05 Feb Your First Year with a Pet
What to expect, and when.
The first year with your new pet is a bit like a whirlwind romance; full of firsts, a few surprises, and plenty of moments that’ll make you wonder how you ever lived without them.!
But it’s also when the important stuff happens. Vaccinations, neutering, training and those crucial early experiences that shape who your pet becomes. If you’re a first-time owner, knowing what’s coming can take the edge off any worry and help you enjoy the ride.
So, here’s our guide – the key milestones in your pet’s first year, what to expect and how to make sure you’re set up for a brilliant life together.
Weeks 1-8: Settling in and early socialisation
What’s happening: Your pet is adjusting to their new home, learning who you are and starting to show you glimpses of their personality. Puppies and kittens are in their critical socialisation window. Rabbits are getting used to human interaction and their environment.
What you’ll need to do
For dogs:
- Start with gentle handling and exposure to household sounds
- Begin basic house training (patience is key!)
- Introduce them to different surfaces, people and calm environments
- Book first vet check and vaccination. Microchipping is a legal requirement from 8 weeks old
- Consider puppy classes for socialisation
- It’s recommended to keep puppies inside or restricted to safe, private areas, until they are fully vaccinated
For cats:
- Let them explore at their own pace (they might hide at first – that’s normal)
- Litter tray training (most kittens pick this up quickly)
- Gentle play to build confidence
- Book first vet check and vaccination
- Keep them indoors until fully vaccinated.
- If you like in England your cat must be microchipped and registered by the time they are 20 weeks old (this includes cats that usually stay indoors)
Insurance note: This is the perfect time to get pet insurance sorted. Your pet is young and healthy, which means they are unlikely to have any pre existing conditions. Plus, accidents could happen more in those early, curious weeks.
Months 2-4: Vaccinations and building confidence
What’s happening: This is a big period for health milestones. Your pet needs their vaccination course, and you’ll be building routines that’ll last a lifetime.
What you’ll need to do
For dogs:
- Complete vaccination course (usually 2 jabs, 2-4 weeks apart)
- A puppy can typically go out for walks about two weeks after their second vaccination, but follow your vet’s specific advice
- Start lead training and recall practice in safe spaces
- Continue socialisation – this is a critical period for development that typically occurs between 3 and 14 weeks of age
- Establish feeding, waking and bedtime routines
For cats:
- Complete vaccination course (usually 2 jabs, 3-4 weeks apart)
- In England, microchipping is a legal requirement before 20 weeks old.
- Can start going outside after final vaccination (if you’re planning outdoor access)
- Introduce scratching posts and climbing spaces
- Play daily to burn energy and build your bond
For rabbits:
- Vaccinations for myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease (RDH)
- Usually a combined vaccine is given from 5-7 weeks old
- Annual boosters needed
- Regular handling to maintain trust
- Introduce variety in their diet (different veg or herbs)
Common worry: “My puppy is scared of everything!” or “My kitten is destroying my furniture!” – This is normal. They are learning about the world. Stay calm, be patient, and redirect rather than punish. For kittens, multiple scratching posts are your friend!
Months 4-6: Adolescence begins
What’s happening: Welcome to the teenage phase. Your previously angelic pet might start testing boundaries. Dogs become boisterous, cats get 3am zoomies, rabbits might become territorial.
What you’ll need to do
For dogs:
- Continue training consistently (they know the commands; they’re just testing you)
- Consider neutering discussion with your vet (timing varies by breed)
- Watch for adult teeth coming through (provide appropriate chew toys)
- Increase exercise duration gradually
- Reinforce recall and basic commands
For cats:
- Neutering usually happens around 4-6 months
- They might become more independent or more vocal
- Continue play sessions to channel energy
- Expect some testing of boundaries (jumping on counters, etc.)
For rabbits:
- Neutering discussion with your vet (from 5 months for females, slightly earlier for males)
- May become territorial or spray (neutering can help with this)
- Ensure plenty of enrichment and exercise space
- Bond-building if you’re introducing a second rabbit
Be prepared: This is when some owners start seeing those unexpected vet bills – swallowed toys, sprained paws from over-enthusiastic play, upset stomachs from eating things they shouldn’t. Having insurance can help you manage the cost of treatment, so you can focus on your pet’s recovery rather than the size of the bill.
Months 6-9: Settling into adulthood
What’s happening Your pet’s personality is really shining through now. They’re more confident, more settled, and you’re getting into a groove together.
What you’ll need to do
For dogs:
- Post-neutering care (if you’ve chosen to neuter)
- Transition to adult food (timing depends on breed size)
- Maintain training and socialisation
- Watch their weight as growth slows
- Regular exercise now a daily essential
For cats:
- Transition to adult food (timing depends on breed size)
- Establish their preferred routines (yes, they train you too!)
- Regular play to prevent boredom
- Dental health checks with vet
- Weight monitoring
For rabbits:
- Post-neutering care (if neutered)
- Fully grown (most breeds)
- Established eating and exercise routines
- Consider bonding with a companion rabbit
- Regular nail trims and health checks
This is when you’ll notice: The chaos is calming down. You’ve figured out each other’s rhythms. You know what that particular meow/bark/grunt means. They’re becoming part of your family!
Months 9-12: The end of year one
What’s happening Your baby is (almost) all grown up. You’ve made it through the first year – the hardest but also the most transformative.
What you’ll need to do
For all pets:
- Annual health check and booster vaccinations
- Review their diet and portion sizes
- Dental check (especially important for rabbits)
- Flea and worming treatment (if not already on monthly prevention)
- Celebrate! (Extra treats, new toys, a pet-friendly day out)
Reflect on the year:
- What worked well in your routines?
- Any behaviour issues that need addressing?
- Is your insurance still covering what you need?
The unexpected moments (that’ll probably happen)
Let’s be honest – not everything goes to plan in year one. You might experience:
- An emergency dash to the vet (they ate something weird)
- The phantom limp that disappears at the vet’s door
- An upset stomach that has you Googling symptoms at 3am
- A minor injury from over-enthusiastic play
- Skin allergies or ear infections (surprisingly common)
This is exactly why pet insurance matters. With 4Paws, policy holders can get claims pre-authorised and paid directly to your vet, so you’re not juggling bills when you could be focusing on your pet. And with unlimited 24/7 video vet calls through FirstVet, you can ask “should I be worried about this?” any time, day or night.
Looking ahead
By the end of year one, you’ll have a pet who knows their name, their routine, and their place in your family. You’ll have learned their quirks, their favourite spots, the specific way they ask for dinner. Whatever did home feel like without them?
Protect every moment of your journey together
Get a quote online or call us on 01423 535 040
Our UK based team are here to help you choose the cover that’s right for you and your pet.
As with all insurance, exclusions and terms and conditions apply. Please see your policy documentation for full details.