You have finally done it. After months of research and careful planning, you are driving home with a new family member. But now that you have taken the plunge, where do you go from here?
First of all, before you bring your new “baby” home, you need to be sure that your home is pet-proofed. Make sure any potentially toxic items are put where an animal cannot get to them. Don’t forget, pets have teeth as well, so things like electrical cords can be very dangerous. Baby gates can make keeping your new addition corralled easier.
Remember that this is probably as stressful a time for your new pet as it is for you. Do not overwhelm it. Make sure time to acclimate to new surroundings is allowed before introducing him or her to other pets or the family next door. Give your new dog or cat some private time as well.
Try to get into a routine so your pet can be comfortable in knowing what to expect. Meal times play times, and potty times should fall around the same time.
Lastly, make sure to take your new pet to visit your veterinarian within a few days after bringing it home. This will allow you to establish a relationship between your pet and vet and give you a chance to ask questions and address concerns.
Congratulations and good luck with your new little bundle of joy!
