Pet Parent Survival Tips - National Humane Education Society

Puppy breath, kitten mews, bursts of playtime, and cuddling sessions are the many joys one can expect when choosing to adopt a puppy or kitten. Being a new pet parent to an adorable bundle of fur is an exciting adventure, but it can also be an exhausting one. Before taking the plunge, consider pet-sitting for someone who has a puppy or kitten to decide if the time is right to bring home a furbaby. If the answer is yes, here are some helpful things to remember to survive the puppy and kitten stages–prepare, patience, and play.

Prepare–gather information about what your puppy or kitten will need as he or she grows. Decide on a veterinarian. Plan time for training and socialization. Create an expense chart. (To help decrease initial expenses, choose to adopt an animal who has already been spayed or neutered.) If your little one needs to be spayed or neutered, contact Spay Today, a reduced-cost spay and neuter program that serves residents in MD, VA, and WV.

Patience--remember your puppy or kitten does not understand that your shoes are not a chew toy, your carpet is not the potty area, or your couch is not a scratching post. Consistency is vital when helping your pet learn acceptable behaviors. It takes time, but the result is well worth the effort!

Play–don’t forget playtime! It is an essential part of helping your puppy or kitten to develop properly and become a well-adjusted adult.