| The decision to bring a pet into your home | | | | can be a big task, but one that is essential |
| for you and your family should not be taken | | | | for the big day that your new friend comes |
| lightly. A pet will become a member of your | | | | home. If it is a small caged animal, a small |
| family and not just a fixture in your home. | | | | space that is quiet is fine for them to be |
| Pets are not meant to come and go, but to | | | | used to their surroundings. You will not want |
| remain as part of your home for years to | | | | to take your new friend out just yet, but let |
| come. Unfortunately for some, pets are | | | | them get used to the sounds and smells of |
| disposable items that will be moved if they | | | | their new home before you start introducing |
| are an inconvenience. This should be avoided | | | | them outside of their immediate surroundings. |
| since unstable homes can make unstable pets. | | | | If it is a larger, self-sufficient animal |
| | | | such as a cat or dog, you will want to make |
| A checklist for pet care can be an essential | | | | sure that they have their own space, a |
| tool when you first bring home your new pet. | | | | blanket or pet bed for retreating to, out of |
| For many people, a new pet is their first | | | | the way in case they are too overwhelmed at |
| experience at being a full-time pet parent, | | | | the beginning. |
| and for those this list will be most useful. | | | | |
| Preparing yourself, your home, and your pet | | | | 3. Regular physical routine is essential for |
| for those first few months in a new | | | | any pet. This is their exercise routine since |
| environment will make the change go | | | | they are not like us and do activity |
| gracefully and help everyone adjust easily. | | | | regularly without the help of us. Larger pets |
| | | | such as dogs must be walked every day, |
| 1. The first thing you want to be sure of is | | | | smaller animals like cats, ferrets, guinea |
| that your pet has all of their vaccinations | | | | pigs, and birds can be trained to play with |
| up to date. It is important that your new pet | | | | anyone in the family. Toys such as balls, |
| is protected from such outside irritants as | | | | bells, tubes, or even apparatuses are useful |
| fleas, tics, ringworm, or many other ailments | | | | in helping your pet achieve physical activity |
| such as distemper or rabies. The health of | | | | during the day while you are away or even you |
| your pet is one of the most important aspects | | | | interacting with them while they are |
| of ongoing care. Wellness exams each year are | | | | exploring. |
| important for your pet. A veterinarian will | | | | |
| perform a thorough exam on your pet looking | | | | If you follow some simple guidelines, your |
| at such things as their vital signs, ears, | | | | new pet is sure to adapt to his new family in |
| eyes, mouth, the heart and lungs, as well as | | | | no time at all. Regular checkups, physical |
| the reproductive organs and their skin. This | | | | activity and preventative measures can not |
| step is a very important preventative measure | | | | only make your pet more comfortable, but also |
| for your pet each year. | | | | extend the life of your pet. A pet is an |
| | | | investment so you will want to be sure to |
| 2. Getting your home ready for your new pet | | | | take care of him for the benefit of everyone. |