The decision to bring a pet into your home for you and your family should not be taken lightly. A pet will become a member of your family and not just a fixture in your home. Pets are not meant to come and go, but to remain as part of your home for years to come. Unfortunately for some, pets are disposable items that will be moved if they are an inconvenience. This should be avoided since unstable homes can make unstable pets.



A checklist for pet care can be an essential tool when you first bring home your new pet. For many people, a new pet is their first experience at being a full-time pet parent, and for those this list will be most useful. Preparing yourself, your home, and your pet for those first few months in a new environment will make the change go gracefully and help everyone adjust easily.

1. The first thing you want to be sure of is that your pet has all of their vaccinations up to date. It is important that your new pet is protected from such outside irritants as fleas, tics, ringworm, or many other ailments such as distemper or rabies. The health of your pet is one of the most important aspects of ongoing care. Wellness exams each year are important for your pet. A veterinarian will perform a thorough exam on your pet looking at such things as their vital signs, ears, eyes, mouth, the heart and lungs, as well as the reproductive organs and their skin. This step is a very important preventative measure for your pet each year.

2. Getting your home ready for your new pet can be a big task, but one that is essential for the big day that your new friend comes home. If it is a small caged animal, a small space that is quiet is fine for them to be used to their surroundings. You will not want to take your new friend out just yet, but let them get used to the sounds and smells of their new home before you start introducing them outside of their immediate surroundings. If it is a larger, self-sufficient animal such as a cat or dog, you will want to make sure that they have their own space, a blanket or pet bed for retreating to, out of the way in case they are too overwhelmed at the beginning.

3. Regular physical routine is essential for any pet. This is their exercise routine since they are not like us and do activity regularly without the help of us. Larger pets such as dogs must be walked every day, smaller animals like cats, ferrets, guinea pigs, and birds can be trained to play with anyone in the family. Toys such as balls, bells, tubes, or even apparatuses are useful in helping your pet achieve physical activity during the day while you are away or even you interacting with them while they are exploring.

If you follow some simple guidelines, your new pet is sure to adapt to his new family in no time at all. Regular checkups, physical activity and preventative measures can not only make your pet more comfortable, but also extend the life of your pet. A pet is an investment so you will want to be sure to take care of him for the benefit of everyone.