Quick answer
Before your pet arrives: register with a vet, buy essentials (food, bed, ID, species-specific housing), and set up a quiet settling space. In week one: keep routines calm, monitor eating and toilet habits, and book a health check within seven days.
Pre-arrival checklist
Register with a vet
Book a first check within a week of arrival — vaccinations, microchip, and parasite prevention.
Pet insurance or emergency fund
Unexpected vet bills are common; budget monthly or insure from day one.
ID and microchip
Collar tag plus microchip registration with up-to-date contact details.
Safe space at home
Crate, pen, or quiet room for the first days while your pet settles.
Food and bowls
Ask the breeder or rescue what the pet currently eats; transition slowly if changing.
Enrichment
Toys, scratching posts (cats), chew items (dogs), or hides (small pets).
The first week at home
- Keep routines predictable — same feeding times, quiet evenings.
- Do not overwhelm with visitors or loud environments.
- Dogs: start toilet training immediately; reward outdoor success.
- Cats: provide litter tray in a quiet spot; one tray per cat plus one extra.
- Small pets: minimise handling until they eat and explore confidently.
- Note eating, drinking, and toilet habits — changes may need a vet call.
Species-specific guides
First-time pet owner: FAQs
What should I buy before bringing a pet home?
Essentials: appropriate food, bowls, bed or hide, carrier, collar and ID (dogs/cats), litter tray (cats), and species-specific housing. See our care guides for species-specific lists.
When should a new pet see the vet?
Within the first week — sooner if they seem unwell, not eating, or have diarrhoea. Puppies and kittens need vaccination schedules started promptly.
How long does it take a pet to settle in?
Many dogs and cats need 2–4 weeks to feel secure. The '3-3-3 rule' is a useful guide: 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn routine, 3 months to feel at home.
Should I get pet insurance?
Insurance or a dedicated savings fund helps with unexpected illness or injury. Compare policies for exclusions, excess, and breed-specific conditions.