Bringing home a new pet is exciting, but the first few weeks can also be confusing. Between vet visits, feeding, training, and settling in, it helps to follow a simple plan. This checklist is designed to guide new dog and cat owners through the first month.
At K-9 Pets Clinic, we see many new pets in their first weeks, and these are the key steps we recommend.
1. Schedule the First Vet Visit
Book a veterinary appointment within the first few days of bringing your pet home, especially for puppies, kittens, and rescued animals.
During this visit, your vet will usually:
- Perform a full physical examination
- Review vaccination and deworming needs
- Check for visible or early health issues
- Discuss diet, growth, and basic care
Bring any previous medical records or vaccination cards so your vet can create a personalised health plan.
2. Start Vaccination and Deworming on Time
The first month is often when your pet starts or continues their vaccines and deworming. Staying on schedule protects both your pet and your family.
- Puppies and kittens often need a series of vaccines
- Adults may need boosters or catch up shots
- Deworming is usually repeated at set intervals
Ask your vet to note the dates or save them in your phone so no dose is missed.
3. Choose a Suitable Diet and Routine
Good nutrition in the first month supports healthy growth and immunity.
- Use food suited to your pet’s age, size, and species
- Avoid sudden food changes on day one
- If you change diets, do it gradually over 5 to 7 days
- Keep fixed meal times instead of feeding all day
- Ensure fresh water is available at all times
If your pet has a sensitive stomach or is fussy, your vet at K-9 Pets Clinic can recommend a safe and balanced diet.
4. Make Your Home Safe and Comfortable
A calm, secure space helps your pet settle faster. Make sure you have:
- A bed or crate in a quiet corner
- Stable, easy to clean food and water bowls
- A litter box for cats in a low stress area
- Safe toys for chewing and play
- A collar and ID tag with your contact number
Keep electrical wires, small swallowable items, and toxic plants or chemicals out of reach.
5. Begin Basic Training and Routine Early
Good manners start from day one. Early training prevents many future problems.
For dogs, focus on:
- Toilet training and a regular potty schedule
- Simple commands like sit and come
- Calm leash walking
For cats, focus on:
- Litter box use and location
- Scratch posts instead of furniture
Use short, positive sessions with rewards. A predictable routine for feeding, play, and rest helps reduce stress.
6. Introduce Grooming and Gentle Handling
Teaching your pet to accept handling now will make future vet and grooming visits easier.
- Brush the coat a few times a week
- Gently handle ears, paws, and mouth
- Start simple dental care with pet safe products
- Use pet shampoos and avoid over bathing
Keep experiences calm and reassuring so your pet builds trust.
7. Encourage Socialisation and Mental Stimulation
Bored or under socialised pets may develop anxiety or destructive habits. In the first month:
- Spend daily one on one time playing and training
- Offer a variety of safe toys or puzzle feeders
- For puppies, slowly expose them to new sounds and environments
- For kittens, provide places to climb, hide, and explore
Move at your pet’s pace and avoid forcing them into situations that make them very fearful.
8. Know When To Call The Vet
Some health problems appear in the first few weeks. Contact a vet if you notice:
- Ongoing vomiting or diarrhoea
- Not eating or drinking for more than a day
- Breathing difficulty, constant coughing, or severe lethargy
- Swollen abdomen or sudden weakness
- Thick eye or nose discharge
- Strong itching, hair loss, or red, painful skin
If you are unsure, it is always better to ask your vet for advice.
9. Plan Ahead For Ongoing Care
By the end of the first month, you should have:
- A clear vaccination and deworming plan
- A diet that suits your pet
- A simple daily routine
- Follow up dates for checkups or grooming
Keeping a small record of appointments, vaccines, and diet changes will help you and your vet track your pet’s progress.
Welcoming a new pet is the start of a long and rewarding bond. With the right steps in the first month, you can prevent many problems and give your dog or cat a healthy start.
If you are a new pet owner and need help with vaccinations, deworming, diet planning, microchipping, grooming, or general health checks, the team at K-9 Pets Clinic is here to guide you at every stage.