We all love our family pets, whether it’s a dog, cat, rabbit or other small furry or reptile. But along with all the benefits of owning a pet comes some key responsibilities. Having a go to pet checklist gives you instant access to important dates, contacts and other information that may be needed. Especially in you need them in an emergency. 

Save it to your phone, pin it to a family noticeboard or just stick on the fridge. Anyway you decide to do it, it just means all your pet's important information is in one place.

The Basics for New Pet Owners

In accordance with the Animal Welfare Act, pet owners must provide the following five welfare needs for their pet:

• Health - pet owners must protect their pets from pain, injury, suffering and disease and make sure they get the treatment they need.
• Behaviour - pets must be able to play, run, hide and perform any other activity that is normal or natural for them.
• Diet - they must be given a healthy, well-balanced diet that is suited to their age, lifestyle and health needs along with fresh, clean water.
• Companionship - some pets like companionship (dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs) while others are more solitary (hamsters). Dogs can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too long while some cats can be unhappy if there’s another cat around!
• Environment - pet owners must provide their pet with a suitable home with somewhere to sleep, hide, explore and exercise.

Are You Prepared for the Cost of a Pet?

A pet is a big commitment! A puppy or kitten will grow up to become adult sized in no time. Dogs can live up to 10 years or more, and cat over 15 years. So, providing the equipment, vet bills, insurance, and food adds up on top of the initial cost of your pet.

You also have to consider the amount of time they’ll need for exercise and the cost of kennels or sitters when you go on holiday. The pet needs to fit in with your lifestyle so choose wisely after carrying out your research.

Create a List of Things to Buy

If you’re buying a new pet, it’s best to be prepared well in advance of bringing them home. Make a list of all the things you’ll need to make your pet comfortable and safe. You’ll need a pet bed, crate, blanket, food and water bowls, toys, collar and tag, lead and harness, and grooming equipment.

Your new pet will also need to travel safely so you may need a travel crate or carrying bag, harness or car boot guard.

If you have bought your new dog or cat home from a breeder, ask which food they used and get a supply in. You don’t want any tummy upsets as your new pet settles into their new home. And don’t forget to buy puppy pads, poo bags, and litter trays and a scratching post for cats. Rabbits and other small pets will need a hutch or cage, water dispensers, food bowls, hay, feed, toys, etc.

Register with a Vet Practice

New pet owners must register their pet with a veterinary practice so they can be on hand for regular check-ups, microchipping, flea and worm treatments, and care when they’re ill or need emergency treatment.

You can use your local vet, a practice that has been recommended to you or one you’re already familiar with. Check their opening hours, reviews and what facilities they provide. Some vets don’t provide an emergency out of hours service. If your chosen vets don’t, make sure you find out where your nearest out of hours/emergency vet practice is located.

The Pet Insurance Dilemma

Next, deciding if you want to take out pet insurance. With so many companies providing pet health insurance, picking a policy can be a minefield, so do your research carefully. Check what exactly is covered and what is excluded and compare policies from different companies before deciding on the best policy.

More Things to Consider as a Pet Owner

As well as registering with a vet and organising pet insurance, you'll need think about microchip details, groomers, walkers, pet-sitters and training classes. Ask for recommendations from your vet surgery or friends.

Important part, don’t forget to pet proof your home and garden. You may also need to get a cat flap installed and take time off work while your pet is settling in. If you have holidays booked, check if you can you take your pet with you? You may need to organise a pet-sitter, boarding kennel or cattery, or get a pet passport.

Planning ahead will help avoid last minute panics. And remember your new pet may be feeling anxious and stressed in their new environment. If you have small children, make sure that they know how to handle their new pet and don’t become too excited. Supervise in case of any incidents!

What to Include on Your Pet Owner’s Checklist

Time now to put together a pet owner checklist! It’s a good idea to note down all the important contact details and other useful information that can help you or anyone else looking after your pet like a pet sitter or dog walker - especially if there’s an emergency.

• Health information: Top of the list should be the contact details of your pet’s vet along with their opening hours. Also include out of hours emergency contact details.
• Your pet’s birthday: It’s easy to lose track of how old your pet is, so make a note of their date of birth. This is useful for your vet to know, and you can make a fuss of your pet on their birthday!
• Pet insurance details: Name of company, date for renewal, contact details and policy number.
• Contact details for: Groomers, puppy socialisation classes, trainer, dog walker/sitter, boarding kennels.
• Microchip information: Don’t forget to update these details if you move house.
• Pet passport details
• Vaccination dates
• Worming and flea treatment: Dates of your pet’s next treatments.
• Diet and feeding: Any allergies, supplements, likes and dislikes, favourite brands, how often and when to feed.
• Health details: Any regular medication, age when neutered, previous illnesses or injuries.
• Exercise information: For dogs, this can include how often and how long to walk, favourite route, play toys etc.

There’s a lot to consider when you have a pet. A pet checklist can help you keep on top of the things you need to remember so you can provide the best care for your pet. Adding all the important details to the checklist so they can be quickly found, especially if there’s an emergency, will be handy for all the family or anyone looking after your furry friend. 

Everypaw Pet Insurance

Everypaw's Pet Insurance comes with 24/7 unlimited access to vets and vet nurses that can help with your pet's health, care, nutrition and behaviour. So you can rest assured your pup will be well looked after.

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Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Canis – www.vetlexicon.com/treat/canis AND Felis - www.vetlexicon.com/treat/felis AND Lapis - www.vetlexicon.com/treat/lapis

Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.