Adopting a dog is exciting, but it can often mean a big life change for you and them. To make things easier and give your new dog the best chance of settling in, it’s really important to prepare for their arrival.
As well as having a moral duty to look after your new dog properly, you have a legal responsibility. Under the Animal Welfare Act, you must give your dog:
So, to help you get ready for the big day and understand your legal responsibilities as a dog owner, we’ve created this ‘to do’ list.
Your dog needs a nice, cozy place to sleep and relax. Some dogs like to curl up, while others prefer stretching out. Ask the person you got the dog from about their sleeping style, or get a bed that works for both.
Pick a bed that's comfy, just the right size, easy to clean, and made from dog-friendly stuff. It should be big enough for them to turn around comfortably.
Put the bed in a clean, dry spot without any drafts. With time, you'll figure out if your dog likes being in the middle of everything or if they prefer a quieter spot.
If your dog is used to being in a crate, the same rules apply. Don't use a crate if they're not used to it. Talk to your vet or a specialist who knows about dog behavior first.
Dogs need to eat healthy and balanced meals, and they should always have fresh water available.
The person you're getting the dog from will let you know what food they're giving. But it's a good idea to ask your vet or a nutritionist for advice, just in case the current food might not be the best.
Even if you decide to change your dog's food, do it slowly. Make sure to buy the food they're used to until you've talked to your vet. This helps your dog adjust to the new food without any tummy troubles.
Dogs need to do things that make them feel like dogs, such as walking, playing, and chasing (but not too wild!).
When your dog comes home, having toys and games for them is important. It keeps them happy, active, and thinking. Plus, it's a fun way for both of you to become good friends. Remember, they still need their regular walks, too!
It's your job to make sure your dog has good company, whether it's from people, other dogs, or both. Some dogs like being around others more than some, but no dog enjoys being alone for a really long time.
Before your dog comes home, think about the times they'll be by themselves. Depending on what your dog likes, you might want to check out a doggy day care, a trusted dog walker, or a pet sitter.
If you find out from the person you got the dog from that they get really upset when left alone (called separation anxiety), talk to your vet or a behavior expert.
And remember: if your dog is going to be alone a lot, it might not be the best idea to bring them home.
The very first and super important thing to do for your dog is to sign up with a vet. This helps make sure your dog stays safe from getting hurt, feeling pain, and getting sick.
A vet is like a pet superhero, ready to keep your dog healthy and happy. So, don't forget to sign up with a vet to give your dog the best care possible!
It's a fundamental part of responsible pet ownership, offering your furry companion the best support for a happy and healthy life.
Adopting a cat is exciting, but it can often mean a big life change for you and them. To make things easier and give your new cat the best chance of settling in, it’s really important to prepare for their arrival.
As well as having a moral duty to look after your new cat properly, you have a legal responsibility. Under the Animal Welfare Act, you must give your cat:
So, to help you get ready for the big day and understand your legal responsibilities as a cat owner, we’ve created this ‘to do’ list.
To make your cat feel safe and happy, it's important to create special places just for them. Cats like having their own bed, secret spots to hide, and high places to see everything around them.
Start by getting a comfy and warm cat bed, like an igloo or hammock. Put it in a quiet area where your cat can relax. You might even get more than one bed and place them in different rooms.
You can also make cozy spots for your cat. Find a cardboard box that's just the right size, lay it on its side, and add a soft blanket inside. Put it in a quiet spot, and your cat will love it.
For extra high spots, place soft blankets on top of wardrobes, shelves, or windowsills. This gives your cat a great elevated hiding spot where they can feel safe and secure.
By making these special places, you're helping your cat enjoy their own cozy and comfortable spaces in your home.
Cats like to use the bathroom in a spot where they feel safe, and they want to be able to cover up their waste after.
If your cat already uses a litter tray, or if you don't have a garden, you should have a litter tray ready before your cat comes home.
But if your cat likes to go outside and you have a garden, or you want to teach them to go outside, choose a spot that's close to your home and quiet. Once your cat arrives, you can show them that this is the place where they should go to the bathroom.
To keep your cat healthy, it's important to give them the right kind of food and always have fresh water available.
When you first bring your cat home, it's a good idea to continue feeding them the same food they're used to. Ask the person you got the cat from about their diet and make sure to buy enough of it.
Even if you want to change their diet, this should be done gradually and under the guidance of your vet.
Lots of cats like to eat a special type of grass called Cocksfoot because it helps them clear furballs. Have some in the house to stop them chewing other houseplants!"
Cats love to scratch, and it's a big part of being a cat. You can help them by getting a special thing called a scratch post. This is a good way to make sure they don't scratch your furniture.
Put the scratch post close to their bed, so when they wake up, they can stretch and scratch on it. This is something many cats really like to do, and it keeps their claws healthy and your furniture safe!
Even though cats can do things on their own, they can't be by themselves for a long time. When you go on a trip, you'll need to find someone to take care of your cat, like a cat-sitter or a special place called a cattery.
Start looking into your choices early so you don't have a hard time finding someone to help when you're away. Planning ahead keeps everything easy and makes sure your cat is well taken care of while you're on vacation.
