The arrival of a new pet is an important event that will mark a series of changes in the household. We’ll give you some tips to prepare you and the space to give it the welcome it deserves!

It is extremely important that if your new pet is a kitten, you should keep the doors and windows closed until it has adjusted to the new home, preventing it from escaping.

Collar
Among the first things to prepare for the new pet is its collar with identification that includes the pet’s name and your phone number. Choose a soft nylon collar that can also be adjusted, especially if it is a puppy, so it can grow with the puppy. You can find necklaces with reflective bands ideal for the dark.

For kittens, quick release collars are recommended to prevent them from getting caught where they shouldn’t. Our recommendation is to completely avoid the use of bells on their collars.

If your new pet is a puppy, the collar must be accompanied for a leash so the puppy can get used to use from an early age and he learns to walk by your side. The collar should be adjusted so that a couple of fingers can fit between it and the dog’s neck to prevent suffocation. If the dog is a small breed, we recommend the use of a harness to avoid damaging its delicate neck.

A place to sleep
Choose a warm and comfortable place, away from traffic spaces such as corridors, so your pet can rest whenever it wants without being interrupted. If it is a puppy, put some stuffed animals so that he doesn’t feel alone.

It its a cat, you can install a raised platform to sleep, remember that they love to climb. These raised beds will also serve them to hide without being disturbed.

A place to eat
Your pet is likely to arrive hungry, prepare dishes with food and water. Make sure they are made of stainless steel, the plastic ones can become chew toys or a nest of bacteria that can harm your pet’s health.

Like its bed, its eating space should be located away from places of passage so that the pet can eat calmly and have a good digestion.

Their bathroom
Regularly your pet will need to go to the bathroom at certain times: after eating, before sleeping or waking up. It is ideal to anticipate these schedules so it will become a habit for them.

It is important that your pet is clear about where to relieve himself and prevent your whole house from becoming its bathroom.

If it’s a kitten, the ideal is to place a pair of litter boxes in opposite places of the home and clean the litter daily, replacing it completely at least once a week. If you live in a house, it may get used to relieving itself in the garden, remember to always keep the area clean.

If it’s a puppy and you live in an apartment, remember that you should walk it at least twice a day for its bathroom breaks. Some families usually assign a space for emergency trips to the bathroom. If you live in a house with garden, remember to collect its waste to keep the space always hygienic and preserve the good health of your pet.

Receive it with toys
Their toys will depend on the species and their age.

Cats enjoy toys to follow and catch, they are always stimulated by their hunting nature. Your new pet will love a feather toy. A scratching post is great for both climbing and scrape, you will keep them busy and guard your furniture from unnecessary attacks.

In the case of dogs, chew toys are excellent especially if they are puppies. You will keep them away from your shoes or cell phones. For adult dogs, a ball to play toss and catch is ideal.

Do not leave everything to toys, the activity together is essential to promote a good attitude in your new pet and achieve a better family relationship.

The exterior world
The most important thing you should know about the outside world for your new pet, it’s that it must have a complete vaccination plan before going out for a walk.

Dogs enjoy the outdoors to sniff and share with friends, always remember to take them out wearing a collar and a leash to avoid accidents. Take him to doggy parks (properly fenced) to make friends and drain its energy and desire to play.

For kittens, it is recommended that they do not go out to avoid accidents or getting lost. If you live in a house with a patio, you can get them used to spending time outdoors always with your supervision.

Considerations for the day of the arrival of your new pet:

• Trash bags and cans should be out of reach to avoid attacks on them or possible suffocation.
• Fragile ornaments are recommended to be kept away from curious and mischievous pets.
• The bathroom is not a place for pets. The toilet seat should always be down, prevent your dog from drinking from there or your kitten from falling inside.
• Keep the blind cords out of reach of the new pet.
• Be extremely careful with electrical and phone cables, an unattended and bored pet can bite and electrocute itself.
• Keep your pet away from the kitchen, especially if it’s in use, you don’t want accidents.
• Keep the pet away from substances that can endanger its health. Read the following list to prepare.

Dangerous substances to avoid
There are many substances in common use that are unfortunately dangerous for your pets, prevent them from being within reach and you will be able to enjoy the tranquility and their wonderful company for many years:

• Cleaning products such as bleach and disinfectants.
• Medicines for humans such as aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen (the list is much more extensive, check with your veterinarian).
• Car products such as antifreeze fluid.
• Beauty products like hair dye or acetone.
• Rat or roach poison that you may have spread around the kitchen.
• Mothballs.
• Batteries.
• Alcohol, coffee or cigarettes.
• Certain foods like chocolate, avocado, onion, etc.
• Toxic plants, mainly for cats: lilies, mistletoes, dumb cane, daffodils, hydrangeas, tomatoes, etc. (the list is much more extensive, check with your veterinarian).

Final Recommendations
Annual vaccination and the conscious spay and neuter will always provide the necessary help for your pet, so it will be by your side for many years to come and always healthy.

A regular bath and grooming will keep your best friend clean and healthy. There are long-lasting products on the market for removing fleas and ticks.

You are now ready to welcome your new best friend! Enjoy every moment together, because he or she will become part of your family.

If you want to adopt a new pet, and you want to turn your house into a real home, see our options for adopting a cat or a dog.