Tips for bringing home a new pet center around being organized and planning for the new arrival. Having the right supplies, right environment and being prepared are all very important.

Pet tips for bringing home a new puppy include having a place for the dog to sleep, harness or collar, ID tag, leash, food and water bowls, high-quality puppy food, toys and a few books on raising puppies.

Dogs are naturally territorial den animals and like to have a place of their own. A dog cage or crate gives your puppy his own environment, like a den. Dog crates can also make housetraining easier and minimize damage caused by a bored dog, both of which are important with new puppies. Look for a dog cage that is the proper size for your pet. The dog should have enough room to stand, turn and lie down. Your dog will want to feel cozy and secure in their cage, so bigger is not better. If you have a large-breed puppy, you will need a crate that is small enough for the puppy now.

If you do not want to invest in more than one cage, look for one with dividers that can be removed as your dog grows. If you choose not to crate-train your puppy, put their dog bed in a quiet spot that can become their own den area. A waterproof bed is a good idea for a new puppy that is being housetrained. Choose a size that will fit your dog comfortably without being overly large. Dog beds with removable covers that can be machine-washed are very convenient for use with puppies and make it easier to keep your dog’s bed clean.

For a cat, important tips include having food and water bowls, good quality kitten food, grooming products, litter and litter boxes, toys and books on kitten care.

Your new kitten will need a place to eat and drink. Cat bowls are often made from plastic, ceramic or stainless steel, all of which are durable. It is important to put the bowls in the same place each day, so your kitten knows where to find their food and water. Cat bowls should always be made from safe, non-toxic materials. Kitten food is the basis of your cat’s nutrition, so feeding the right food and in the right quantities is critical. Healthier food means a healthier cat. Kitten food comes in three main forms: hard dry food, canned wet food or semi-moist food. Check with your vet or breeder for recommendations for your breed of kitten.

Litter boxes come in simple pan styles, enclosed “privy” types and even automatic-scooping models. Whichever type of litter box you select, there are certain factors to keep in mind. The sides of the box should not be too high, especially when used for young kittens. Some kittens like privacy while using the litter box, so a covered model is best for them. Some kittens, however, do not like to feel enclosed and will not use a litter box with a cover.

Pet tips can be found in a variety of places. Some of the best pet tips come from other pet owners. If you have specific questions about your species or breed, be sure to ask your vet.

QC-PR-011607-AM