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Entry 459Filed under Breeding

What Supplies Do You Need Before Bringing Home a Pet?

Get ready for a new pet with the essentials for rest, food, play, transport, and safety—plus the supplies dogs and cats need specifically.
4-minute read By Animalso Team
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Before your new pet arrives, prepare a quiet place to rest, food and water bowls, food suited to that animal, a few safe toys, and a way to travel securely. The rest depends on the species: dogs need walking equipment and identification; cats need a carrier, litter setup, and scratching surface. Pet-proof the home, too, and ask the animal’s current caretaker or veterinarian about its food, size, health, and other individual needs.

Start with the essentials every pet needs

Set up a calm, clean resting area before arrival. That might be a bed, blanket, box, or a quiet, dedicated part of a room. Provide separate food and water bowls and food appropriate for the animal. Ask the current caretaker what the pet eats now; do not assume one food works for every species or individual.

Have a few toys suited to the animal, rather than a large assortment. Supervise play, check toys for damage, and remove items that break or can be swallowed. Keep basic cleanup supplies on hand, such as paper towels and waste bags, while storing cleaning products where the pet cannot reach them. The ASPCA’s dog care and cat care lists identify many of these basics.

Dog supplies to have ready

  • Collar, identification, and leash: Fit a collar securely and attach current identification and any license required by your local rules. A harness may be useful for some dogs. Keep the contact information on the tag current.
  • Food, bowls, and resting place: Find out what the dog currently eats and prepare a quiet spot to settle in.
  • Toys and safe chews: Choose items appropriate to the dog’s size and chewing habits, supervise use, and replace damaged toys.
  • Grooming supplies: A brush or comb can be useful; the ASPCA’s general checklist also includes a toothbrush. Introduce grooming and dental care in a way that suits the individual dog.
  • Crate or gate, if useful: These can help manage space or create a designated area, but whether either is appropriate depends on the dog and your home.

The ASPCA’s adoption guidance recommends having necessary supplies ready before a dog comes home. See its adoption preparation advice and adoption tips for additional guidance.

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Abbylike 50 Pcs Puppy Supplies Starter Kit for Small Dogs, Blue
  • Cute and Essential Puppy Starter Kit: Our blue themed puppy essentials starter kit is beautifully designed to fulfil both functional needs and quaint aesthetics; The comprehensive package includes 1 felt storage basket, 12 chew toys, 1 training bag, 1 dog leash, 1 TPR finger brush with case, 2 stainless steel bowls, 1 soft cotton towel, 1 blue blanket, 1 pet pad and more, ideal for male dogs
  • Properly Sized Accessories: our dog essentials for small dogs are mindfully sized to ensure your pup's comfort; The felt storage basket measures 14.17 x 9.84 x 9.06 inches, providing ample space for neatly organizing your puppy's tools and toys; For your dog's sanitary needs, we provide a 19.29 x 12.6 inches/ 49 x 32 cm pet pad; To keep your puppy warm and comfy, we include a 23.62 x 15.75 inches blue blanket and an 11.81 x 11.81 inches blue towel, making your puppy feel right at home
  • Grooming Essentials and Interactive Toys: the dog essentials for puppies kit comes packed with 12 fun and engaging dog chew toys of varying materials, 6 double sided pet toothbrushes, a finger brush and a pet hair remover for grooming needs, and a bone shaped dog poop bag dispenser with 16 rolls of poop bags; This kit ensures your puppy's hygiene and dental health are taken care of while simultaneously providing an array of chew toys that will stimulate and entertain your pup
  • Well Prepared Travel Pack: these puppy accessories for male dogs are more than just a home starter kit; It also doubles as your travel package with a convenient car seat belt for dogs, portable water dispenser, and lightweight yet durable training bag; With our pack, you need not fret about forgetting any of your puppy's essentials, making your travel experience more pleasant and worry free
  • Ideal for Training and Adaptability: assisting your new puppy to get accustomed to its surroundings will be easier with our puppy starter kit for small dogs; The kit includes items like order bell for training purposes and an assortment of chew toys to help reduce anxiety levels; These features make the transition more manageable while fostering an interactive bond between you and your pup; Also included is a medium size dog leash, ideal for training sessions across various sports

Cat supplies to have ready

  • Secure carrier: Use a carrier for the trip home and future transport. Confirm that it is appropriate for the cat’s size and can be secured during travel.
  • Litter box, litter, and scoop: Set up the box in an accessible location before arrival so the cat can find it.
  • Scratching surface: Provide a stable scratching post or pad. Place it where the cat can use it without being disturbed.
  • Food, bowls, and resting place: Prepare the cat’s current or veterinarian-recommended food, clean bowls, and a bed or warm blanket in a quiet area.
  • Toys and grooming supplies: Choose toys suited to the cat and a brush or comb appropriate for its coat. A collar with identification can be used if it fits safely.

The ASPCA’s general cat care guidance covers these basic supplies and cat-specific setup.

Plan safe transport for the trip home

Choose a secure transport method before pickup, matched to the animal and the journey. A cat generally needs a carrier; a dog may travel with an appropriate restraint or in a carrier designed for the dog. Do not rely on holding an animal in your arms or leaving it loose in a vehicle. The AVMA’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Guide includes carriers, leash and collar or harness, records, dishes, and familiar comfort items among emergency supplies.

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PullCrease 34 Pcs Rabbit Starter Kit Rabbit Litter Box Small Animal Water Bottle Cups Bunny Tunnels Animal Grooming Kit Bowl Blanket with Cleaning Set for Guinea Pig Bunny Accessories(Style 1,Blue)
  • Comprehensive Package: with 34 items including a rabbit litter box, a pet blanket, a small pet nail scissors, two straw mats, a mini dustpan and brush set, thin rabbit cage liners, a small pet bowl, a hanging automatic food and water dispenser, rabbit toys, a rabbit leash set, a rabbit tunnel, a set of rabbit stacking cups in 8 different colors and a grooming kit
  • Convenient Toilet and Feeder: rabbit toilet features a pull out bottom layer for easy feces clean up, equipped with a replacement pad and mini broom, making it easy to clean and suitable for most small animal cages; The water bottle incorporates an anti drip design with two stainless steel balls blocking the top of the hose, allowing water to pass only when the small animal is drinking; And both the pet bowl and water dispenser can be securely fixed to the cage to prevent sliding
  • Health and Entertainment: the rabbit tunnel has a protective frame to ensure safety while maintaining shape; It is durable and easy to store and carry with its foldable design and elastic band; Try putting chewing toys in the tunnel for a fun game that stimulates your pet's interest; The colorful rabbit stacking cups are matte colored for the comfort of your animal and very attractive to look at
  • Durable and Safe: rabbit litter box and water hay feeder are made from plastic; The pet bowl is sturdy, and the pet blanket is crafted from flannel; Rabbit toys are made from natural material, ensuring the safety and health of your beloved pet; The rabbit tunnel is made of tear resistant polyester, vest strap is made with breathable mesh, lightweight and comfortable; A grooming kit helps your pet keep tidy and ensures good condition of the pet's fur and nails, reducing the risk of health problem
  • Ideal Choice for a Variety of Animals: rabbit kit is a comprehensive pet care necessity, covering all processes of rabbit health, from feeding to excretion, from sleep to waking, from playing to comforting, simplifying pet care; Suitable for rabbits, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, ferrets, and other small animals, providing a clean environment for your pets

Pet-proof the home before the animal explores

Shopping is only part of preparation. Before the pet arrives, inspect rooms at the animal’s likely height and secure or remove hazards. ASPCA guidance on inspecting a home for a puppy or kitten and preparing a home highlights common risks.

  • Secure electrical and dangling cords, small objects, and anything tempting to chew or swallow.
  • Remove poisonous plants or block access to them.
  • Store medications, cleaning products, trash, and unsafe foods behind closed or child-secured cabinets where needed.
  • Check windows and doors, block dangerous gaps, and use a gate to limit access if it helps manage the space.
  • Begin in a quiet, safe area and introduce the rest of the home gradually. The ASPCA’s moving-with-a-pet guidance also emphasizes careful home preparation.

For birds, reptiles, fish, and small mammals, identify the species first

There is no reliable universal starter kit for every pet. Birds, reptiles, fish, rabbits, rodents, and other small mammals can have very different needs for housing, temperature, substrate, diet, and enrichment. Get a species-specific care plan from a veterinarian qualified for that animal or another reputable specialist before buying its habitat. The ASPCA’s pet preparedness guide gives examples such as cage liners, bedding, a hide box, or a warming device for emergency preparedness; those examples are not a complete setup list for bringing home each species.

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PupLuxe Puppy Starter Kit - Green 22 Piece Bundle Great for Dog Training, Perfect for New & Experienced Owners
  • 🐶 Everything A Puppy Needs: This puppy starter kit for small dogs has every component a puppy owner needs. Perfect for a dog starter kit for medium dogs and small dogs. This acts as puppy supplies for puppy female and puppy supplies for puppy male. We offer a variety of colors to suit your puppies preference and to suit your aesthetic.
  • 🐕 Training Kit: We cover all bases within this puppy starter pack. We cover all your needs for cleaning, feeding, walking, hygiene and more! For walking, we have your lead, collar, poop bags, poop bags holder, travel bags and more! For Feeding we have bowls both transportable and non transportable, treat balls. For cleaning we have a towel, a hair brush and more! For hygiene we have nail clippers, tooth brushes, nail files and more!
  • 🦴 Kit Breakdown: Pet Treat Training Pouch, Quick Release Dog Collar, Reflective Nylon Dog Leash, Soft Flannel Pet Blanket, 2x Non Slip Stainless Steel Bowl, Double Sided Toothbrush, Pet Finger Toothbrush, Stainless Steel Nail Clipper, Stainless Steel Nail File, 4x Biodegradable Dog Poop Bag, Dog Poop Bag Dispenser, Collapsible Travel Bowl, Puppy Training Clicker, 2x Natural Cotton Rope Dog Toy, Treat Dispensing Dog Chew Ball, Double Sided Pet Hair Remover, Self Cleaning Pet Slicker Brush.
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Confirm individual needs before you buy extras

Ask the current caretaker about the pet’s food, routine, size, equipment that already fits, and any health or behavior needs. Confirm special diet, grooming, or handling questions with a veterinarian. A crate, gate, extra grooming tools, or other equipment may be helpful, but the right choice depends on the animal and your home. For medication, follow veterinary direction: the ASPCA states, “Never give your dog medication that has not been prescribed by a veterinarian.”

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FLYSTAR Puppy Starter Kit for Small Dogs, 26 Pcs Puppy Essentials Supplies
  • Puppy Starter Kit :1 pc dog chew toy, 1 pc plush dog squeaky toy, 1 pc dog poop bag dispenser , 1 pc dog treat bag, 1 pc squeaky dog chew toy, 8 rolls pet waste bag, 1pc dog blanket, 1 pc puppy training clicker, 1 pc pet grooming glove, 1 pc pet id tag, 2 pcs dog collapsible travel bowls, 2 pcs dog food bowls , 1 pc dog toothbrush , 1 pc dog rope toy, 2 pcs dog collar and 1 pc leash. Meet your pet's daily needs and easily start your pet-raising journey.
  • FUNNY DOG TOYS : This puppy kit contains 4 different kinds of dog toys, a silicone dog toy in the shape of a five-pointed star and a dog rope toy that not only cleans your dog's teeth but also massages his gums. A squeaky plush dog toy and a squeaky dog chew ball toy make a cute soud when squeezed to arouse your dog's interest. 4 different types of toys can bring happiness to dogs and get rid of boredom.
  • Puppy Daily Supplies: Stainless steel dog bowls, grooming glove and blanket are all essentials for dogs. 2 dog bowls can be used to hold food and water, the stainless steel material is not easy to rust and sturdy; you can use grooming gloves to groom the dog, which not only makes the pet look more energetic, enhance mutual affection, but also maintains the home is clean and tidy; soft blanket helps pet sleep peacefully.
  • Dog Outdoor Supplies: When you go out for a walk with your dog, dog waste poop bag with dispenser is essential. You can put the waste bag into the dispenser and hang it on the leash. Also, don't forget to hang the nameplate on the collar to avoid pets being lost and can't back home. For long time outdoors, such as camping, picnics, traveling, etc., you can bring 2 pcs dog collapsible travel bowls for water and food.
  • Dog Training Supplies: The dog training clicker helps train the dog in basic obedience and tricks instead of dog bark shock collar, while correcting bad behavior. Training to stop barking, sitting, fetching, shaking, lying down and rolling over are useful vocal training aids for your pet; In addition, you can add your pet's favorite toy treats to the treat bag to enhance training effect, or when going out, hiking, traveling with pets, it can also be used as a storage bag.
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Abbylike 50 Pcs Puppy Supplies Starter Kit for Small Dogs, Pink
  • Cute and Essential Puppy Starter Kit: Our pink themed puppy essentials starter kit is beautifully designed to fulfil both functional needs and quaint aesthetics; The comprehensive package includes 1 felt storage basket, 12 chew toys, 1 training bag, 1 dog leash, 1 TPR finger brush with case, 2 stainless steel bowls, 1 soft cotton towel, 1 pink blanket, 1 pet pad and more, ideal for female dogs
  • Properly Sized Accessories: our dog essentials for small dogs are mindfully sized to ensure your pup's comfort; The felt storage basket measures 14.17 x 9.84 x 9.06 inches, providing ample space for neatly organizing your puppy's tools and toys; For your dog's sanitary needs, we provide a 19.29 x 12.6 inches/ 49 x 32 cm pet pad; To keep your puppy warm and comfy, we include a 23.62 x 15.75 inches pink blanket and an 11.81 x 11.81 inches pink towel, making your puppy feel right at home
  • Grooming Essentials and Interactive Toys: the dog essentials for puppies kit comes packed with 12 fun and engaging dog chew toys of varying materials, 6 double sided pet toothbrushes, a finger brush and a pet hair remover for grooming needs, and a bone shaped dog poop bag dispenser with 16 rolls of poop bags; This kit ensures your puppy's hygiene and dental health are taken care of while simultaneously providing an array of chew toys that will stimulate and entertain your pup
  • Well Prepared Travel Pack: these puppy accessories for female dogs are more than just a home starter kit; It also doubles as your travel package with a convenient car seat belt for dogs, portable water dispenser, and lightweight yet durable training bag; With our pack, you need not fret about forgetting any of your puppy's essentials, making your travel experience more pleasant and worry free
  • Ideal for Training and Adaptability: assisting your new puppy to get accustomed to its surroundings will be easier with our puppy starter kit for small dogs; The kit includes items like order bell for training purposes and an assortment of chew toys to help reduce anxiety levels; These features make the transition more manageable while fostering an interactive bond between you and your pup; Also included is a medium size dog leash, ideal for training sessions across various sports

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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