Congratulations! You’ve decided to bring home a new pet, and now it’s time to stock up on all the essentials. In this guide, we’ll give you the complete list of what you need to buy before bringing home a dog or cat and everything is easy to get at your local pet store.
An ID tag
An ID tag is the most important piece of pet gear you can buy. If your cat or dog gets lost, this is the first thing people will look for. Make sure their name and contact info are clearly written on their tag so that they can be easily returned to you.
If possible, get them microchipped this as well is a little bit more expensive but gives even better protection against losing your pet (and makes sure that if someone finds your pet and tries to claim it as theirs without involving you).
A collar and leash
A collar and leash are essential for your pet’s safety. A collar should be snug enough to prevent it from slipping off, but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable for your pet to wear. Be sure to check the fit frequently as your dog grows up, since their necks will change as they age.
Leashes come in many different styles: standard nylon or leather, retractable (for walking dogs who pull), long and short leashes with handles at either end (for training purposes), double-ended leashes that allow you to walk two dogs at once, it can be confusing! If this is all new territory for you, start with a basic 6-foot nylon leash with no handle at one end you’ll find there are plenty of other options available once you understand what kind of leash best suits your needs and lifestyle.
If possible, try out different types before buying them; some people prefer nylon because it doesn’t get tangled like leather does; others like having both types on hand depending on their situation (for example if they’re going hiking vs walking around town).
A carrier to transport your pet
Carriers should be big enough for your pet to stand, sit and turn around comfortably. They should have ventilation holes that are large enough for air circulation but small enough to prevent escape attempts or injury if the carrier were dropped. The latch should be secure but easy for you to open when needed. Finally, carriers need to be easy-to-clean, so they don’t become unsanitary after one use!
Food and water bowls
Food and water bowls are essential for any home with a pet. You’ll want to make sure that they’re sturdy, so they don’t tip over easily when your dog is eating or drinking from them. You also want to choose a material that is easy to clean, as well as one that’s appropriate for your pet’s needs (for example, if you have an elderly cat with arthritis who doesn’t like cold surfaces).
A bed or mat for your pet to sleep on
You’re going to need a bed or mat for your pet to sleep on. The type of bed you get depends on the size of your pet, as well as how much space you have in your home.
If you want to keep your pet off the floor and out of sight at night, consider getting an elevated dog mattress that attaches directly onto the couch so it can be used both indoors and out (just make sure it’s not too big; otherwise, it may block access). If space isn’t an issue in your house or if all those dog hairs just don’t bother, you then consider getting them their own pillow-top mattress that they can use any time they like (and maybe even share with another pet!). In addition to being comfortable and cozy during naps or night-time sleep sessions, these types of mattresses also come equipped with covers made from waterproof material, so owners won’t have worry about accidents happening when someone accidentally spills water near where these items are located!
Toys and treats for playing and training with your pet
Toys and treats are essential for playing with your pet. Toys can be used to provide exercise, mental stimulation and entertainment for your cat or dog. You can also use them as rewards during training sessions. Treats are an important tool when it comes to training your new furry friend; they’re used as positive reinforcement for good behaviour throughout the learning process.
All these items are available in many varieties at local pet stores or online retailers like Amazon and if you’re looking for something specific, we’ve included links so that our readers can easily find what they need!
Be sure to get these things when you bring home a new pet.
When you bring home a new pet, here are some essential things to get:
- A carrier. This will be your pet’s home for the first few weeks until he or she gets used to being around people and other animals. Don’t buy one that’s too big for your cat or dog because it will make them feel insecure and scared.
- A bed/blanket/toy box/etc., depending on what kind of animal you have! If possible, try to get something that smells like its mother, so it’ll feel more comfortable in its new environment (this is especially important if you’re adopting from an animal shelter).
- A collar with tags identifying who owns the animal and where they live in case, they ever get lost! I recommend getting two sets of tags: one set with contact information only (like my address) and another set with both phone numbers listed in case one of us isn’t available when someone finds our lost pet wandering around town (like my husband).
Conclusion
We hope this list of must-have pet supplies has inspired you to start your own pet adventure. Remember, it’s not just about the basics like food and water bowls, you need toys too! If you’re looking for more ideas on how to make your home more pet-friendly, check out our other articles on https://bestpetsgear.com/ about pet-friendly decorating tips and DIY projects that will make your life easier as an owner (and maybe even save you some money). Happy shopping!
