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The best start for a new puppy or kitten is an early veterinary visit, a series of vaccinations, parasite prevention, the right nutrition, and gentle socialization during their key early weeks. Your veterinary team can check your new pet’s health, set a schedule, and answer the many questions that come with a new arrival.
Start with an early veterinary visit
One of the first things to do after bringing home a new puppy or kitten is to book a veterinary visit. Young dogs and cats grow and change quickly, so this early check confirms your pet is healthy, looks for anything that needs attention, and is the foundation for a personalized care plan. It is also the perfect time to ask all the questions that come with a new pet, from feeding to house training.
Bringing along any paperwork from the breeder, shelter, or rescue helps your team know what has already been done. From this first visit, our pet care services team can map out the vaccinations, parasite control, and check ups your pet needs over the coming months.
Vaccinations and parasite protection
Puppies and kittens need a series of vaccinations over their first months, given a few weeks apart, to build lasting protection as the immunity from their mother fades. Your veterinary team will explain which core and lifestyle vaccines your pet needs and when each is due.
Young pets are also prone to intestinal worms and can pick up fleas, so early and ongoing parasite prevention is important. Regular deworming and a suitable flea preventive, arranged through our medical services, keep your new pet protected and comfortable while they grow.
Feeding your growing pet
Growing puppies and kittens have different nutritional needs from adult pets, so they need a complete and balanced food made for their life stage. Feeding the right amount matters too, since both under and overfeeding can cause problems during this important growth period.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices on the shelf, so ask your veterinary team what suits your individual pet and how much to feed. Large breed puppies in particular have specific needs while their bones and joints develop, and growing cats have their own requirements too. Your team can also advise on when and how to transition foods as your pet grows, avoiding the stomach upset that sudden changes can cause.
Socialization during the key early weeks
The first few months are a critical window for socialization, when positive experiences help shape a confident, well adjusted adult. Gently introduce your puppy or kitten to new people, gentle handling, everyday sounds, and other healthy, vaccinated animals, always keeping experiences calm and positive.
Go at your pet’s pace and never force a frightened youngster into a scary situation, as bad experiences can have lasting effects. Reward based training started early, along with getting your pet comfortable being handled, pays off for a lifetime and makes future veterinary visits easier too.
Spaying, neutering, and microchipping
As your pet grows, your veterinary team will discuss spaying or neutering and help you decide on the right timing for your individual pet, which can depend on species, breed, and size. These are routine procedures with well recognized health and behaviour benefits.
Permanent identification is also worth arranging early. A microchip, along with an ID tag, greatly improves the chance of a lost pet being reunited with you. Your team can microchip your pet and explain how to keep the registration details current.
Puppy and kitten proofing your home
New pets explore with their mouths, so a little preparation prevents accidents. Secure electrical cords, keep small objects and medications out of reach, store toxic foods and plants safely, and provide safe toys and, for kittens, a scratching post and litter tray. Puppies benefit from a comfortable crate or pen that gives them a safe place to rest and helps with house training.
Setting up a calm, safe space helps your pet settle in, and starting a gentle routine for feeding, play, and rest builds good habits early. If you are ever unsure whether something is safe, our pet diagnostics and veterinary team are only a call away.
Frequently asked questions
When should my new puppy or kitten first see the vet?
Soon after you bring them home. An early visit confirms your pet is healthy and sets up their vaccination, parasite, and check up schedule. Bring any paperwork from the breeder, shelter, or rescue.
Why do puppies and kittens need several vaccine visits?
Early immunity from their mother fades over the first months, so a series of vaccines a few weeks apart ensures continuous protection. A single shot is not enough at this age.
How important is socialization?
Very. The first few months are a key window when positive experiences shape a confident adult. Keep introductions gentle and positive, and never force a frightened youngster.
When should I spay or neuter my pet?
The right timing depends on your pet’s species, breed, and size. Your veterinary team can recommend when it is best for your individual pet and explain the benefits.
Does my new pet really need a microchip?
It is strongly recommended. A microchip plus an ID tag greatly improves the chance of a lost pet being reunited with you. Keep the registered contact details up to date.