FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM APRIL 4, 2019 • PETS • THE QUEENS COURIER 43
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5 Tips to Successfully Bring a New Pet into Your Home
Bringing home a puppy or kitten can
lead to a lot of excitement. However, discussing
issues that may arise and preparing
in advance for a new pet’s arrival can
help make for a smooth transition.
Consider these tips from the pet experts
at PetSmart Charities to help make your
new pet’s adjustment to its forever home
a resounding success.
Know that pet parenting is a lifetime
commitment. Th at oh-so-sweet puppy or
kitten stage only lasts so long, so be sure
that you’re prepared to give a lifetime of
loving care. Nurturing the bond you create
during the early months can create a
foundation for lifelong companionship.
Consider adoption fi rst. Th ere are literally
thousands of animals of all breeds and
ages looking for loving homes. Consider
adopting a pet that needs a home from a
local shelter or adoption event.
“When you consider an option like
adoption, you can make sure one less
dog or cat is living in a shelter while
also providing the gift of unconditional
love to a furry friend in need,” said
David Haworth, DVM, Ph.D., president
of PetSmart Charities, which helps fi nd
forever homes and families for more than
500,000 shelter pets each year. “As a way
to make adoption more accessible, we
work with local adoption partners to
bring adoptable pets into PetSmart stores
each and every day, and especially during
our National Adoption Weekends, which
take place in stores nationwide.”
Select an appropriate pet. Integrating a
pet into your household, especially for a
fi rst-time pet owner, can take some work.
It’s important to consider factors like
how oft en you travel, whether your work
schedule will allow a visit home during
the day for a potty-training puppy and if
you’re willing to provide necessary care,
such as daily brushing for a long-haired
animal. Also consider whether you truly
want a puppy or a kitten; an adult pet
off ers numerous benefi ts, such as potentially
being house-trained already and
more resilient for play with small kids.
Provide structure for your pet. In a new
family, a pet will oft en look for where he
or she fi ts in and try to understand the
rules of the house. Dogs, especially, crave
routine, boundaries and rules. Cats like
to know what to expect, too. When pets
don’t understand, they can feel uncertain
and some pets might hide until they
feel more comfortable. Sensible rules can
help pets feel secure in their new environments.
Being consistent with training,
helping pets understand what behavior
you want and providing a solid routine
can help them feel comfortable and
confi dent.
Prepare for pet parenting. Th e sweet
kisses and cuddles are fun, but a new pet
requires some preparation. Stock up on
items like age-appropriate food and toys.
Look into training classes and fi nd a veterinarian
you trust for regular checkups.
Also take time to pet-proof your home,
removing items that may pose a health
threat or create temptations for undesirable
behaviors.
Find more advice on introducing a new
pet to your home and locate a local adoption
event near you at petsmartcharities.
org.
Courtesy Family Features
/WWW.QNS.COM
