We all love our family pets, whether it’s a dog, cat, rabbit or another small furry or reptilian pet. But along with all the benefits of owning a pet come some key responsibilities. Having a go-to pet checklist gives you instant access to important dates, contacts, and other information you may need, especially in an emergency. 

Save it to your phone, pin it to a family noticeboard or just stick it on the fridge. Anyway you decide to do it, it just means all your pet's important information is in one place.

The Basics for New Pet Owners

In accordance with the Animal Welfare Act, pet owners must provide the following five welfare needs for their pet:

• Health: Pet owners must protect their pets from pain, injury, suffering and disease and make sure they get the treatment they need.
• Behaviour: Pets must be able to play, run, hide, and perform any other activities that are normal or natural for them.
• Diet: They must be given a healthy, well-balanced diet suited to their age, lifestyle, and health needs, along with fresh, clean water.
• Companionship: Some pets like companionship (dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs) while others are more solitary (hamsters). Dogs can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too long, while some cats can be unhappy if there's another cat around!
• Environment: Pet owners must provide their pet with a suitable home and places to sleep, hide, explore and exercise.

Are You Prepared for the Cost of a Pet?

A pet is a big commitment! A puppy or kitten will grow up to be adult dogs and cats in no time. Dogs can live up to 10 years or more, and cats can live over 15 years. So, the equipment, vet bills, insurance, and food add up on top of the initial cost of your pet.

You also have to consider how much time they'll need for exercise and the cost of kennels or sitters while you're on holiday. The pet needs to fit your lifestyle, so choose wisely after your research.

Create a List of Things to Buy When Getting a New Pet

It's always super exciting, but if you're buying a new pet, it's best to be well prepared before bringing them home.

Make a list of everything you'll need to keep your pet comfortable and safe. Here's a starter for 10:

• Pet bed
• Crate
• Blanket
• Food
• Water bowls
• Toys
• Collar and tag
• Lead and harness
• Grooming equipment

Your new pet will also need to travel safely, so you may need a travel crate, a carrying bag, a harness, or a car boot guard.

Rabbits and other small pets will need a hutch or cage, water dispensers, food bowls, hay, feed, toys, etc.

What to Know When Getting a Pet from a Breeder?

If you have bought your new dog or cat home from a breeder, ask which food they used and get a supply in. You don't want any tummy upsets as your new pet settles into their new home. And don't forget to buy puppy pads, poo bags, litter trays and a scratching post for cats.

Register with a Vet Practice

New pet owners must register their pet with a veterinary practice so they can be on hand for regular check-ups, microchipping, flea and worm treatments, and care when they're ill or need emergency treatment.

You can use your local vet, a practice recommended to you, or one you're already familiar with. Check their opening hours, reviews, and the facilities they offer. Some vets don't provide an emergency out-of-hours service. If your chosen vets don't, make sure you find out where your nearest out-of-hours/emergency vet practice is located. 

The Pet Insurance Dilemma

Next, deciding if you want to take out pet insurance. With so many companies offering pet health insurance, picking a policy can be a minefield. Do your research carefully.

Check what exactly is covered and what is excluded, and compare pet insurance policies from different companies before deciding on which is the best cover for you.

Insuring Your Pet with Everypaw

While you're deliberating which pet insurance is best for you, we should probably talk about the benefits of our cover.

When you decide to cover your furry companions with us, you can access a host of bonus features, including:

• Pet Portal: Our Pet Portal allows you to manage your policy online with ease.
• Petcall: With Petcall, you get unlimited access to a trained and UK-registered veterinary team 24/7.
• Multi-pet discount: Getting another pet? Our multi-pet insurance can cover all your paws, no matter how many are in your brood.
• Claims paid quickly: Our expert team pay 99% of claims within five working days.*
• Award-winning cover: Two levels of our Lifetime dog cover are rated five stars by Defaqto. And we've also been awarded a Which? Best Buy for dog and cat insurance

Just a few things to think about!

*Based on Everypaw claims data from February 2024 to March 2025

More Things to Consider as a Pet Owner

As well as registering with a vet and organising pet insurance, responsible dog and cat owners will need to think about microchip details, groomers, walkers, pet-sitters, and training classes. Ask your vet, surgery, or friends for recommendations.

Important part, don't forget to kitten-proof your space or, indeed, puppy-proof your home and garden. You may also need to get a cat flap installed and take time off work while your pet is settling in.

If you have holidays booked, check if you can take your pet with you? You may need to organise a pet sitter, a boarding kennel or cattery, or get a pet passport.

Planning ahead will help avoid last-minute panics. And remember, your new pet may be feeling anxious and stressed in their new environment. If you have small children, make sure that they know how to handle their new pet and don't become too excited. Supervise in case of any incidents!

What to Include on Your Pet Owner’s Checklist

Time now to put together a pet owner checklist! It’s a good idea to note down all the important contact details and other useful information that can help you or anyone else looking after your pet like a pet sitter or dog walker - especially if there’s an emergency

The Pet Owner's Checklist

• Health information: Top of the list should be your pet's vet's contact details and opening hours. Also include out-of-hours emergency contact details.
• Your pet's birthday: It's easy to lose track of how old your pet is, so make a note of their date of birth. This is useful for your vet to know, and you can make a fuss of your pet on their birthday!
• Pet insurance details: Name of company, date for renewal, contact details and policy number.
• Contact details for: Groomers, puppy socialisation classes, trainers, dog walkers/sitters, and boarding kennels.
• Microchip information: Don't forget to update these details if you move house.
• Pet passport details: These will come in handy if you're thinking of taking your pet on holiday.
• Vaccination dates
• Worming, flea and tick treatment: Dates of your pet's next treatments.
• Diet and feeding: Any allergies, supplements, likes and dislikes, favourite brands, how often and when to feed.
• Health details: Any regular medication, age when neutered, previous illnesses or injuries.
• Exercise information: For dogs, this can include how often and for how long to walk, favourite routes, play toys, etc.

There's a lot to consider when you have a pet. A pet checklist can help you keep track of what you need to remember so you can provide the best care for your pet. Adding all the important details to the checklist so they can be quickly found, especially in an emergency, will be handy for the whole family or anyone looking after your furry friend. 

Everypaw Pet Insurance

Everypaw's Pet Insurance comes with 24/7 unlimited access to vets and vet nurses that can help with your pet's health, care, nutrition and behaviour. So you can rest assured your pup will be well looked after.

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Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Canis AND Felis AND Lapis

Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.