Editor’s Note: This is a guest article by Brooke Niemeyer, Partnerships Manager for Policygenius.
When you get a new pet, it’s easy to get consumed with excitement — and to forget the essentials your pet needs to live their best life. But this checklist of must-have items can help you prepare, whether you’re welcoming a cat or dog into your family.
A budget
Before we dive in too far, it’s important to note that all these things are going to be expenses you didn’t have before you got your furry friend. Make sure your budget is ready for them — you can read about how much your pet will cost you during their lifetime here. And just like you (hopefully) have an emergency fund for a flat tire or broken water heater, it’s a good idea to set up an emergency fund for sudden pet expenses your pet insurance doesn’t cover (more on that in a minute).
Identification
Having an ID tag on your pet — with their name as well as your address and phone number — will help them get home faster if they wander off while you’re on a walk. Some people also microchip their pet as an extra layer of precaution in case the collar or tag comes off.
A veterinarian …
“The biggest key to helping maintain your pet’s health — and your sanity when there are health concerns — is a good veterinarian,” Ashley Jacobs, CEO and founder of pet-sitting website Sitting for a Cause, said. “Ask family and friends for recommendations and find a veterinarian you know you can trust with your new pet’s care prior to bringing your pet home so you know your pet will receive the best care possible.”
… & coverage for any visits
A commonly overlooked essential is pet insurance, which can help pay for visits to the vet, whether for a routine checkup or an unexpected illness. You can read more about what pet insurance covers here.
Something to travel in
“Having a carrier, which can be portable for small dogs and cats or a larger crate for car travel for large dogs, can make pet transport safer and stress-free,” Jacobs said. “Carriers are also a good thing to have on hand for emergency situations.”
Healthy food …
“Take the time to decide whether you want your pet on a dry, wet or raw diet and research brands and recipes to ensure proper nutrition,” Jacobs said. “However, be prepared to make adjustments to your pet’s diet if they don’t seem to respond well to their food. When in doubt, consult with your veterinarian.”
… & somewhere to put it
It may be easy to remember to pick up food, but you’ll also need something to put it in. Don’t forget a bowl for water, too.
A comfy bed
Sure, your pet may nap on the couch or wherever there’s a patch of sunshine, but you’ll also want to make sure they have their own bed to sleep in at night.
The fun stuff
“Providing your pet with toys to play with can help keep them active both physically and mentally, so have toys around for them to interact with,” Jacobs said. “Also, if you are dealing with a dog who is a major chewer, invest in toys that are a bit sturdier and never leave your pets unaccompanied with toys that they might be able to ingest or could create a choking hazard.”
If you’re getting a cat, think about a scratch post or carpeted cat tree to make sure their claws don’t target your furniture.
Cleaning supplies
“Accidents in the house as well as throw up are things all pet owners have to deal with at some point, so make sure you have some good carpet cleaner and paper towels or rags on hand to tackle any pet-related messes you have to clean up,” Jacobs said.
Grooming supplies
A brush is essential, whether you are getting a dog or cat. Dog owners may opt to purchase shampoo if they aren’t going to take their pup to the groomer. (Cat owners — you can read more about bathing your cat here if you want to take this on).
“When it comes to nails, consider looking into a good groomer who can take care of that for you since cutting them can be a concern for people who are newbies to pet grooming,” Jacobs said.
Exercise gear
We already mentioned collars, but you may also need to pick up a leash. Jacobs suggests getting “a martingale harness to make sure you are walking your dog and not the other way around.”
Some folks also choose to get sweaters or walking shoes to make their pet more comfortable outside.
Relief essentials
“If you are bringing a cat into your home, a litter box is a must have,” Jacobs said. “Make sure to invest in some decent litter to minimize the smell” and a scooper. You may also need some additional items while potty training your pet, like pads and stain and odor removers.
Pro tip: Instead of buying bags to pick up dog droppings on a walk, reuse plastic grocery bags.
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