Bringing a new pet home is one of the most exciting decisions a family can make — but it is also one that benefits from planning. Adopting a pet on impulse might feel right in the moment, but advanced preparation will help you and your new companion start off on the right foot.
"There's definitely a trend of people getting pets that they may or may not have planned for," says veterinarian Dr. Patrick Mahaney from our Vet Advisory Board. Whether you are adopting a dog or a cat, knowing what to expect — and what to have ready — makes the transition smoother for everyone, especially your new family member.
8 Things to Consider Before Adopting a New Pet
Before you start shopping for supplies, take a step back and ask yourself whether a new pet is the right fit for your household right now. A new pet means a new family member — and that comes with real commitments.
1. What kind of companion do you prefer?
Think about what you want in an animal companion. A high-energy presence that motivates you to be more active? A portable pet that joins you on every outing? Or a quiet, low-maintenance companion that keeps you company while you work from home?
"Doing a little research beforehand will help you know the type of care required for your new pet," says Dr. Joya Griffin from our Vet Advisory Board. "Is this a working dog that may need daily exercise or one who is happy to cuddle on the couch?"
List the characteristics you want — and those you want to avoid — before visiting a shelter or breeder.
2. Is the person caring for the pet ready?
If you are thinking about surprising someone with a new pet, make sure they are prepared to commit to the responsibility. "One word of advice is to make sure that the receiver is able and ready to receive and care for a new pet and that the pet fits in with their lifestyle," says Dr. Griffin.
3. Do you face any obstacles to having a pet?
Consider potential complications before adopting. Is anyone in your household allergic? Does your landlord have a no-pet policy? Is there a small child or existing pet that might not adjust well? Millions of animals are surrendered each year because they do not fit their owner's lifestyle. If the timing does not feel right, it is better to wait.
4. What is the energy like in your household?
If your home is already chaotic, adding a pet may not be the right choice right now. On the other hand, bringing a high-energy pet into a very quiet home comes with its own challenges. Try to match your household's energy level with the temperament of the pet you are considering.
5. How will your other pets adapt?
If you already have pets, think about how they handle new animals. Bringing a new pet into a home where other animals have established their territory requires patience, supervision, and careful introductions.
6. What kind of environment will welcome your pet?
Indoor, outdoor, apartment, house with a yard — your living environment matters. If you are unsure what kind of pet will thrive in your space, ask the staff at your local shelter for guidance. They can often match animals to environments based on temperament and needs.
7. How much time do you spend at home?
If you travel frequently for work or fun, consider a pet that can travel with you — or establish reliable secondary care arrangements before you adopt. Travel can be stressful for many animals, so discuss your lifestyle with the shelter or breeder and work with your veterinarian to find the right fit.
8. Have you made space in your budget?
The financial reality of pet ownership is worth planning for. Be prepared to cover veterinary visits, food and hygiene supplies, and all the essentials your new pet will need from day one.
Annual food costs for a dog typically range from $400 to $700, with cats being slightly less expensive. Total annual care costs — including food, veterinary care, and supplies — generally range from $1,500 to $3,500. Depending on your pet's age, breed, and health conditions, costs can reach up to $9,000 per year.
10 Things You Need Before Bringing a New Dog Home
1. A bed
Your new dog will look for a place they can call their own. Set up a bed in a quiet area away from heavy foot traffic where they can safely observe their surroundings. Larger dogs often prefer simple pillow beds, while smaller breeds may feel more secure in compact, higher-walled beds.
2. Food supply
Food is one of the most important things to have ready before your new pet arrives — and the most common mistake new pet parents make is switching food too quickly.
"When you get your new pet, don't immediately change the food. Get a recommendation from your veterinarian to stay on the current food or transition to a new one," says Dr. Mahaney. "Perform a food transition over approximately seven days (or as recommended by your veterinarian) to permit the digestive tract to acclimate to a new food source."
3. Food and water bowls
Provide one food bowl and one water bowl per dog in your household and wash them daily to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria. Bowls are one of the items on your new dog checklist that are fun to personalize — choose ones that suit your pet's personality or your home decor.
4. Bath supplies
Most dogs need a bath every one to two months, depending on their skin and coat. Dogs who love getting dirty may need more frequent baths. Have a gentle, pet-safe shampoo ready before your new dog arrives.
5. Brushes
Brushing is great for grooming and bonding with your new pet. Dogs with dense or long fur especially need help keeping their coats free of mats and tangles. Regular brushing also gives you a chance to check for skin issues, lumps, or parasites early.
6. Collar, leash, and harness
Invest in a comfortable collar, leash, and harness to get your dog ready for daily walks. Let them wear the gear around the house for a few days before their first outdoor walk — this helps ensure the fit is comfortable and that they are at ease walking, sniffing, and playing once they get outside.
7. Enrichment toys
Slow-feeding bowls, food puzzles, and durable chew toys are excellent options for mental stimulation. Outdoor walks and play sessions are essential, but indoor enrichment is just as important for bonding with your new pet and preventing boredom-related behavior problems.
8. Puppy pads
Even if your new dog is not a puppy, do not be surprised if an accident or two happens as they adjust to their new surroundings. Place puppy pads near the exit leading to the outdoor area where you would like them to go, and gradually remove them as they learn the routine.
9. A veterinary appointment
Once you have a pickup date for your new pet, contact a local veterinary clinic and schedule an appointment.
"Schedule an examination with your veterinarian within 24 hours of getting your new pet," advises Dr. Mahaney. "Doing so may be required in the contract with a breeder or rescue, but even if there are no contractual requirements, the new-pet-veterinary exam allows the veterinarian to evaluate the pet by taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical exam."
10. Flea and tick prevention
For dogs spending time outdoors, parasite prevention is essential for overall health.
"Our pets are commonly exposed to heartworm disease from mosquitoes as well as bacterial and parasitic diseases from fleas and ticks, simply by being out and about in the world," says Dr. Mahaney. "Seek a recommendation from your veterinarian for the appropriate anti-parasite treatment that suits your pet's needs based on lifestyle, geographic location, and overall health."
10 Things You Need Before Bringing a New Cat Home
1. Bed and blankets
A bed gives your new cat a safe space to lounge during the day. As they get more comfortable, they may start sleeping on top of you at night — if you would rather sleep unencumbered, a dedicated cat bed helps establish healthy boundaries. Blankets are also important for helping cats feel less stressed and more secure in unfamiliar surroundings.
2. Cat house or hiding space
Cats will hide under furniture when they are unsure of a new environment. Giving them a designated space they can own and occupy — like a cat house or enclosed bed — helps them feel more confident as they adjust to their new home.
3. Food supply
When adopting a new cat, ask the shelter what food they have been eating and continue that same food at home. Wait one to three weeks before beginning a gradual transition to a new food. Start slow — mix a small amount of new food with the old, and increase the ratio over time until the transition is complete.
4. Food and water bowls
In the wild, cats instinctively seek water away from their food source because they do not like the strong scent of food when drinking. Place water bowls in separate locations from the food bowl. Since hydration is critical for cats, provide multiple sources of fresh, clean water throughout the house.
5. Litter box
Whatever type of litter box you choose, place it in a location you are prepared to keep it for at least a few months while your cat acclimates. Moving the litter box too soon can cause confusion and accidents. If you have small children, make sure the litter box is inaccessible to curious hands.
6. Scratchable surfaces
Cats need to scratch — it is a natural behavior that keeps their claws healthy and provides stress relief. Protect furniture and carpets you want to keep intact with double-sided tape or deterrent spray, and invest in a scratching post, tower, or cardboard mat placed in areas where scratching is welcome.
7. Calming and behavior aids
Some cats will be skittish when arriving in a new home. Pheromone diffusers can help ease signs of anxiety like spraying, excessive scratching, and aggression toward other household cats. Catnip can entice cats to play with new toys, interact with new people, or explore unfamiliar areas like a new bed.
8. Enrichment toys
Most cats enjoy feather wands and laser pointers, but sometimes something as simple as a cardboard box or paper bag provides enough mental stimulation. Aim for multiple short play sessions throughout the day — about 10 to 15 minutes each — with a goal of roughly one hour of total daily play to keep your cat healthy and engaged.
9. A veterinary appointment
"Schedule an exam shortly after you bring your pet home," says Dr. Griffin. "This will allow you to become educated on how to best care for your pet and set them up for their routine vaccines and medications."
10. Flea and tick prevention
Your veterinarian will recommend flea and tick prevention for outdoor cats and may also recommend these treatments for indoor cats depending on age and environment. Most flea treatments are applied once per month and can be easily administered at home.
Setting Your New Pet Up for Success
Welcoming a new pet into your home is one of the most rewarding experiences — but it does not come without challenges. The first few weeks set the tone for your relationship, so give your new companion the time and space they need to adjust.
Keep these checklists handy, ask questions at the shelter or breeder, and maintain an open line of communication with your veterinarian. The more prepared you are before your new pet arrives, the smoother the transition will be for everyone.
For more vet-verified advice on keeping your pet healthy, explore the Vetnique blog or meet the veterinarians on our Vet Advisory Board.
