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This is a guest post written by Aurora James of Dogetiquette.info.

Although the pandemic was mostly bad news for us humans, many pets found “forever homes” as a result of the lockdown. People who suddenly found themselves stuck at home all day were quick to clear out animal shelters and bring home lovable animals for company and emotional support.

If you’re looking to jump on the bandwagon and adopt your own furry companion, do your research first. You can find plenty of pet care tips and product reviews on the different category pages of this site! Here are a few of our top tips to help you get the ball rolling.

Choose the Right Pet

Everyone wants a puppy, but they’re notoriously hard to raise. Take the time to choose a pet that perfectly suits your lifestyle and level of commitment to training.

• If you work long hours or travel a lot, a dog may not be the best type of pet for your household.
• Cats make great pets for people who don’t want to commit to daily walks and games of fetch.
• Fish can be a great option for first-time pet owners, but they require more care and attention than many people think.
• Don’t disregard unique pets. Rats, for example, are incredibly smart, clean, and low maintenance. Believe it or not, they make great pets for kids! 

Stock Up on Supplies

Pets require all kinds of special supplies to keep them comfortable, healthy, and mentally stimulated. Stock up on these items before you bring your furry friend home!

• New dog owners will need to get a dog bed, food and water bowls, a leash, a collar, and plenty of toys.
• Getting a puppy? Invest in some key training supplies like a crate and puppy pads to protect your home from messy accidents.
• To limit your time in retail stores, consider signing up with a dog food delivery service. 
• If you’re adopting a cat, purchase and set up a litter box ahead of time.

Choose a Veterinarian

You may have to list the name of your veterinarian when you apply to adopt a pet from a shelter or purchase from a breeder, so choose your vet ahead of time.

• The best way to find a vet is to ask friends and family members for recommendations.
• Be prepared with a list of important questions to ask at your first vet visit.
• If you’re adopting a puppy, make sure your little bundle of fur gets all of their required shots and boosters.

Bond with Your New Friend

After bringing your new pet home, you will start learning about each other immediately. Playing with your pet and spending time on training will help you develop a strong bond.

• Get started on your training right away. Training basic obedience is a great way to build a bond with your new pet.
• Develop a relationship of trust and respect with your pet by being kind, fair, and consistent with your training. 
• Give your pet their own space and don’t bother them when they need some time alone. 

Adopting a pet is a great way to enrich your life and add some positivity to this strange time. Just make sure you’re properly prepared to welcome a pet into your home so you can ensure your adoption goes smoothly. Whether you’re adopting a cat, dog, small mammal, or reptile, check out the resources on this site for care tips and product recommendations!