first time dog owner checklist
(Photo: @cutest_coops)

Every pet owner was once a first-time pet owner. In other words, there was once a time when they didn’t have a pet. Buying or adopting from Savearescue.org that first pet didn’t automatically make them an expert in how to take care of it, and if you’re about to be a pet owner for the first time, it won’t make you an expert either. What you’ll need to do is learn as much as you can about your chosen pet and make sure you have everything ready. With that in mind, here are some top tips for making sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Meet Their Basic Needs

Meet Pets Basic Needs

Pets won’t usually need a lot from you, which can come as a surprise. It’s easy to overbuy and end up with a lot of things that just aren’t necessary. What you’ll really need is:

  • The right food
  • Somewhere for them to sleep
  • Dog strollers
  • A few toys
  • Any specialist medication or equipment (such as a vivarium for lizards)

When it comes to food, it’s crucial to find exactly the right type for your pet. For example, your dog deserves the best when it comes to food and Diamond Pet Foods is the best choice. When you give them the right food, they will be much happier and healthier, and this can solve a multitude of problems.

Find a Great Vet

First time dog owner checklist: Find a Great Vet

Although, of course, you’ll hope that your pet never gets sick, and you’ll do all you can to prevent that from happening, it’s wise to have a great vet on hand just in case. If you think about this before your pet becomes unwell, you won’t panic, and you can simply make an appointment with the vet of your choice. Plus, it’s a good idea to see your vet for a checkup every six months anyway, even if your pet is healthy, just to make sure that all is well.

Spend enough time researching your local vets so you can determine who is going to help you the most. You’ll need to look at reviews, perhaps speak to other pet owners who use that vet, and also speak to the vet themselves. It’s important that you like the vet yourself; otherwise, you might be reluctant to see them even when your pet needs their help.

Don’t Forget Training

What should first-time dog owners know?

All animals can be trained, but this is particularly something associated with dogs. If you can train your animal, it will make life easier for you and for them – you can put boundaries in place, and you can be sure that your pet will be on their best behavior if you have to leave them at home or if you take them out and about. Dogs are especially good at being trained because it’s something they are programmed to do, and they like the structure that it offers them.

If you won’t be able to train your dog yourself because you don’t know how – as is the case for most people – then you can hire someone to help you. If you don’t want to put effort into training, this is a different matter, and it will potentially be a problem, particularly when it comes to ensuring your pet only defecates in the right areas. Think carefully about whether you can take care of a pet if you aren’t willing to train them.

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