Phase 1: Arrival & Home Setup

Welcoming your new dog or cat means preparing safe space, supplies, and understanding the 3‑3‑3 adjustment rule—a phased transition into their new home:

• First 3 days: Let them decompress—provide quiet, no forced interaction.
• First 3 weeks: Routines emerge, personality shows, and gentle boundary-setting begins.
• First 3 months: Solidify trust with consistent training and bonding activities.

Source: ASPCA adjustment guidelines :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Essential supplies include:

• Food & water bowls (stainless for durability)
• Initial food (ease transition from breeder/shelter diet)
• Crate/bed for dogs; cat bed, litter box, scratching post/tree
• Collar with ID tag (breakaway for cats), leash/harness
• Carrier for vet visits or travel
• Toys, pee pads (if needed), grooming gear (brushes, combs)

Coastal Pet and Scout for Pets emphasize stainless bowls, ID tags, starter bedding, and crate options for adjustment comfort :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Pet-proofing tips:

• Secure cleaning products, medications, antifreeze, essential oils, xylitol
• Hide cables, lock small items, toilet lids closed, cover trash cans
• Keep hazardous plants and bait out of reach

Phase 2: Health & Daily Care

Feeding guidelines:

• Puppies/kittens (<6 months): 3–4 meals/day
• Adult/senior pets: 2 meals/day

ASPCA stresses tailored nutrition based on age and transition ease :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Veterinary & preventive care:

• Schedule first vet visit within first week
• Follow core vaccination schedule every 3–4 weeks until ~4–6 months
• Arrange spay/neuter, apply year-round parasite prevention
• Microchip and register your info

ASPCA highlights core vaccines and tick/flea prevention at first vet visit :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Grooming routine: Brush weekly (daily for long coats), trim nails monthly, and maintain teeth by brushing 2–3 times weekly with pet-specific toothpaste. Check regularly for fleas and ticks.

Phase 3: Training & Behavior

Golden rules: Focus on positive reinforcement, brief and fun sessions, regular exercise, consistency, and avoiding punishment.

Quick Solutions:

• Leash pulling: Use front-clip harness; stop walking when leash tight.
• Chewing: Redirect to approved chew toys.
• Scratching: Provide posts; praise their use.
• Litter issues: Ensure cleanliness, quiet location, scooping daily.

Socialization targets: Expose to new people, environments, and supervised pet interactions early to build confidence.

Phase 4: The Lifelong Commitment

Owning a pet comes with financial responsibility and emergency preparedness:

• Costs: Setup $200–1,000+; annual $700–2,000+; emergencies $500–5,000+
• Pet insurance: Pros include peace of mind and coverage for unexpected bills; cons include premiums and no pre‑existing condition coverage.

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance explains coverage and cost-benefit factors :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Emergency contacts to maintain:

• Your veterinarian & 24/7 emergency clinic
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888‑426‑4435
• Pet Poison Helpline: 855‑764‑7661