New Pet Owner Checklist: 10 Essentials for Dogs and Cats

Bringing home a new dog or cat is exciting — and a little overwhelming. This checklist covers the ten essentials most new pet parents need in the first month, so you can shop once and settle in.

The checklist

1. A well-fitted collar — for dogs walked after dark, an LED collar adds safety from day one.
2. A harness and leash — an adjustable mesh harness is gentler than a collar for pullers and puppies.
3. Food and water bowls — or an automatic feeder if your schedule is unpredictable.
4. A portable water bottle — a 3-in-1 bottle keeps walks and car trips covered.
5. Interactive toys — self-moving toys prevent boredom while you are at work.
6. A carrier — a carrier sling makes vet trips calmer for small pets.
7. ID and tracking — a tag with your phone number, or an AirTag collar for cats.
8. Grooming basics — a brush suited to your pet's coat and nail clippers.
9. A comfortable bed placed somewhere quiet, away from foot traffic.
10. Patience — most pets need two or three weeks to feel fully at home.

Start with what matters most

You do not need everything on day one — safety gear (collar, harness, ID) and feeding equipment come first, comfort and enrichment can follow in week two.

One store, everything covered

Browse the full range of pet accessories and everything else we carry at Pet Shop Hero — free standard shipping to the USA, UK and Europe with tracking on every order.