Expert Veterinary Care for Your New Puppy or Kitten
Getting a new puppy or kitten is exciting! At Chipman Road Animal Clinic, we offer expert veterinary care and helpful advice so you feel confident about caring for your newest furball. Preparing for a new kitten or puppy is not so different than preparing for a new baby and like any new ‘pawrent’ you want to provide the best care possible.
Whether you’re wondering how to prepare for a kitten or need a checklist of things you will need for a puppy, this guide has everything you need.
Veterinary Care for New Pets
Your first visit is the foundation of your pet’s lifelong health. We’ll perform a complete exam, check for parasites, begin vaccinations, and answer your most pressing questions—from choosing the right food to helping an anxious puppy adjust.
We’ll also walk you through essentials like how to get ready for a new kitten, building routines, and what to expect in the months ahead.
Puppy’s First Vet Visit
Your puppy’s first visit is a milestone worth celebrating. We’ll cover their health needs, developmental stages, and tips to help you both start strong.
Learn more about what to expect from puppy’s first vet visit.
Kitten’s First Vet Visit
That first checkup is a great chance to get your questions answered and start your kitten on the path to lifelong wellness.
Explore what to expect on our Kitten’s First Vet Visit page.
Preparing For Your New Puppy or Kitten
Pet Proofing Your Home
Puppies and kittens explore with noses, paws—and teeth. Keep your home safe by:
- Securing cords, medications, and cleaning supplies
- Blocking tight spaces and access to trash
- Removing dangling items and small objects
- Using gates to limit access as needed
Create a cozy, quiet space where your new pet can settle in without overwhelm. This could be a crate or bed in an out of the way space.
Kitten and Puppy Food
Feeding your pet the right food supports healthy growth. Choose puppy or kitten-specific formulas with quality ingredients.
- Puppies: 3–4 meals a day until about 6 months
- Kittens: Small, frequent meals throughout the day
- Wet vs. dry: Both are great—ask us for a tailored recommendation
We’ll go over your options during the first visit, including feeding schedules and portion sizes.
Shopping for Your Kitten or Puppy
Stock up before your pet comes home! Here's what you’ll need:
For Puppies:
- Crate or playpen
- Collar, leash, and ID tag
- Puppy food and bowls
- Chew toys and training treats
- Puppy pads and waste bags
For Kittens:
- Carrier and litter box
- Collar and ID tag
- Kitten food and dishes
- Scratching post and toys
- Brush and nail trimmer
A few basics go a long way in creating a fun and safe home.
Bringing Your Puppy or Kitten Home
The first few days are about patience and comfort. Set up a quiet area with their essentials and give them time to adjust. Limit new experiences and slowly introduce other pets or family members.
Keep routines simple and consistent—feeding, potty breaks, and play at the same times each day help your pet feel secure.
Training Your Puppy and Kitten
Training starts the moment your pet arrives home.
Puppies:
- Begin with name recognition
- Keep training short, fun, and reward-based
- Use crates and consistency to support house training
- Calm reassurance is key with an anxious puppy
Kittens:
- Reinforce litter box habits
- Use toys and scratching posts to prevent unwanted behavior
- Learn how to keep a kitten off the table by redirecting with positive cues
Questions? We’re Here to Help
Every new pet comes with a few surprises—but you’re not in it alone. The team at Chipman Road Animal Clinic is here with answers, advice, and expert care at every stage. Feel free to contact us or bring your pet in if you have questions or concerns.