Preparing for a new pet
Found your reason? Nice. Now let’s talk about what comes next.
Research shows the bond between people and pets can happen fast. Sometimes right away. And it can be incredibly beneficial for both human and animal health and well-being. This is well-documented by science.
A strong, lasting bond takes a little planning. The resources below are here to help guide you through the important stuff as you get started with pet ownership.
Before you say yes, think about the fit. Your lifestyle. Your space. Your schedule. And the commitment you are ready to make for the long haul.
A little planning now goes a long way later. For both of you.
Start your research:
- Selecting a Pet for Your Family from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- Pet Ownership Guidelines from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- Which Type of Pet Should You Get from Petco
- Is a Pocket Pet Right for Me? From the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
- Should You Get a Dog? 10 Signs You’re Ready from Chewy
- Take a quiz
- Not sure where to start? Check out this resource from Pets Add Life
Pets are a long-term thing. Love, time, money, care. All of it. Knowing what a pet needs and what it costs helps you choose the best match for you and your family.
Budgeting and cost planning:
- How to Budget for a Happy, Healthy Pet from Chewy
- Pet Health Costs: Budgeting for Your Pet’s Care from AAHA
- Costs of Pet Ownership from Synchrony
- How Much Do Pets Cost from MetLife
Tips for finding a pet sitter, boarding facility, and traveling with your pet:
A quick home check goes a long way. Pet-proofing helps keep your new pet safe and saves you from a few “oops” moments too.
Pet-proofing resources:
- How to Puppy Proof Your House & Yard from Chewy
- Essential Tips for Pet-Proofing Your Home from AAHA
- How to Dog Proof Your Home from Zoetis Petcare
Renting? Double-check the pet rules before you bring anyone home. Talking things through with your landlord or property manager now can save a lot of awkward conversations later.
Start with the essentials. Food. Water bowls. Bedding. Collars or leashes. The basics your pet needs to feel safe and settled. Add enrichment that’s right for your pet, then build from there as you learn what works best.
Helpful checklists:
Cat Supplies Checklist from Arm & Hammer
Bringing Home a New Cat or Kitten from PetSmart
New Puppy Checklist from petMD
What to Buy for a New Dog from Zoetis Petcare
Every member of your household plays a role in a successful transition.
Introducing pets: If you already have a pet, proper introductions can reduce stress and help build positive relationships.
Allergies: If someone in your household has allergies, there are strategies to reduce pet allergens in the home.
Families and responsibilities: Decide who will handle daily care such as feeding, walking, and vet visits. Pet care can help teach children and young adults empathy, accountability, and commitment.
Life can bring unexpected challenges, illness, financial hardship, or natural disasters. Planning helps protect both you and your pet.
Emergency preparedness tips and resources:
Create a pet “go bag” with food, medications, and essential documents.
Identify a trusted caregiver who can help if you’re unable to care for your pet.
Support resources:
Microchipping:
Microchipping helps reunite pets with their families if they go missing. Always register your contact information with the microchip.
What is a Microchip and How Does it Work from Petco Love
Missing Pets:
Nearly 10 million pets go missing each year. Petco Love Lost offers a free, centralized database using facial recognition to help reunite pets with their families.
You and your veterinarian are a team. When you learn about your pet’s care and specific needs, you become their champion and health advocate. That knowledge helps both of you live happier, healthier lives.
Every pet has needs. Learning about routine care, health, and enrichment helps set you and your pet up for success from day one.
Learn more from this curated list of resources:
- Purdue Canine Welfare Center
- Purdue University Pet Health Tips
- Healthy Pets, Healthy People (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Pet Care Resources from Michelson Found Animals Foundation
- Pet Care from AVMA
- Pet Care Resources from Zoetis
- American Animal Hospital Association Pet Health Resources
- Pet Care Resources from CareCredit
You’ve done the homework. You’ve talked it through. You’ve made a plan. And now it feels real. The next step? Finding your pet. And they may be easier to find than you think.
A healthy, happy pet makes for a better bond. Simple as that. Just like us, pets need regular health care to stay feeling their best.
Routine preventive care like vaccinations, physical exams, and parasite control helps keep problems from popping up in the first place. Don’t have a veterinarian yet? Finding one is a lot like finding a doctor. Ask people you trust or do a little searching online to find the right fit.
If you’re struggling with your health, finances or facing an emergency, you should know there is plenty of support available to help keep you and your pet together.
- The Best Ways to Get Help with Vet Bills from PetMD
- Resources for Pet Owners from the Banfield Foundation
- The Pet Fund
- Loving your pet, managing the costs from AVMA
- BestyBnB and Home to Home can help connect you with a vetted caregiver who is willing to foster a pet.
- Reach out to your local animal shelter. Many provide temporary housing programs or can connect you to those that do.
The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) is a non-profit research and education organization that is gathering, funding and sharing scientific research to demonstrate the positive health impacts of companion animals.
The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI)
Mental Health America (MHA) and Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) have partnered to bring you resources, information, and tools that highlight the powerful role that animals can have in healing and nurturing your mental health. Whether you’re already a pet owner, curious about owning a pet, or interested in animal-assisted interventions, this resource center is for you!