New Pet Essentials
There are plenty of pet basics that help ensure the best arrival for your new bestie. Here’s a few things we think you’ll need.
Got Questions? Our Animal Care Experts are always happy to help!
Download your Welcome Home Checklist for all your adorable new pet needs
Being Prepped For Your Pet
Even before your new friend arrives home, these essentials should be considered, as starting routines early ensures your pet stays healthy and comfortable from the beginning.
Flea & Tick Protect your pet from day one (this can be an issue all year round depending on where you live), with solutions designed to prevent infestations. Topical treatments, collars, and other repellents make it safe and easy.
Dental With over 70% of dogs and cats showing signs of oral disease by age 3, establishing a routine early is key to maintaining dental health. Options include toothbrushes, toothpaste (yes, there's chicken flavour), dental toys, water additives, and more.
Grooming Regular bathing, brushing, and nail clipping keep dogs looking their best and strengthen your bond. It familiarizes them with touch, making vet and grooming appointments stress-free. But cats, like dogs, sometimes need a little grooming help too! Waterless spritzes and wipes are just a couple of options designed for felines. It's all about pets looking and feeling their best.
Looking for the pawfect self-serve dog wash experience? Talk to your local store for details.
First Day 101
In between the squeals of delight (from you of course!), and the cutest cuddles (from them), there’s bound to be a lot to think about in the first 24 hours.
One Big Happy Family
It’s all about baby steps to start with, and getting your new pet (and everyone else) feeling safe and comfortable. If you’re introducing your newest companion to young children, other established pets in the home, or just looking to create a pet-happy household, here’s a few tips and some advice to help you start your journey.
Sleep & Relaxation
If you plan to crate train, it’s a great idea to get your pup comfortable in their new spot straight away. Placing a blanket or suitable toy that smells of their mom or siblings next to them can make it easier for pups to relax and settle into their space. It’s a simple solution that can reassure dogs of all ages when trying to ease them into unfamiliar surroundings, AKA your home.
Calming products can work wonders too. Ask our Animal Care Experts in store for more information.
Potty Time Of course, if your new pet is an adult dog, you probably won’t need to think about potty training (well hopefully not!), but for puppies it’s important to get started from day 1. Some people prefer to train straight outside in an allocated spot, while others use pee pads. Either way it’s all about consistency, routine, and celebrating the wins!
Begin training early for a lifelong bond, using treats, play, and affection.
Crates and gates are a great solution for keeping pups safe and separate from children or other pets.
Sleep & Relaxation
If you plan to crate train, it’s a great idea to get your kitten comfortable in their new spot straight away. Placing a blanket or suitable toy that smells of their mom or siblings next to them can make it easier for kittens to relax and settle into their space. It’s a simple solution that can reassure cats of all ages when trying to ease them into unfamiliar surroundings, AKA your home.
Calming products can work wonders too. Ask our Animal Care Experts in store for more information.
Potty Time Hiding their waste is a natural feline instinct, so all you need to do is provide their litter box(s), show them where it is a few times, and let them find their way!
Adult cats simply need their litter boxes—they’re stars like that!
Sleep & Relaxation
If you plan to crate train, it’s a great idea to get your kitten comfortable in their new spot straight away. Placing a blanket or suitable toy that smells of their mom or siblings next to them can make it easier for kittens to relax and settle into their space. It’s a simple solution that can reassure cats of all ages when trying to ease them into unfamiliar surroundings, AKA your home.
Calming products can work wonders too. Ask our Animal Care Experts in store for more information.
Potty Time Hiding their waste is a natural feline instinct, so all you need to do is provide their litter box(s), show them where it is a few times, and let them find their way!
Create a closed-door ‘sanctuary room’ for new cats to safely sniff ‘n’ greet other pets.
Each cat requires its own litter box, plus an extra (i.e. 2 cats = 3 boxes) placed away from their eating area.
Pet-safe cleaners are great to have on hand to stop odours and help prevent repeat 'accidents'.
Different Life Stages
As you welcome your new pet into your family, it's a good idea to learn as much as you can about them (behaviours, health, diet etc.), to help make the best decisions as they grow up.
The lifecycle of pets can be broken down into roughly three stages, depending on breed/pet:
How you look after your pet will differ between the different stages – although cuddles are encouraged at all ages!
Once a routine is set, products like automatic feeders and cameras offer peace of mind, ensuring your pet is monitored and cared for even when you're away.
Check your local store or online for the latest arrivals.
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Copyright © 2025 Pet Valu Canada Inc.
Copyright © 2025 Pet Valu Canada Inc.