2020 saw a surge in animal adoptions that has even led to shortages of homeless pets for people to adopt in some locations. If you are considering adopting a pet, congratulations! Having a dog or a cat at home is shown to help prolong the lives of humans (not to mention the life of an animal that doesn’t have to live on the street. Here are some of the things and preparations you will have to make if you are considering bringing a new animal into the home.
Going to the bathroom
Dogs typically go to the bathroom outside, which requires that you purchase at the very least a dog leash, and sometimes a harness for the leash as well. You will need small plastic bags to pick up the dogs solid waste, which you can either purchase or re-use if you have extra old grocery or produce bags from the store. If you are getting a cat, the cat will need a litter box and cat litter. Be sure to check out our guide here on cat litters to choose from.
Flea treatment
If you are bringing home a new animal, you are going to want to be sure to treat it for fleas for a few months, particularly if is a kitten or puppy. Many kittens and puppies have fleas on them from a very young age, and even if they are killed by initial flea treatments, their eggs which were previously laid can hatch, producing more fleas. If your new pet is indoor, you can likely cease flea treatments after a few months. If the animal is outdoors, you may have to continue flea treatments, depending on your local outdoor conditions.
Food and water
One thing that might go without saying is that your new pet will need a place to eat and drink. If you have extra glass or ceramic bowls, you may be able to use those for your cat or dog, but many people choose to purchase pet specific food and water dishes, particularly for larger dog breeds. Choosing a dog or cat food can be quite an affair. Many vets recommend Royal Canin brand, but it can be very expensive. Costco has very attractive pricing on food for adult dogs and cats. If you are getting a puppy or kitten, you will want to be sure to get special kitten or puppy food, which is specially formulated for their needs as growing babies.
A place to sleep
While it is not a requirement, many pet owners choose to purchase pet bedding for their new dog or cat. There are many different kids and shapes of dog and cat beds, ranging from 20 bucks all the way up to the hundreds of dollars for the most luxurious large dog beds. Some people in temperate climates may choose to house their dog outdoors in a dog house.
Play
One things pets like to do, particularly kittens and puppies, is to play. Cats love to chase little toy mice, balls, bells, and really anything that they can get their mischievous paws on. Some cats favorite toys are things that are not even toys at all, such as boxes. Likewise, dogs love to play with their owners, especially to go outside and play fetch with a ball or a chew toy. Make sure you provide a loving and play-friendly environment for your pet, to keep from preventing aggressive behavior in an animal that doesn’t get enough stimulation.
In Conclusion
These are just some of the things you will need to get started off on your new pet ownership adventure. If you are looking for a place to adopt, be sure to check out your local Petsmart or Petco, as both have adoption programs. And be sure to bring your little new one to the vet to make sure they get their vaccinations and that they are spayed or neutered.