A New Pet for Your Family

Whether you are adopting an older pet or picking out a new puppy or kitten, bringing home a new dog or cat is a big decision that goes well beyond choosing a name. Thinking through who will actually care for the pet day to day, how your home and current pets will adjust, and what health needs to expect can help the transition go smoothly for everyone involved.

At Pawtown Veterinary Care, we walk new pet owners through this transition every week, and a comprehensive wellness exam is one of the best first steps you can take for a newly adopted dog or cat. The considerations below cover what to think through before and after your new pet comes home.

Why Are You Bringing Home a New Pet?

Make sure the people who will actually be the primary caregivers are the ones who really want a pet in the home. Kids can be very persuasive, but adults are typically the ones responsible for feeding, exercise, and veterinary care day to day, so their buy-in matters just as much. If you already have an older pet and are considering a new one for companionship, think honestly about whether your current pet will adapt well to a younger animal. Some older dogs and cats are perfectly content living without a companion, and adding another pet can potentially add more stress than comfort depending on their personality.

Preparing Your Living Situation

For every cat in the house, you should generally have one litter box per cat plus one extra, so two cats call for three litter boxes spread throughout different areas of the home rather than clustered in one spot. Each cat benefits from having a space that feels like their own, even if a new kitten does not take up much physical room at first.

If you are planning to bring home another dog, think through whether you have room for a crate, a comfortable sleeping area, and outdoor space for bathroom breaks and play. Setting these logistics up before your new pet arrives makes the first few days considerably less chaotic.

Introducing a New Pet to Current Pets

If you already have a cat or dog at home, plan how the introduction will happen before your new pet arrives. Introducing the current pet and the new pet outside of the house first, on neutral ground, tends to go better than a sudden introduction indoors. For cats, bringing home another pet can be very stressful, and stress in cats can potentially contribute to hiding or even stress-related bladder issues like cystitis, which can cause blood in the urine, urinary crystals, or inappropriate urination.

Some dogs guard resources like toys, treats, or a favorite bed, so supervise early interactions closely and talk with a trainer or your veterinarian right away if you notice any signs of aggression. Pheromone products such as Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs can potentially help reduce stress any time a new pet joins the household. Our post on introducing a second pet walks through a more detailed, step-by-step approach if you want additional guidance.

Health Considerations for a New Pet

Some health issues are relatively easy to treat, while others involve a lifelong commitment, so consider what either scenario would mean for your family and whether any condition could pass to current pets or people in the household. Puppies and kittens commonly carry parasites. Roundworms are usually easy to clear up, while others, such as giardia, can take a longer treatment course to fully resolve.

If you are adopting an adult animal, ask about any known medical or behavioral issues before bringing them home, since some breeds are more prone to allergies that may require special diets or medication long term. Microchipping your new pet as early as possible is also worth prioritizing, since it is the most reliable way to reunite you with a pet who slips out during this adjustment period.

Scheduling Your New Pet’s First Veterinary Visit

The American Animal Hospital Association recommends a full wellness exam within the first few weeks of a new pet coming home, regardless of how healthy they appear, since congenital issues and parasites are not always visible on the surface. This visit is also when your veterinarian starts or continues a vaccination schedule appropriate for your pet’s age and lifestyle.

A little preparation makes that first appointment go more smoothly. Bring the following if you have it:

• Any medical, vaccination, or deworming records from the breeder, shelter, or previous owner.
• A list of questions about feeding, behavior, training, or anything that seems unusual since bringing your pet home.
• Your new client paperwork completed ahead of time so your visit can focus on your pet rather than forms.

Even a healthy-looking pet benefits from this first exam, since it establishes a baseline for their future care with our team.

Welcome Your New Pet to Pawtown Veterinary Care

It is exciting to add a new family member, and making sure the fit is right for your family and your new pet gives them the best chance of staying in their forever home. Our team has guided Bend pet owners through this transition for years, from first-time puppy parents to families adopting a senior dog or cat.

If you have recently brought home a new pet or are planning to soon, we would like to help you get started on the right foot. Request an appointment for a wellness exam and let us help your new pet settle into a happy, healthy life with your family.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bringing Home a New Pet