There is a lot to consider when it comes to welcoming a puppy or kitten into your home. From what you will need and how to look after them in the first few days to the essential questions to ask a breeder or animal rescue organisation. We hope this article will serve as a valuable guide to this journey.

1. Will your lifestyle and home suit your new pet?

Puppies and kittens grow up quickly and require a lot of love, attention, exercise, food and healthcare, which also comes at a price. Therefore, it's important to consider your finances as well as how much time you or a member of your family has to provide the attention and care they need.

Think about your life stage and your home environment - do you have enough space, inside and outside your house? Is there a place for them to sleep or space for a scratch post for your cat? Will you have enough time to train, exercise and play with your pet? These things may also influence whether you get a puppy or kitten and which breed or size.

2. Which breed to choose

You may want to discuss this with a breeder, rescue organisation or even your local vet to get their advice. Some breeds require a lot of exercise a few times a day and others not as much. Some need larger, open spaces and some are comfortable being indoors and are happy to live in a smaller space. Some need more training than others. It is worth spending the time researching breeds so that you can be sure you are making the right decision. 

3. Where to get your pet from

You can adopt your puppy or kitten from a breeder or animal rescue organisation.

There are many incredible animal rescue organisations around the country and so, if a particular breed is not important to you, we encourage you to find out more and seek out animals who are desperate for their forever homes. If you are adopting from an animal rescue organisation, here is a list of a few that we teamed up with during our Mandela Day Mission. You can also read this article on animal welfare organisations and how you can help. 

If you are set on a particular breed, find a reputable breeder. Aside from a good referral or recommendation, a respectable breeder will ask you lots of questions! This is a good sign as it shows the breeder cares and it’s likely that you will be buying a healthy pet. No matter where you get your pet from, ask questions about your new pet's age and whether they have been vaccinated, chipped or seen a vet yet.

We encourage you to steer clear of buying any animals online.

4. What to expect when bringing your kitten or puppy home

Your kitten or puppy should be ready to come home when he or she is around 8-10 weeks old. By this age, they should have had their first vaccinations so make sure you check this.

It is important to realise that this is a period of immense change and, although incredibly exciting for you and your family, it can be a scary and stressful time for your puppy or kitten. To help ease any stress we suggest the following:

• Ask the breeder/animal rescue organisation if you can have a small batch of the food that your pet is used to. You may well change their diet in the coming weeks but you will need to go through a ‘transition’ to this new diet to avoid any stomach upsets.
• Ask the breeder/animal rescue organisation if you can take an item that your pet is used to e.g. a blanket as this will help them feel at ease.
• Create a quiet, cosy space for your new pet. They can be a little subdued at first and may choose to be on their own while they take it all in.
• Put their bed where you want them to sleep for the rest of their lives (kitchen or lounge for example) – consistency is key. If they cry in the night, give them reassurance.
• Do all you can to keep the environment ‘calm’ (especially if you have excited children!).
• Put valuables and breakables out of reach as well as any electric cables or poisonous substances (just as you would with a child).
• Ensure they have food and water close to their bed (walking through the house can be scary in the early hours of the day).
• Don’t be alarmed if your puppy or kitten doesn’t feel like eating straight away. There is a lot going on. It’s also common for them to experience diahorrea in the first few days.
• You can also buy synthetic pheromones (Feliway for cats and NutureCalm for dogs) – spray these in your pet’s new ‘safe place’ in your home before they even arrive.

Above all else, consistency and calm is key so start as you mean to go on from day one.

5. What you need

There are so many products on the market and it’s easy to get carried away with toys and treats for your new addition to the family but here is the basic list of essentials you will need:

• Good quality food. All pet food is not created equal. We recommend you consult your vet (see below) and invest in the best quality food you can afford that is appropriate for your breed and age. Read more on pet nutrition here and see the full range of food for dogs and cats from Absolute Pets.
• A comfortable bed
• A collar – it’s good to get them used to a comfortable collar early on (no chains or chokes). You should be able to get two fingers between the neck and collar but make sure you keep checking as puppies and kittens grow rapidly! It may take some time for your new pet to get used to the collar.

Download our 'New Pet Checklist' which consists of a list of items you will need for your new pet, as well as a voucher to help you get started. You can also ask for this checklist at any Absolute Pets store. 

6. When to visit your vet

As with humans, puppies and kittens need to be vaccinated regularly. They also need tick, flea and deworming treatment from 8 weeks onwards. Find a recommended vet in your area and book the first check-up as soon as possible after collecting your pet.

It is important to get the right advice and treatment from your vet in the first six months as this will set your pet up for a healthy and happy life and prevent chronic conditions later on. Your vet will be able to advise on the right food, portion size, any supplements required, dental care, deworming, sterilization and also micro-chipping. 

You can also download our guide to vaccines, tick and flea and de-worming here and print out this Routine Care Guide so that you are sure you are ticking off all the important health milestones.

7. When to start toilet training

You can start toilet training as soon as you get home! The trick is to be consistent. Take your puppy outside to the place where you would like him or her ‘to go’ about 15 minutes after they wake up or eat and be prepared to wait at least 15 minutes for them to get comfortable and to sniff around. Praise and reward! But if accidents happen inside, be patient and don’t get cross.

8. When to start puppy training

You can start puppy training classes as early as 8 weeks so we recommend you find a reputable puppy group in your area and get started early (you can also read more about dog training here). However, note that your puppy shouldn’t be playing in the park until two weeks after their third vaccination. Puppies also don’t need much exercise until they are one year’s old so focus on play and bonding rather than anything strenuous.

Above all else be prepared to test your own patience and to shower your new family member in a whole lot of love!

If you have any questions, you are also welcome to pop into an Absolute Pets store near you and ask!

A big thanks to Dr Candice Cooper our Absolute Pets' Vet for her invaluable help in putting this article together.

Happy and Healthy

The Absolute Pets Team.