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