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Adding a furry member to the family can be so exciting! They bring so much love and joy to the home, but are you prepared for what is really involved with this new commitment?
You’ll need to think about vet visits, emergencies, vacations, supplies and all of the associated costs.
If you’re not sure where to even begin, that’s okay! Use our guide to help you get started and make your new family member feel right at home!
VET VISITS
Within the first couple weeks of bringing your new pet home, schedule an appointment with a veterinarian — even if they don’t need any vaccines.
Having your pet examined will create a doctor-patient relationship, so you can ask any questions you may have, as well as purchase prevention.
Disclaimer: While I do have experience with animals and working in the veterinary field, I am not a medical professional and this should not be construed as medical or professional advice. This is simply a guide for things to think about when getting a new pet. I recommend that you seek advice from a veterinarian.
Exam schedule:
Puppies/Kittens — Young animals are more susceptible to illness, so some of their vaccines will need to be administered in a series or “boostered” every three to four weeks, usually concluding around the 16-week mark. Veterinarians may also charge an exam fee every time you come in for a booster, so it would be a good idea to reach out to clinics in your area to see what their fees are ahead of time.
Adults — Healthy adults can typically be seen once a year for their exam and vaccines, though older pets may need to have bloodwork performed twice a year.
Illness and emergency:
We hope this is never a concern, but it is important to be prepared and set some money aside in the event of an illness or emergency. This could be something as common as an allergy, ear or skin infection. The cost for tests, procedures, antibiotics and other medications can add up quickly!
Vaccines for dogs:
Rabies — Fatal to dogs and required by law in most states.
DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus) — This combination vaccine covers several diseases including parvovirus which is contagious and can be fatal if left untreated.
Bordetella (kennel cough) — A vaccine that protects against respiratory illness. This is important to have if your dog comes into contact with any other dogs, like at the park, a boarding facility, daycare or just in passing on walks.
Canine Influenza — Another contagious illness that has been making its rounds recently. While not a core vaccine, it is suggested if your pet comes in contact with other dogs. As of right now, the vaccine only covers two strains: H3N8 and H3N2.
Leptospirosis — Sometimes considered a “lifestyle” vaccines, lepto is spread by infected wild animals eliminating into standing water or soil. It is important to have if you live in or travel to areas that are considered high-risk.
Lyme — Prevents tick-borne illness. Suggested for dogs who live in or travel to areas with lyme-carrying ticks.
Heartworm Test — This quick blood draw and test checks to see if your pet has heartworm disease. It must be performed yearly in order to continue purchasing heartworm prevention.
Vaccines for cats:
Rabies — Fatal to cats and required by law in most states.
FVRCP — This combination vaccine protects against three diseases including Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia.
FeLV — Feline Leukemia Virus is an infectious disease that is transferred by saliva or contact with an infected cat. A quick test can be performed before administering the vaccine to ensure the animal does not have the virus already.
Preventions:
Administering preventative medication is key factor in keeping your pet healthy. Your vet can help you decide what brands are best for your pet and budget. It is extremely important that you are only using medications as prescribed and for the pet is it prescribed for!
Heartworm Prevention — This medication helps to prevent heartworm disease, a serious condition in which worms live in your pet’s heart, lungs and associated blood vessels. Treatment is costly and the road to recovery is long. Heartworms are transferred by a mosquitos biting an infected animal and then biting your pet. This prevention should be given year-round.
Flea Prevention — Keep your pets and home flea free by giving them prevention year-round. There are lots of options on the market, which include topicals, oral pills and collars.
Tick Prevention — You will also want to protect your pet from tick bites and tick-borne illnesses, in addition to regular inspections after walks in wooded or grassy areas.
A Microchip — To help your pet find it’s way home in the event they become lost, a small microchip can be implanted under your pet’s skin. If your pet is taken to animal control, a shelter or a veterinarian office, they will scan for a microchip. This will provide your pet’s unique microchip number, which is used to find your contact information in the microchip company’s database.
Spay and Neuter:
Help control the pet population and have your new dog or cat spayed or neutered.
Spaying: the procedure of removing the ovaries and uterus of a female dog or cat.
Spaying will help to prevent uterine infections, breast cancer and your female also won’t go into heat.
Have you ever heard of pyometra? It’s a nasty infection of the uterus that will quickly become life-threatening if not treated immediately. Since treatment is urgent, the cost for surgery will likely be high. What is the surgery called to treat this terrible infection you ask? An ovariohysterectomy, also know as a spay.
Neutering: the procedure of removing the testicles of a male dog or cat.
Neutering your male can help prevent testicular cancer and also discourage roaming to find a mate.
FEEDING
There are so many options when it comes to food: dry, wet, homemade and so on. Speak with your vet and do some of your own research before deciding what the best diet plan for your pet will be. Also, learn what foods are safe to feed in moderation, as well as foods to avoid.
No matter what you choose, try to transition your pet slowly from the food they were previously eating to the new food. This will help prevent stomach upset and diarrhea.
SHOP FEEDING SUPPLIES
GROOMING
Your new pet will need baths, nail trims and brushing at the very minimum, while certain breeds of dogs will also need regular hair trims. Even cats will need their coats brushed out. Factor these additional costs in before bringing your pet home.
SHOP GROOMING SUPPLIES
TRAINING
Whether you take your new puppy to training classes or purchase tools to help teach your pup yourself, it’s smart to consider these costs ahead of time.
SHOP TRAINING SUPPLIES
VACATION
Where will your pet go while you are on vacation?
With you? Great! If you will be staying in a hotel or Airbnb, just make sure they are allowed in your room and you are aware of the extra cost per night, if there is one.
To a boarding facility? Facilities require certain vaccines, so make sure to get those updated before drop off. Also, it can get pretty pricey per night if you choose to add in extra potty breaks or playtime.
At home with a pet sitter? Fun! Make sure to stock up on food and treats and put away any items you think your furry friend might get into while you’re gone.
SHOP TRAVEL SUPPLIES
PATIENCE
The most important thing to remember when you bring your pet home is to be patient.
Your pet is in a completely new environment and will need time to adjust. Give them a comfortable, quiet spot with bedding and toys that they can get away to if they start to feel stressed out. Make boundaries clear and keep to a schedule while they are still learning.
Introduce any family members or other pets slowly and in a neutral environment. Soon enough your new pet will fit right into the family! If you have questions about the transition, don’t be afraid to ask your veterinarian or trainer for help.
SHOP BEDDING AND TOYS
SUPPLIES LIST
Now you’re ready for the fun part…it’s time to pick out all the goodies for your new pet! (This is just a general list, you don’t have to have everything on it!)
PIN IT FOR LATER!
