Cat & Dog Care Tips

Whether you adopt a dog, cat, puppy, or kitten, be sure to follow the below tips to ensure a healthy, loving relationship!

Be prepared and make sure you have adequate time to care for and socialize your new friend.

Do:

• Purchase essentials such as drinking and eating bowls, a leash, a collar and ID tags, and assorted toys before the arrival of your pet.

• Make a schedule for the animal’s daily routine and care, and stick to it.

• Provide a complete and balanced diet and plenty of fresh water at all times.

• Provide comfortable sleeping quarters and a “safe” room/space.

• Consult a veterinarian on neutering or spaying your pet when he or she comes of age.

• Establish and maintain a regular vaccination program and occasionally check for parasites.

• Have patience with your new pet, especially if it is a puppy—bathroom and other accidents will occur occasionally.

• Provide your dog or puppy with a dog license as soon as it becomes of age.

• Train your pet to be well-behaved.  Dogs and puppies should also be trained to be a good neighbor and well-behaved in public settings.

• Give your new friend plenty of love and affection!

Make sure your new pet does not develop bad habits--they can be difficult to change later on!

Don't:

• Let new pets and young kittens and puppies run loose when they cannot be supervised.

• Leave your puppy alone or unattended for long lengths of time—all pets need socialization, especially young puppies!

• Encourage biting, clawing, snapping, or jumping on people.

• Let your cat outside where many dangers may bring your kitty harm.

• Let your dog or puppy eliminate in a neighbor's yard.

• Let your dog or puppy remain outdoors for long periods, and make sure he or she is inside during weather extremes.