Welcoming a new pet to your home is an exciting event, but it also takes thorough planning. You will need to prepare your home for the new family member, and create a conducive environment for him to transition into a new life with you smoothly. Here are some tips to help you on your journey as a first-time pet owner.
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How to determine what kind of pet is right for you.
There are many breeds and kinds of pets you can choose, including dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, reptiles, and birds. Conduct in-depth research about each to understand their needs and what it would take to own one. When determining which kind would be right for you, consider the following factors:
What kinds of activities you want to do with your new pet.
Whether you or a family member has pet allergies.
How large your home and yard are.
Your lifestyle and schedules. Pets require human attention. Therefore, if you have a busy schedule or travel a lot, you’ll need to consider hiring a pet sitter to take care of your pet while you are away.
Animal regulations in your location.
Your financial situation. Owning a pet comes with a lot of costs, such as pet insurance, veterinarian fees, supplies, training and daycare charges.
Take this quiz to help you establish what type of pet is most suitable for you.
How to prepare your home for a new pet.
Obtain all the necessary pet supplies before bringing him home. For instance, if your pet of choice is a dog, get him bedding, potty pads, feeding bowls, food, grooming supplies, a crate, a car seat, a leash, a collar tag, and toys.
Pet-proof your home. Walk around each room in your house and look at it from your pet’s perspective. Identify anything that could cause harm to him. Install gates to block off access to the fireplace and swimming pool. Look out for edibles that are safe for humans but which are poisonous to pets. For instance, coffee, garlic, and chocolate are poisonous to dogs.
Decide which side of the house the pet will be staying, and set it up. Talk to your family members about bringing home the new pet, and discuss pet-care schedules and responsibilities.
How to help your new pet acclimate to his new home.
Choose a day that you are available all day to bring your pet home. Use a pet carrier or a crate to transport him. Talk to the previous pet owner or caretaker to gain an understanding of the pet’s experiences, preferences, and schedule. If you can, bring along some of the pet’s favorite items. Keep an eye on his behavior and tendencies to have a better sense of his personality. Adequately meeting his needs will help him acclimate more quickly.
When bringing home a rescue pet, it may take extra effort to get him adapted to the new environment. Rescue pets may exhibit fear and nervousness at first. In extreme cases, talk to his veterinarian about anxiety medication and other approaches of managing the edginess.
How to bond with your new pet.
It’s no secret that pets bring joy and a host of other mental health benefits to their humans. In addition to being wonderful members of families, animals have been proven to reduce loneliness in the elderly, help recovering addicts get back on track, and even help children with autism overcome their obstacles. The bond between pets and people is truly astounding - but you’ll need to take a few simple steps to establish and foster it.
Find a balance between loving your pet and giving him space. If you can, ease up your schedule for the first few days to spend a substantial amount of time with him. Be actively involved in care activities, such as feeding, bathing, and grooming. Organize a playdate for you and him. Involve him in some of your hobbies, such as exercising or hiking together.
While being a pet parent comes with great responsibility, you’ll enjoy many health and social benefits once you bring your bundle of fur home. With planning, your pet-ownership journey will be an enjoyable one.