2020 has been crazy, but one piece of good news worth sharing is that pet adoptions are on the rise. Stay-at-home experiences left many longing for a new companion who would bring some cheer into their lives, and of course, a new pet is the perfect option.
Following a 10-fold increase in applications to foster and adopt earlier this year (according to AP News1), some rescue shelters even ran out of dogs and cats! While this is amazing, we know how much goes into bringing a new pet into your life between supplies, resources, and other must-haves.
It feels like the questions are endless but we've narrowed it down to a few key ones that must be answered ASAP.
Here's what you need to know about your new pup's needs, pre and post-adoption:
What essentials do I need before getting my puppy?
Before your puppy bounds through the door, you're gonna want to make some pre-puppy preparations. These are the must-haves for your up's arrival and their new puppy antics:
- Food bowl, water bowl, & healthy dog food
- Puppy pads & waste bags
- Collar & leash & ID tags for out and about
- Comfy dog bed
What do I need for my puppy's day-to-day?
Grooming and entertainment are both equally important to keep your pup healthy and happy. Some love being groomed and some hate it, but with the right tools, it can be a simple process.
- Soft bristle brushes & grooming wipes
- Dog toothbrush & toothpaste
- Dog shampoo
- Nail clippers
And the fun part: Toys, training, and travel! Your new family member will never miss a beat with all these exciting treats (and, yes, that car seat cover is actually a treat for you).
- Puzzle toys, chase toys, & chew toys
- Training clicker & training treats
- Car seat cover
How do I keep my pup healthy?
Find a good, local veterinarian, simple as that. It's important to stay on top of annual exams, vaccinations, and preventative care to keep your new pup feeling top-notch. Make sure you keep your new vet's contact information handy in case of emergencies.
What can I do to protect my new puppy?
The way to protect your home and family is through insurance and with your new furry family member it's no different. Look into getting pet insurance.
For this, we're looking at Pumpkin. They offer accidents and illnesses pet insurance that was voted Best for Comprehensive Coverage by Business Insider. It's also great for new pups since it has one of the best preventive plans on the market that you can purchase in addition to the insurance plan they offer. You may think your dog is young and healthy, but it's smart to help ensure protection against conditions in later years.
What else does Pumpkin offer to protect my pup?
Pumpkin offers an add-on preventive care pack! This fully covers 3 yearly essentials on every vet's list: annual wellness exams, vaccines, and select lab tests to detect parasites & dangerous diseases they cause. Pumpkin also offers the only puppy-centric preventative plan, and they will refund you for any 4 vaccines your puppy received, even if you got them before you signed up!
Pumpkinreally takes care of your pet, not just when they get ill and need treatment, but helps you ensure your pet stays healthy. Top-quality care comes at a cost, so having pet insurance can save you a lot in the long run.
How do I get started with Pumpkin?
They have a quiz that only takes a couple of minutes. The site highlights the aspects of pet insurance that catch most people out, like comparing what's covered and what's not, what's in the fine print, waiting periods.
Pumpkin's so confident in their plan that they even compare their plan against other pet insurers on their website so you can make an informed decision.
What if I'm feeling overwhelmed by my new puppy?
No two puppies are the same and it's okay to feel a bit overwhelmed! Here are some ways to ease the transition and take some weight off your shoulders.
- Dog groomer: Some dogs are just too difficult to groom by yourself. You may need to get help from a professional, so it's worth looking into some in your area.
- Dog trainer: There are plenty of resources out there that help you to train your dog yourselves. But in some cases, you may need extra help in this department. So, finding an exceptional dog trainer could be super beneficial to you and your pup.
Congratulations on becoming a new pet mom or dad! We hope this helps guide you through your pet parenting. Although you probably have a million questions, these points are a great place to start.
Our biggest highlight today is definitely Pumpkinpet care, so check out their website if you're in the market for pet health insurance. Good luck to you and your new furry friend!
Update: Take charge of your pet's health with Pumpkin Pet Insurance: Follow this link to Get Started Today!
Pumpkin Company Info: Pumpkin Pet Insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits, and exclusions may apply. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/insurancepolicy. Products and rates may vary and are subject to change. Discounts may vary and are subject to change. Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc. (Pumpkin) is a licensed insurance agency, not an insurer. Insurance is underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, a Crum & Forster Company and produced by Pumpkin. Pumpkin receives compensation based on the premiums for the insurance policies it sells. For more details visit pumpkin.care/underwriting-information. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not an insurance policy. It is offered as an optional add-on non-insurance benefit. Pumpkin is responsible for the product and administration. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/customer agreement. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not available in all states. Paid endorsement - Pumpkin Insurance Services, Inc. is responsible for their information in this advertisement.
