03 Feb Your First Pet Checklist
Everything You Need Before Bringing Them Home
You’ve made the decision. You’re getting a pet! Whether it’s a dog, cat, or rabbit, you’re probably bouncing between pure excitement and a slight flutter of “am I ready for this?”
The good news is you’re already doing the right thing by being here, checking what you need. That protective instinct you have is exactly what makes a great pet parent.
Let’s walk through the essentials; the practical stuff you’ll need sorted before your new friend arrives, and the things that can wait until they’ve settled in.
Before they arrive
The basics (you’ll need these from day one)
Food and water
- The right food for their age and species (your breeder, rescue centre, or vet can guide you)
- Separate food and water bowls
- A quiet spot where they can eat without being disturbed
A safe space
Dogs: A comfortable bed or crate in a calm corner
Cats: A cosy bed, plus hiding spots (they love a cardboard box!)
Rabbits: A spacious hutch or indoor pen with room to hop and stretch
ID and safety
- Microchipping is a legal requirement for dogs in the UK and cats in England. Whilst not the law, it is strongly encouraged in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
- A collar with an ID tag for dogs (and cats if they’ll be going outside)
- For rabbits: make sure their hutch is secure and predator-proof
The essentials for comfort
Dogs: Lead, harness or collar, poo bags, and some toys
Cats: Litter tray, cat litter, scratching post, and a few toys
Rabbits: Hay (lots of it!), bedding, a hiding house, and safe chew toys
Health and wellbeing
Find a vet
It’s worth registering with a local vet practice before your pet arrives. That way, when you need them for that first check-up – or if something unexpected happens – you’re already on their books. Your vet will talk you through:
- Vaccinations (dogs, cats and rabbits are recommended to have annual jabs)
- Flea and worming treatments
- Neutering (usually recommended unless you’re planning to breed)
- Species-specific health concerns (like GI stasis in rabbits, or dental care for cats)
Consider pet insurance
The average claim cost has risen by 3%, now standing at £685*.
Pet insurance helps you avoid those heart-stopping moments when you’re weighing up your pet’s health against your bank balance. And the best time to get it? When they’re young and healthy, before most conditions develop.
With 4Paws, you can get cover from just 6 weeks old, and you’ll have unlimited 24/7 video calls with vets via FirstVet. So, if you’re ever unsure whether something needs checking, you can ask. No excess, no effect on your premium.
In those first few weeks
Patience and routine
Your new pet is adjusting to a completely new world. They might be nervous, clingy, or testing every boundary. That’s normal.
- Stick to a routine for feeding, toilet breaks (for dogs), and bedtime
- Give them space when they need it
- For dogs: start basic training early, but keep it short and fun
- For cats: let them explore at their own pace
- For rabbits: handle them gently and let them come to you
Socialisation (especially for puppies)
If you’ve got a puppy, those early months are crucial. Expose them to different people, places, sounds, and experiences – but gently. Puppy classes can be brilliant for this.
Kittens benefit from gentle handling and play. Rabbits are more delicate and often prefer calm, quiet environments, but they still need daily interaction and enrichment.
What can wait
You don’t need everything on day one. Here’s what you can figure out as you go:
- The “perfect” bed (they might prefer your sofa anyway)
- A huge collection of toys (see what they like first)
- Fancy accessories (function over fashion)
- A strict training plan (you’ll both learn together)
You’ve got this
It’s true, you may not have everything perfect straight away. You’ll probably panic at some point. You might Google “is it normal for my [cat/dog/rabbit] to…” at 2 a.m.
But also, you’re about to discover your pet’s personality. The way your dog does that funny head tilt when you talk to them. How your cat has a favourite spot on the windowsill where the afternoon sun hits just right. The little jump your rabbit does when they’re happy (yes, that’s called a binky, and it’s adorable).
You’ll learn their quirks, their preferences, their little routines. You’ll have moments that make you laugh out loud and photos on your phone that you’ll show to anyone who’ll look. You’ll find yourself saying things like “sorry, I can’t move – the cat’s asleep on me” and meaning it!
Your pet will become part of your story. And that’s exciting.
The practical stuff? You’ll figure it out.
And remember you’re not doing this alone. Your vet is there. Online communities are full of people who’ve been exactly where you are. And if you need advice about your pet’s health, 4Paws policy holders can speak to a vet via video call 24/7 through FirstVet.
Ready to protect your new best friend?
Get a quote online or call us on 01423 535 040
*ABI Research states that the average claim cost has risen by 3%, now standing at £685.