Welcoming a New Pet? Let’s Make It Easy!
Welcoming a new pet into your life is a joyful and memorable experience. Whether it’s a playful puppy, a curious kitten, or any other furry, feathered, or scaly friend, it’s natural to feel excited — and even a little overwhelmed.
Many new pet parents feel the urge to buy everything they see, wanting to give their new companion the very best. But the truth is, you don’t need it all — and that shopping spree can add up fast.
At The Urban Pet, we’re here to make the process easier and more affordable. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will walk you through the essentials — the must-have items that will keep your pet happy, healthy, and comfortable from day one. We’ll help you avoid unnecessary purchases and focus on what really matters.
Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or adding to your furry family, we’ve got the advice, support, and supplies you need.
Stop by today — we’re excited to help you start this amazing journey with your new best friend!
For the Canine: Essentials for Your New Dog
- High-Quality Food: Choose a food that is free from by-products and corn. When switching to a new food, it’s important to have enough of the current kibble on hand for a gradual transition. Sudden changes can lead to upset stomachs and loose stools.
- Wire Crate: Select a crate that fits your dog’s expected adult size.
- Food and Water Dishes: Basic, sturdy bowls will do just fine.
- Crate Pad: A proper crate pad is great, but an old towel works in a pinch.
- Leashes: Have two inexpensive 4–6 ft nylon leashes — one for walks and one for around the house.
- Collar or Harness: A well-fitting nylon collar or harness is a must.
- ID Tags: Be sure your dog has identification. You can also use a “Markie” to write your contact info directly on the collar.
- Chew Toys: Go for plastic or rubber chew toys. Avoid cloth or rope toys during the teething stage, as they may encourage chewing on socks, rugs, or pillows.
- Chews: Bully sticks and pressed rawhide are good options. Avoid rawhide sheets or white rawhide, which can be harder to digest.
- Poop Bags: A daily essential for every dog owner.
- Natural Enzyme Cleaners: Products like Nature’s Miracle or Urine Off help clean up accidents and remove odors.
- Training Treats: Soft jerky treats work well for training sessions.
- Puppy Pads: These can be helpful, but they are sometimes debated — feel free to ask us more about them!
For the Feline: Essentials for Your New Cat
- Nail Clippers: Regular nail trimming helps reduce scratching damage. The more often you clip, the more your cat gets used to it.
- Food and Water Dishes: A basic food bowl is fine, but we recommend investing in a water fountain. Cats are carnivores and naturally get most of their moisture from food, so they don’t always drink enough water. A fountain can make drinking more engaging and help prevent urinary issues.
- Scratching post or Scratch Lounge.
- A food that is free from by-products and corn.
- Litter and litter box.
- Toys can be as simple as a rolled ball of paper or Zack recommends another kitten. Keep in mind that cats are nocturnal animals and until they learn we are NOT, another kitten can save you countless sleepless nights as they will direct all their kitty frenzy to each other and not you!