(In this post, I will refer a lot to the pet as a puppy, but most of the information applies to most pets.)

I have had animals my whole life. To me they are a necessity for a house to be a home. The joy and love they bring us is such a gift! To me bringing home a new pet is only second in excitement to bringing home my own human babies! But It’s also a lot to think about.

Assuming that you have responsibly looked at all the angles, done research on your pet, and matched with the right pet for you and your family ( see Tips for picking the right pet for your family). Then it is time to get ready to bring them home. (Much of this will still be useful even if you already have your pet in your possession.)

The arrival of a new pet into the family is an exciting time, but it is also important that you have everything set up for the safety of your pal and so that the space will be conducive to forming your bond. Avoiding many of the potential causes for a stressful arrival will assure a homecoming that sets you up more successful introduction. In this post, I will cover the things to do to make the process as smooth as possible and give you a list of necessities to have in place.

Why it matters

Bringing home a new puppy or rescue of any kind is always a big moment for you and your family. There is so much excitement. You are starting on a journey that can lead to the magical bond we have been gifted with animals.

Beneath all the excitement, it is normal to have a shadow of dread. There is fear that things won’t work out. You worry that everything will be out of control. Additionally, especially for first-time pet owners, you worry that you won’t be a successful pet parent. Even the most experienced pet owners can feel this way.

This post will give you a list of things to do to make the best environment for nurturing a bond, while minimizing stressors on you and your new pet. I will also include a list of things to get prepared. We want to get every ounce of joy from your new pet’s arrival!

Safety first

Puppy proofing your home keeps your new buddy safe but also creates a haven for your pup with fewer stressors. This will reduce the need for you to say “NO!!!” while diving to grab an object out of their little mouth. The less stressed you are, the easier it will be to focus on activities that will strengthen your bond. And the less stressed your pet is, the easier it will be for him to settle into his new environment.

It can seem a little extra, but get down to the level where your new fuzzy family member will be. Look for anything that’s a chewing temptation, like exposed cords or small items that would be a hazard to your little buddy’s mouth. Also, consider what is in reach of your new pet. Puppies are like toddlers, they put everything in their mouths to try to decide what it is or how lovely it feels on their gums. So, as you look around, look for things of value to you or other family members that would be an easy victim for your puppy’s teething jaws. It’s crazy how much destruction can come in such an adorable little package!!

Make sure to explore all the areas he will be in. Comb over the backyard to look for anything sharp or hazards. If you are bringing home a puppy and your home has stairs, either inside or outside, consider a baby gate. These are to keep him from tumbling down a long flight. As he goes up and down with you, he will learn quickly.

Create a Haven for your new pet

To start a successful relationship, you are gonna want to have some things in place for both his daily care as well as some things that you should have to help avoid any boredom. Consider where your puppy will sleep, where and what he will eat, where he will play, and where he will go potty.

Tip: (If you have a side yard or an area in your yard out of the way, your puppy will feel safer eliminating there, and as a bonus, he will be more likely to go in that same area in the future.)

Now for the fun part, Shopping!

Needs:

*Stainless steel Food and water bowls

These are great because the steel keeps the water cool. The steel is resistant to scratches that bacteria can hide in, keeping their water dish safe and refreshing. Also, they last forever.

* Food

It’s important to take a little time to research the nutritional needs for your pet’s particular breed. Also, if your new pet is a puppy or kitten, they must eat food formulated specifically for puppies or kittens. The energy puppies and kittens burn means they need a lot more fat and calories, and the right balance of nutrients for their little growing bodies. If nutrition is lacking, his body will burn through muscle to get the fat and calories needed to fuel. This can include their growing hearts.

* Collar and leash

Be sure to get the correct size. A collar that is too large can lead to a loose puppy, and one that’s too tight can cause pressure on your puppy’s throat. A good practice is to make sure it won’t slide over their head, but that you can still put 2 fingers in between their collar and neck without any tightness. The leash should be a good length, but not crazy. I don’t recommend getting one that extends or retracts because you need your buddy to learn to walk by your side. A six-foot leash is a good start. If you are bringing home a full-sized dog, consider 6-10 feet, but look for strength. I don’t recommend leather because it can stretch and break. It’s also very enjoyable for your puppy to chew on. You may have wanted to use a harness, but this is something even service dogs move into after they master a good heel. Which is vital from the very beginning.

*Kennel

This is another time to consider the size of your pet. I always say the bigger the better, since the more space they have, the less anxious they will feel inside. Make sure that the kennel you choose allows room for your pet to be able to stand and turn around in at the very minimum.

* Dog bed

Again, consider the size that your dog will become. There is wisdom in getting a bed that’s for his full-sized needs, since they often get attached to the bed they get when they first come home. And trust me, it can be a chore to get them to switch, so establishing a dog bed you can allocate for them to go to is key. Also, if you have a large home and don’t enjoy dragging dog beds from one room to another, I suggest getting one for each space where you will spend the majority of your time together. Another reason to get a full-sized bed now is that they can grow into it. Just try to make sure it fits comfortably in their new crate.

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*Dog waste bags with dispenser

These can be relatively inexpensive, but don’t get the cheapest you can find, as they can break easily. To help the environment, try to use bags that are made of recycled plastic. I have been asked about the benefits of using pee pads, but try to remember that while they may be convenient, they greatly increase your potty training time. They can confuse your puppy as it teaches them that eliminating in the house is acceptable. However, some situations might warrant them for a time, for example, if you live in high-rise apartments where you can’t just go out with your puppy every half hour, they can at least be taught to only go in a designated area. As they learn bladder control and you get them on a good schedule, you will be able to house train them. Do not use them in their crate! Crates can be a good tool in helping potty train your puppy, as they won’t want to go inside their crate. Just like wild dogs won’t eliminate in their dens. If you’re concerned about accidents while they crated, use newspaper or something else. You never want them to get comfortable eliminating in their crate.

* Puppy treats and a treat pouch

These are important to have on hand for creating positive associations with things that your new friend feels uneasy about. They are also important to carry with you. Use them for rewards when your puppy or dog behaves in a way that you want to reinforce. Treats should never account for more than 10% of their daily calories. So find small treats. The healthier, the better. You can also opt to use their kibble for training.

*Toys

You may be surprised to find this on the needs list, but toys and play help bond your pet to you, give them mental and physical exercise, and keep them busy when you need them to have a distraction. Never leave them unattended with a toy that can be a choking hazard. Think of things they can chase, or a tug rope that they can use to get some energy out with you on the other end.

I highly recommend getting a Kong toy. Kong toys are virtually indestructible and can be filled with a little peanut butter, a mashed banana, or unsweetened applesauce as a project to keep your puppy busy. A high-value toy like a tennis ball on a rope can be great to keep with you if you prefer to use this as a reward over treats. This doesn’t work with all dogs, but it is great for those who are prey or play driven. Make sure you get an assortment of toys so you can rotate them out. This gives your puppy a fresh experience every few days.

*Gated play enclosure

These are huge life savers because although you will want to spend every minute gazing at their adorable little faces, the reality is that life is still happening. Play Pens provide a safe space for your puppy to work on a new Kong project when you can’t keep all eyes on him. If it will be more than a few minutes or you are leaving your home, a crate will be he safer option.

*Dog tags

• It’s always a moment of pride to place your pets’ newly printed owner tags on their collar. Having these ready helps ensure that, should your pet escape somehow, when found, they can be returned to you. However I would still recommend getting your pet micro-chipped, because if they, for some reason, lose their collar, most people know that a found pet can be taken to a vet for free and scanned to find their owner information. You’ll want to make a new puppy vet appointment asap to make sure they get their vaccines on schedule. Depending on where you live, your dog may be required to get a rabies vaccination. When they do, they will be given a tag for their collar.

*Brush

Research what type of brush will be best for the breed of your pet. A good rule of thumb is that the longer the coat, the longer the bristles. Make sure it’s for the right coat type. The wrong brush will cause pain. If you have a pup with a long coat, it’s important that they start getting groomed regularly when they’re still young. It will be less stressful for them in the future, and for you to take them in as well. Most groomers offer short introductory sessions that can build your puppy’s confidence and make their grooming sessions the norm. Some dogs really enjoy the grooming process.

*Tooth brush and toothpaste for puppies or kittens

The importance of dental care can’t be overstated. Studies show that over 80% of dogs will suffer from some kind of gum issues by the time they’re just three years old, so it’s important to take care of your puppy’s teeth. There are a lot of YouTube videos that can teach you how to desensitize your puppy to tooth brushing while using positive associations over time. Be sure to get toothpaste specifically for dogs. Human toothpaste often contains xylitol, or other chemicals which toxic to dogs.

*old towels

By taking some of these for your puppies ride home you will have something to clean up whatever accidents occur.

These are the basic things to do to set up for a successful homecoming. Thank you for reading, and congratulations on your new family member!