If you are getting ready to invite a new pet into the home, whether it is a cat, a dog, a snake, a rat or a gerbil, make sure that you know what you are getting in for. Check out these tips to make those first days of owning a pet easier on you and on the animal that is now a part of your family.

Do Your Research – Figure out what the animal needs to eat and what kind of space it needs. While some dog breeds need a lot of space, others just need a small amount as long as they get enough exercise. Cats tend to need less space than dogs and snakes need space dependent on how big they get. Read books, read care sheets online and talk to pet store employees.

Keep the Household Quiet – While everyone might want to get to know the animal right away, particularly if it is a cute dog or cat, remember that the animal is likely feeling nervous and scared. Take the time to introduce people slowly and make sure that they do not frighten or irritate the animal. The animal might take some time to acclimatize to its new home.

Create a Healthy Lifestyle for the Pet – Make sure that you get your pet to exercise from the start.  Pets love to run around and be walked. If you can walk you pet yourself you can go online and search “dog walkers in San Francisco” to find a professional to walk your dog. 

Introduce Other Animals Slowly – Cats and dogs in particular can be very territorial, so be sure that you monitor the introductions carefully. Similarly, small mammals also need time to get to know one another before they can be housed together. When in doubt, as a veterinarian or another pet specialist how to handle the introductions.

Have All the Supplies Ready to Go – Before you bring the animal home, make sure that you have all the supplies that you need ready. Even if you know that you are going to love the pet in question, you can take a lot of the stress out of the first few days just by having everything that you need on hand. This also allows you to make careful decisions about what you want to give your animal and it allows you to buy without pressure.

Consider carefully how you want to bring an animal into your home. This can be a stressful time for you and your new pet, so take it slow, and don’t be surprised if the newest member of your family is nervous or skittish at first. With time and with patience, you’ll be able to integrate them thoroughly into your home.