up for success by getting everything you need before they come home. To prepare for the arrival of your new companion, visit us in store and online.