Guide to caring for your pet

Please note that these guides do not constitute legal advice and any information provided in the guides should not be construed as legal advice or legal interpretation. We do not accept any liability for any loss caused by your reliance on this guide.

Essential pet care

Congratulations on the furry, four-pawed addition to your family.

Your pet should be considered a member of your family, and given the same care, consideration and respect you would give your own human family members. Being responsible for another life takes much time, patience and a lot of education.

If you're a first-time pet owner, you may be scratching your head, wondering what’s next. Take charge of your pet’s well-being and learn how his most essential needs — eating, playing and staying healthy — are crucial for his/her quality of life.

Some basics

Dogs and puppies:

Water and food bowls	Dog bed
Vaccinations	Nail trimmers
Heartworm, flea and tick control	Grooming brush
Tagged collar and leash	First Aid kit
Chew toys	Insurance

Cats and kittens:

Water and food bowls	Litter boxes and sifter
Vaccinations	Cat bed
Heartworm, flea and tick control	Nail trimmers
Tagged collar	Soft brush
Toys and scratching posts	First Aid kit
Cat carrier	Insurance

Visit your vet

The very first thing you should do is make an appointment with your local vet and get a full check up, your vet will be able to provide you with advice and guidance on how to keep your pet healthy and happy. Whatever the situation, if you suspect your pet is ill or injured, don't hesitate to take him to your veterinarian. The earlier the problem is identified and the appropriate treatment is started, the better the outcome will be.

Microchipping

Help your pet avoid an unwanted trip to the pound or potential injury while running lost. In addition to a comfortable collar with ID tags attached, pets—whether living indoors or out—should be microchipped.

You may have purchased your pet that has already been microchipped, if so, make sure that the microchip is registered in your name. Your vet will be able to check this for you and if your pet dosen't have a chip, the vet can easily provide this for you.

An open door, unsupervised back garden or even a natural disaster can part pets from owners. If lost, your pet’s microchip can be scanned, creating a greater chance you will be reunited and avoid heartbreak, pound fees or, worse, the high cost of treating an injured pet.