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Quick answer: before they arrive, have ready: their usual food (the one they were eating before), food and water bowls, a bed, a carrier, a collar or harness with an ID tag, a lead, age-appropriate toys, grooming products and, for cats, a litter tray, litter and a scratching post. Check your home and remove cables, toxic plants and small objects.
Puppy checklist
- Puppy food (at first, the same one they were already eating).
- Stable food and water bowls.
- A washable bed or mattress.
- A collar or harness in the right size, plus a lead.
- An ID tag with your phone number.
- A carrier for the journey home and to the vet.
- Puppy pads for the first few days.
- Chew toys suited to their size.
- Small treats for training.
- Dog poo bags.
Kitten checklist
- Kitten food (dry and/or wet).
- Food bowl and water bowl or fountain.
- A low-sided litter tray and unscented litter.
- A scratching post.
- A bed or cosy cave.
- A carrier.
- Wand toys and balls.
A pet-safe home
- Tidy away cables, cords and small objects.
- Keep toxic plants and cleaning products out of reach.
- Secure windows and balconies (especially with cats).
- Set up a quiet corner for their first few days.
