The New Pet Owner's Essential Checklist (Dogs & Cats)

Bringing a new pet home is one of the most exciting things you'll do — and one of the most overwhelming. Between the advice from friends, the endless product options, and the sheer amount of "must-haves" listed online, it's hard to know where to start.

This checklist cuts through the noise. Whether you're welcoming a puppy or a kitten, here's what you actually need ready before they arrive.

🏠 A Safe Space to Call Their Own

Your new pet needs somewhere quiet and comfortable to retreat to — especially in those first few days when everything is new and a little scary.

For dogs, that means a bed or crate in a low-traffic area of the house. For cats, a cosy bed or blanket tucked somewhere they can observe the room without feeling exposed. Avoid placing it near loud appliances or busy doorways.

A settled pet is a happy pet — and getting this right from day one makes everything easier.

🍽️ The Right Food and Feeding Setup

Find out what your pet has been eating before they come home and stick to it for the first week, even if you plan to switch later. Sudden diet changes cause stomach upsets, which is the last thing either of you needs.

You'll need:

• Food and water bowls (non-tip for puppies and kittens especially)
• Age-appropriate food — puppy/kitten formulas are different from adult food
• A quiet spot to eat away from foot traffic

Slow feeders are worth considering for dogs who eat too fast — they reduce the risk of bloating and make mealtimes last a little longer.

🎾 Something to Play With

Boredom is the number one cause of destructive behaviour in young pets. A few well-chosen toys go a long way.

For kittens, feather wands and teaser toys tap into their natural hunting instinct and are brilliant for bonding. For puppies, chew toys and tug ropes give them an outlet for all that energy (and save your furniture).

You don't need to buy everything at once — start with two or three toys and see what your pet actually enjoys.

🧴 Basic Grooming Essentials

Even short-haired pets need regular grooming. Getting them used to being brushed, handled, and checked over from a young age makes vet visits and grooming sessions much less stressful as they grow.

At minimum, have a soft brush, pet-safe shampoo, and nail clippers to hand. For cats, a fine-toothed comb helps prevent matting and keeps shedding under control.

📋 Admin You Can't Skip

Before your pet comes home, make sure you've sorted:

• Vet registration — book a first check-up within the first week
• Microchipping (required by law for dogs in the UK)
• Pet insurance — sort this before anything goes wrong
• ID tag with your phone number

Ready to Stock Up?

At Ted's Treats, we've put together everything a new pet owner needs in one place. Browse our New Pet Starter Kits collection — handpicked products for dogs and cats, with no fuss and no fluff.