Bringing Home Your New Best Mate
There's nothing quite like the buzz of bringing a new pet home for the first time. Whether it's a wriggly puppy, a curious kitten, a colourful budgie, or a pair of goldfish, those first seven days set the tone for your entire relationship. A bit of planning now means less stress for everyone — including your new furry (or feathery, or scaly) family member.
We've put together a day-by-day checklist that covers dogs, cats, birds, small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs, and fish. Bookmark this one — you'll want it handy!
Before Day 1: What to Buy and Prepare
For Dogs
- Food and water bowls — stainless steel or ceramic are easiest to keep clean
- Age-appropriate food — puppy food for pups, adult formula for rescues
- A comfortable bed or crate — give them a space that's entirely theirs
- Collar, ID tag, and lead — even before the first walk, have these ready
- Poo bags — stock up, you'll go through more than you think
- Basic toys — a chew toy, a ball, and something soft to snuggle
For Cats
- Litter tray and litter — one tray per cat, plus one extra is the golden rule
- Scratching post — save your furniture from day one
- Food and water bowls — cats prefer their water away from their food
- A cosy hiding spot — a covered bed or even a cardboard box works brilliantly
- Toys — feather wands, crinkle balls, and interactive puzzle feeders
For Birds
- An appropriately sized cage — bigger is always better for birds
- Perches of varying sizes — natural wood perches are ideal for foot health
- Species-appropriate seed mix or pellets
- Cuttlebone or mineral block — essential for beak health
- Foraging toys — birds are incredibly smart and need mental stimulation
For Small Pets (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters)
- A spacious enclosure — hutch, cage, or pen depending on the species
- Bedding — paper-based or fleece liners; avoid cedar and pine shavings
- Hay, pellets, and fresh veggies — hay should be unlimited for rabbits and guinea pigs
- A hide or shelter — small pets feel safest with somewhere to retreat
- A water bottle or bowl
For Fish
- A properly sized tank — not a bowl; even bettas need at least 20 litres
- Filter and heater (for tropical species)
- Water conditioner — tap water contains chlorine that's harmful to fish
- Substrate, plants, and decorations — create hiding spots
- A water testing kit — ammonia and nitrite levels matter enormously
Day 1: Arrival Day
Keep things calm. It's tempting to invite the whole family over to meet the new addition, but your pet needs quiet time to decompress. Set up their space before they arrive so everything is ready.
- Let dogs sniff around the house on-lead first, then give them access to one room at a time
- Confine cats to a single room with all their essentials — they'll explore at their own pace
- Place bird cages in a quiet corner away from drafts and direct sunlight
- Give small pets a few hours undisturbed in their enclosure before gentle handling
- For fish, float the bag in the tank for 15–20 minutes to equalise temperature before releasing
Days 2–3: Building Trust
Your new pet is still figuring out that this is home. Routine is your best friend right now.
- Feed at the same times each day — consistency builds confidence
- Speak softly and move slowly — let them come to you
- Start short, positive interactions — a gentle pat, a treat from your hand, sitting quietly near a bird cage
- Begin basic toilet training for puppies — take them outside every 1–2 hours and after meals
- Monitor eating, drinking, and toilet habits — these are key indicators of how they're settling in
Days 4–5: Gentle Exploration
By now, most pets are starting to show their personality. Time to gradually expand their world.
- Let cats explore additional rooms one at a time
- Take dogs for short, low-key walks around the neighbourhood
- Allow birds supervised out-of-cage time in a safe, enclosed room
- Offer small pets floor time in a secure, pet-proofed area
- Test your fish tank water and do a partial water change if needed
Days 6–7: The First Vet Visit
Within the first week, book a check-up with your local vet. Even if your pet seems perfectly healthy, this visit is essential.
- Bring any paperwork — vaccination records, microchip details, adoption papers
- Ask about parasite prevention — flea, tick, and worming treatments
- Discuss desexing if not already done
- Ask about diet — your vet can recommend the best food for your pet's species, age, and breed
- Raise any concerns — no question is too small when it comes to your pet's wellbeing
Bonus Tips for a Smooth First Week
- Pet-proof your home. Tuck away electrical cords, secure toxic plants (lilies are deadly for cats!), and block off unsafe areas.
- Be patient with toilet accidents. They happen. Enzyme-based cleaners are your best mate.
- Don't change their food suddenly. If switching brands, do it gradually over 7–10 days to avoid tummy upsets.
- Take lots of photos. Seriously — they grow up fast, and you'll treasure those first-week snaps.
- Give yourself grace too. New pet parenthood is a learning curve. You don't have to be perfect; you just have to be present.
You've Got This
The first week with a new pet is a whirlwind of joy, mess, and bonding. With the right preparation and a healthy dose of patience, you'll be amazed at how quickly your new companion settles into the family rhythm.
Browse our full range of pet essentials at DeservePetGo — everything you need to give your new mate the best start in life.