Few things in life are as rewarding as the unconditional love of a pet. Tail wagging. Leg rubbing. Big-air binkying. It doesn’t matter if you’ve decided to get a dog, a cat, a rabbit — or even a reptile. Before bringing home a non-human family member, use this new pet owner checklist to make sure you are ready for everything it entails. Your pet will praise you wildly. Prepare to be licked, nuzzled and/or appreciated otherwise.

Do your research

Your best friend’s cousin’s kid loves his Labradoodle. So that’s the pet you should get for your own family, right? Not so fast. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a pet. 

Size does matter

Sure, Labradoodles are incredibly cute. And yes, they are often considered one of the best dogs for a new pet owner. But a standard Labradoodle can range anywhere from 50-65 pounds. A small child might not be able to control such a large dog on a leash. If you live in a pet-friendly apartment or rental home, there are often weight limits (ranging anywhere from 20 to 50 pounds) on dogs. Ask yourself:

  • How large of a pet can your home accommodate?
  • Is there enough room if the animal grows more than expected?
  • How much weight are younger/smaller members of your household able to handle?
  • Can you travel comfortably with the animal when necessary?
  • How much can you afford to spend on food each month?

Depending on your answers, you may want to consider a smaller breed of dog or a different type of pet like a cat or a chinchilla. 

Your wants, its needs

Even if you own your own home and have a fenced yard where a standard Labradoodle or another large breed like a German Shepherd could trot around and sniff everything, does it fit your lifestyle? Certain breeds need more exercise than others. Neither human nor canine will enjoy the experience if you don’t have the time to play fetch and go for walks. 

Similarly, some breeds of dogs shed more than others and require more grooming and cleaning. Do you really want to vacuum fur off your couch three times a day? Reptiles, rodents and rabbits all have their own levels of maintenance. Make sure you have the time and ability needed to properly care for whatever type of animal you choose.  

Personality

That Labradoodle mentioned before? Sweet and outgoing. But if you’re looking for a guard dog, it's not the best choice. German Shepherds, on the other hand, are a bit more aloof with strangers but extremely loyal and protective of their loved ones. Not to mention alert. You’ll sleep better at night knowing this canine companion is in the house. 

The age of the animal also affects its temperament. Generally speaking, the older it is the more mellow the furry fellow. Keep in mind that though senior animals are trained and well-behaved, they may have extra medical costs. Puppies and kittens tend to have a lot more energy. If you don’t have the time and patience required to train a wild fur child, consider adopting that adult Aegean cat you saw at the shelter. The best animals for a new pet owner are different for everyone. 

Prepare your peeps …

Once you’ve discussed your options and decided what pet best fits your lifestyle, talk to the people you share a space with. Do you have roommates? Find out what their boundaries are. They might be fine with an indoor dog as long as it doesn’t sit on the couch. Kids? Discuss the responsibilities new pet owners have and agree on who is doing what. 

Besides knowing how often they have to empty the litter box, it’s also important that kids know when animals need space. Sure, that kitty is cute and cuddly. But it shouldn’t be held nonstop and they should learn to recognize different cat-titudes. Same goes for other types of pets.

... and your place

Make sure your environment is safe for whatever type of animal you are bringing home. Look around for potential hazards. 

  • Place cleaning supplies out of the animal's reach.
  • Remove plants toxic to cats or dogs.

(Lilies, snake plants, sago palms, elephant ears, etc.)

  • Hide/secure exposed wires.
  • Inspect and repair outdoor fencing.
  • Use childproof latches on cabinets as needed.
  • Keep toilet lid(s) closed.
  • Make sure all air vents are covered.

Your pet also needs to be comfortable. That Aegean cat would love a spot to curl up directly in front of a south-facing window. But you shouldn’t put your parrot's cage there — storms, traffic, dogs, etc. often scare the feathered folk and the temperature may fluctuate too much. Temperature control is important for certain types of reptiles as well.

Food and treats

Pet proofing and preparation extend to where you keep the animal’s food and what you feed it. You don’t want the animal (or rodents) to get into open bags. And it’s best not to keep pet food in the garage, as extreme heat and/or moisture breaks down nutrients. The Food and Drug Administration offers more advice for safely buying, preparing and storing pet food. 

Stock your pantry with high-quality foods and treats appropriate for your new pet. (Unless their diet consists of live crickets or other feeder insects, in which case you probably don’t want to keep those in the kitchen.) The breed, size and age of the animal all play a role in its diet. 

Supplies

Speaking of food, do you have the necessary storage containers, bowls and other feeding supplies? What about leashes and collars? Waste removal items? Beds and crates? You might even want to get a dog couch to keep that roommate of yours happy. The list of necessary supplies can get pretty long. And unlike babies, there usually aren’t registries or showers for new pets. (But how fun would that be?) 

Establish a budget, determine what you want to splurge on and what you can save on. KSL Classifieds’ Pet Equipment and Supplies subcategory has thousands of gently used items listed at affordable prices — from dog shoes to chicken leashes, cat trees to cactus decor for reptiles. And don’t forget the toys! 

Find a veterinarian

Where do you take a sick equine? To the horse-pital. Where do you take your new pet? To the local vet you scheduled an appointment with BEFORE it came home. Appointments fill up fast, so it is important to do your research in advance and find a veterinarian you trust. You have a responsibility to keep your pet healthy and current on its vaccinations. If you plan on microchipping your new dog or cat, mention it when scheduling the initial appointment. If your newfound furry family member used to belong to someone else, you may need a letter from a veterinarian to transfer its microchip registration. And don't forget to spay or neuter your new pet!

Treat yo’ self

Congratulations! Your pet is home and everyone is happy. Who’s a good pet owner? YOU are. You’re such a good boy/girl. You deserve a treat. Just remember: Being a good pet owner is an ongoing process. Our new pet owner checklist is only the starting point. You may have to change things up to make sure your pet continues to feel welcome and comfortable in its new environment. But for now, sit back and enjoy the affection of your new animal.