New Pet Starter Checklist: Everything a Dog or Cat Needs

Start with food, because your pet needs to eat on day one. Choose a complete and balanced food appropriate for the species and life stage, so puppy or kitten food for the young ones and adult formulas for grown pets. If you know what the shelter, breeder, or previous owner was feeding, buy some of the same food at first and transition slowly to any new food over about a week to avoid stomach upset.

You will also need bowls, ideally one for food and one for water. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are easy to clean and hold up well. For cats, a wide, shallow dish is often more comfortable than a deep one. Keep fresh water available at all times, and consider a larger water bowl or a pet fountain if your pet enjoys running water.

Round out the feeding kit with a way to store food freshly, like an airtight container, and a set of measuring tools so you can portion meals rather than guessing. A few treats are useful for training and bonding, just keep them to a small share of daily calories. Golden Paw curates dog food and cat food picks on Chewy and Amazon if you want a starting point to compare.

Every pet needs a spot that is theirs. A comfortable bed sized to your pet gives them a secure place to rest and helps them settle into a new home. Cats often appreciate a cozy, somewhat enclosed spot or a perch up high, while dogs usually want a soft bed in a quiet corner near the family.

For dogs, a crate can be a valuable tool for house-training, safe travel, and giving your dog a den of their own, when introduced positively and never used as punishment. Size it so your dog can stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Cats need their own core equipment: a litter box (or more than one in a multi-cat home), cat litter, and a scratching post or two. Place litter boxes in quiet, accessible spots away from food, and offer sturdy scratchers so your cat has an approved outlet that saves your furniture. Thinking through these comfort and hygiene basics before arrival makes the first days far smoother.

Toys are not a luxury; they are how pets exercise, learn, and stay out of trouble. For dogs, a mix works well: sturdy chew toys to satisfy the urge to gnaw, a fetch toy or two, and a puzzle or treat-dispensing toy to engage the brain. Chewing is a natural need, especially for puppies, so having appropriate chew options protects your shoes and furniture.

For cats, interactive wand toys let you mimic prey and get your cat moving, while small toss-and-chase toys, catnip toys, and puzzle feeders cover solo play and mental enrichment. Rotating a small set of toys keeps them interesting, since both dogs and cats lose interest in the same items over time.

Choose well-made toys without small parts that can break off and be swallowed, and match the toy to your pet's size and chewing style. Golden Paw curates dog toy and cat toy picks across these categories on Chewy and Amazon, so you can pick a few good options rather than a bin of things your pet ignores.

Grooming needs vary a lot by pet, but a basic kit serves almost everyone. A brush suited to your pet's coat keeps shedding down and gives you regular hands-on time to spot any skin issues early. Long-haired dogs and cats need more frequent brushing, while short-haired pets need less, though most still benefit from it.

Add nail clippers or a grinder, since overgrown nails are uncomfortable and can cause problems over time. A pet-specific shampoo is handy for the occasional bath, and never substitute human products, which can irritate a pet's skin. For dental care, a pet toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste, plus vet-recommended dental chews, help keep your pet's mouth healthier.

For cats, the litter setup covered earlier is a core part of hygiene, so keep scoop and cleaning supplies on hand. Building small grooming habits early, a quick brush here, handling the paws there, makes your pet more comfortable with care for the rest of their life.

Identification is one of the most important things you can set up right away. A collar with an ID tag, and ideally a microchip with your details kept up to date, dramatically improves the odds of a lost pet finding their way home. Dogs also need a leash and a properly fitted collar or harness for walks, and both dogs and cats benefit from a carrier for safe transport to the vet and beyond.

Plan for veterinary care from the start. Schedule an early wellness visit so your new pet gets a checkup, needed vaccinations, and a conversation about parasite prevention, spaying or neutering, and diet. Your vet is your best resource for questions specific to your pet, and starting that relationship early pays off. It is also smart to know where the nearest emergency vet is before you ever need it.

Finally, pet-proof your home. Secure or remove hazards like toxic plants, loose cords, small swallowable objects, and any human foods or medications within reach, since a number of common items are dangerous to pets. A quick walk through your space from your pet's point of view catches most risks. With food, comfort, play, grooming, and safety covered, you will be genuinely ready to welcome your new dog or cat home.