Everything You Need for Your Dog or Cat
Bringing home a new dog or cat is one of the most exciting things in the world ā and one of the most overwhelming. There's so much to think about! We've put together this checklist to help you feel confident, prepared, and ready to give your new pet the best possible start.
This checklist covers essentials for the first week, plus grooming, toys, and health basics. We've organized it by category so you can shop with confidence.
Shop everything on this list right here at PawShips ā delivered straight to your door before your new furry family member even arrives. š¾
š¶ New Dog Checklist
The Basics
- āļø Collar & ID tag ā make sure it fits snugly with room for two fingers
- āļø Leash ā a standard 4ā6 ft leash is great for walks and training
- āļø Harness ā especially useful for puppies or dogs that pull
- āļø Dog crate or bed ā a safe, cozy space they can call their own
- āļø Food & water bowls ā stainless steel or ceramic are easiest to clean
Treats & Toys
- āļø Training treats ā small, soft, and irresistible for rewarding good behavior
- āļø Chew toys ā essential for puppies who are teething
- āļø Interactive puzzle toy ā keeps curious dogs mentally stimulated
- āļø Plush or squeaky toy ā for fetch, tug, and cuddle time
- āļø Rope toy ā great for tug-of-war and dental health
š” Pro tip: Set up a subscription for treats and toys so you never run out during those critical first weeks.
Grooming & Health
- āļø Dog brush or comb ā choose based on your dog's coat type
- āļø Dog shampoo ā gentle, pet-safe formula
- āļø Nail clippers ā or plan for regular groomer visits
- āļø Poop bags ā you'll go through more than you think!
- āļø Flea & tick prevention ā consult your vet for the right product
First Week Essentials
- āļø Schedule a vet appointment within the first week
- āļø Set up a consistent feeding schedule
- āļø Begin crate training and basic commands (sit, stay, come) ā crate training creates a safe den and helps with housebreaking
- āļø Introduce your dog to their new space slowly and calmly
š± New Cat Checklist
The Basics
- āļø Litter box & litter ā one box per cat, plus one extra
- āļø Litter scoop ā scoop daily for a happy cat
- āļø Food & water bowls ā keep water away from food to encourage drinking
- āļø Cat carrier ā for vet visits and travel
- āļø Cat bed or blanket ā somewhere soft and warm to curl up
- āļø Scratching post ā a must to protect your furniture!
Treats & Toys
- āļø Crunchy treats ā great for bonding and rewarding your cat
- āļø Freeze-dried treats ā high-protein and cats go crazy for them
- āļø Wand or feather toy ā perfect for interactive play and exercise
- āļø Catnip toy ā not all cats react, but those that do absolutely love it
- āļø Crinkle or tunnel toy ā satisfies a cat's natural hunting instincts
Grooming & Health
- āļø Cat brush ā especially important for long-haired breeds
- āļø Nail clippers ā trim every 2ā3 weeks to prevent overgrowth
- āļø Flea prevention ā even indoor cats can be at risk
First Week Essentials
- āļø Schedule a vet appointment within the first week
- āļø Set up a quiet, safe room for your cat to decompress in
- āļø Introduce other pets slowly and under supervision
- āļø Let your cat come to you ā give them 24ā48 hours to adjust before expecting interaction
Ready to Shop?
Everything on this checklist ā and more ā is available right here at PawShips. We ship directly to your door so you can focus on what really matters: welcoming your new best friend home.
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