A dog or cat joins the family: the checklist for the first weeks

A dog or cat arriving is one of the loveliest moments for a family with children. It's also one of the most underestimated organisationally: the first weeks pack in visits, documents, shopping, habits to build and a question that comes back every day — who's looking after it?

This article is about organisation. Diet, vaccinations, treatments and training should be decided with your vet and, if needed, a trainer.

Before arrival

The home

• a place to sleep, quiet and out of the way
• bowls for water and food, and the food the animal was eating before, so not everything changes on day one
• for a cat, a litter tray and scratching post; for a dog, lead, harness and bags
• pet-proofing: cables, toxic plants, cleaning products, windows and balconies
• a carrier for vet visits

The family

Before the animal arrives, decide together who does what: feeding, walks or litter, the vet, costs. Children's general promises ("I'll look after it") don't last long: specific, age-appropriate tasks work better, as we explain in who looks after the family pet.

A "Pepper arrives" to-do list, with items assigned, keeps shopping and preparation together.

The first week

The first vet visit

In the first days a check-up is worthwhile, even if the animal seems healthy. Bring any documents from the breeder, shelter or previous owner: health record, vaccinations already given, treatments. The vet will set out the plan for vaccines, parasite treatments and check-ups.

Microchip and registration

In many countries, including Italy and the UK, microchipping and registering dogs is compulsory, and a change of owner must be recorded. Rules for cats vary by country and region. Check with your vet or local authority what applies to you and by when.

The profile in the Pets section

In KidBox's Pets section create the profile: name, species, breed, date of birth, microchip number, photo. After the first visit, record vaccinations and treatments straight away with the next due date, so reminders start from day one. The health record and certificates, photographed, go in the documents linked to the profile.

The first weeks

• Fixed routines: meals, walks and rest at the same times help the animal settle
• The same rules for everyone: if the dog isn't allowed on the sofa, that goes for everyone
• Children and the pet: always supervised by an adult at first, teaching children to respect rest time
• Patience: settling in can take weeks

First-month costs

The first month is the most expensive: initial purchases, first visit, vaccinations, microchip, perhaps neutering. Recording every cost — and vet events with a cost become expenses on their own — soon shows what your pet really costs. More in how much a pet really costs.

In short

Home prepared and tasks shared before arrival, a first vet visit with the documents, microchip and registration checked, a profile with vaccinations, treatments and their reminders, the same routines and rules for everyone, costs recorded from day one. The animal will settle in its own time. The family, a little sooner.