Prepare Your Home

Thinking about adopting a pet? Now may be the best time. You’re likely spending more time at home and can devote more attention to welcoming a new four-legged family member. Plus, a newly adopted pet is sure to bring warmth and love during these uncertain times.

While animal shelters nationwide have seen a spike in pet adoptions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still many animals in need of a good home. These tips will help ensure a smooth transition and set you on the path to a happy, well-adjusted pet.

Prepare Your Home

Put away valuable items that could be damaged by a dog that chews or sent crashing to the floor by a curious cat. Also secure any potentially toxic food, medicine or household cleaners.

Find a Vet

Try to choose a vet before bringing your new pet home. Ask family, friends or coworkers for recommendations, and then call a few vets and ask questions about their practice, including hours of operation, average cost of a visit and if they provide off-hours emergency services.

Stock up on Supplies

For both dogs and cats, you’ll want to purchase plenty of toys, comfortable bedding, metal or ceramic food and water bowls, and high-quality pet food. Dogs will also need a collar and leash, as well as a crate. For a new cat, consider a scratching post or kitty tree to help keep them engaged and entertained.

Get Creative with Socialization

Socialization is important for puppies and shy or timid dogs, but that will be more difficult during social distancing. If you have neighbors or friends with dogs, ask if you can join them on their walks while keeping an appropriate distance. Six-foot leashes can help!

Prepare for Emergencies

Though it might be unpleasant to think about, it’s important to have an emergency-preparedness plan for your pet should you fall ill. Consider putting together an emergency supply kit with two weeks’ worth of food, medicine and other essential supplies.

Stick to a Routine

After spending so much time at home with them, returning to work may be a big change for your new pet. Sticking to a schedule will help ease that transition, so try to feed and walk your pet at the same time every day.

Give Them Time

Transitioning from a shelter to even the most loving home can be difficult for a pet, so it’s important to give them a few days to explore their new home and bond with their new family before introducing them to friends in the neighborhood or extended family members.