The first weeks set the tone. Focus on health, safety and lots of gentle, positive new experiences.
Book a vet visit early
Your vet will check your new pet over and set up a schedule for vaccines, parasite prevention, and when to spay or neuter. Bring any records from the breeder, shelter or rescue.
Socialization
Young animals learn what's normal by meeting it. Introduce new people, sounds, surfaces and handling in short, happy sessions, always letting them retreat if they're unsure. Ask your vet when it's safe to meet other animals and visit public places.
House training
- Puppies: take them out after waking, eating and playing, and reward them outside right away.
- Kittens: provide a clean litter box in a quiet place, and show them where it is after meals and naps.
- Accidents happen. Clean them with an enzyme cleaner and skip the scolding.
Make home safe
Tuck away cords, small objects, medicines, cleaning products and toxic plants. Keep doors and windows secure.
Lilies need a special mention if you have a kitten. True lilies and daylilies are so toxic to cats that a few licks of pollen, or a sip of water from the vase, can cause kidney failure. The safest choice is to keep them out of the house.
Identification from day one
A microchip, registered and kept up to date, plus a tag on the collar, gives your pet the best chance of coming home if they slip out. A Snootit tag lets whoever finds your pet reach you without seeing your phone number.
This is general information, not veterinary advice.
