New Pet Owner Guide

Preparing for Your New Pet

Your veterinarian and local pet shop are the best resources for determining the proper size, style, type, quantities, and recommended brands of the supplies you’ll need for your new dog or cat.

Of course, you’ll need the basics: water and food bowls, a collar and leash, and toys (lots of them!).

Here are some additional items you’ll want to pick up as well:

• Crate and/or carrier for training and transporting your new pet
• House training supplies like absorbent training pads for the floor and cleaning supplies for messes
• Litter box and litter supplies for cats
• Grooming tools including shampoo, brushes or combs, and nail trimmers
• Dental care items such as toothbrush and toothpaste
• Flea and tick protection – consult with your veterinarian
• Identification tag (and collar with small bell for outside cats)
• Outdoor and seasonal clothing like a raincoat, warm sweater, or protection for the paws during winter walks

Creating a Pet-Friendly Home

Creating a pet-friendly home is an important step in making the homecoming a sm
ooth transition for everyone. Here are reminders on steps you should take to prepare your home:

• Establish house rules
• Create special spaces
• Inspect for hazards

Tips for Creating a Pet-Friendly Home 

Caring for Your New Pet

Daily care of your new pet includes proper nutrition, dental care, exercise, socialization, and basic dog training.

• House breaking will require a lot of your attention. Be patient, consistent and positive.
• Choose a high-quality food formulated for puppies and kittens to promote healthy growth and development. Ask your veterinarian about the brand and type of food they recommend for your puppy or kitten.
• Fresh water is essential. Your dog or cat should always have access to fresh water. Going for a walk on a hot summer day? Take a portable bowl and ample supply of water.
• The dental health of your dog or cat should begin now by creating a daily routine of teeth brushing. Your veterinarian can help you with proper brushing technique and explain the benefits of dental examinations as your pet ages.
• An active pet is a happy pet!

Additionally, check out the following articles about Pet Care:

• Pet Dental Care & the Client Experience
• Partner with Your Pet for Exercise
• Enrichment and Exercise for Indoor Cats

Getting Pet Vaccinations

Pet vaccinations are an essential part of caring for your puppy or kitten.

Click to learn more about the recommended vaccinations for your pet.

We choose high-quality vaccines that provide the best protection with the fewest, mildest side effects.

Why the Quality of Vaccines Matter for Your Pet 

Spaying or Neutering Your Pet

Spaying or neutering is a simple, low-cost procedure that can reduce animal abandonment rates, improve the health and longevity of your pet, decrease the overall cost of care, and prevent the deaths of millions of dogs and cats.

Why Spaying/Neutering Your Pet is Important

Ask the veterinarian about microchipping your pet during the spay/neuter procedure.

Socializing & Training

Get to know your new puppy better and help them socialize with other people and pets.

Free Puppy Social Hour at Holiday House Pet Resort & Training Center every Thursday at 7:30pm. Call 215-345-6960 to register for Puppy Social Hour or to learn more about training programs with Holiday House Pet Resort & Training Center

Tips for Socializing a Puppy

Getting Your Cat to the Vet

Cats need preventive veterinary care too, but getting your cat to the vet can be a challenge.

Here are some tips for bringing your cat to Doylestown Veterinary Hospital & Holistic Pet Care:

• Start training your kitten at an early age
• Acclimate your kitten/cat to the carrier and the vehicle
• Make the carrier familiar at home by leaving it in a room where your cat spends time
• Place familiar soft towels or bedding in the carrier
• Consider a synthetic feline facial pheromone—ask the staff at Doylestown Veterinary Hospital & Holistic Pet Care about Feliway to help your cat travel easier
• Be patient