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Puppy & Kitten

Expert tips and resources for giving your new friend the best start in life.

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Welcoming a New Puppy

Bringing home a puppy is an exciting and heartwarming experience. Whether you’ve been waiting for this moment for months or it’s a spontaneous addition to your family, you’re about to embark on an incredible journey. Puppies are full of energy, curiosity, and boundless love, but they also require patience, routine, and the right care to help them grow into happy, healthy dogs.

From setting up your home to their first vet visit, we’ve put together all you need to know for these important first months.

Getting Started

Your First Days Together

The first few days in a new home can be overwhelming for a puppy. Everything—from your voice to the smell of the carpet—is new to them. They might be playful and curious, or they might be a little shy and unsure.

Create a Quiet, Safe Space

Set up a cozy area with a comfy bed, water, and some soft toys. Puppies need plenty of rest, so a space where they can retreat when tired is essential.

Introduce Family Members Gradually

Everyone will be excited to meet the new arrival, but it’s best to let your puppy adjust at their own pace.

Establish a Routine from Day One

Puppies thrive on consistency. Set feeding times, regular toilet breaks, and a bedtime routine early on.

Expect Sleepless Nights

Your puppy might whimper or bark as they adjust to sleeping alone, but with patience and reassurance, they’ll soon settle into their new home.

Next Steps

Socialisation & Training

Once your puppy starts feeling more at home, it’s time to begin training and socialisation. The earlier you introduce them to new experiences, the more confident and well-adjusted they’ll become.

Toilet Training

Puppies need frequent bathroom breaks, especially after eating or waking up. Taking them to the same spot each time helps reinforce good habits.

Basic Training

Teaching commands like ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ early on helps set boundaries and encourages good behaviour. Keep training sessions short and fun—puppies have short attention spans!

Meeting New People & Pets

Socialising your puppy in a controlled and positive way helps prevent nervousness or fear in new situations. Introduce them to friendly dogs and let them explore different environments

Puppies are learning all the time, so even everyday activities—like hearing the hoover or walking on different surfaces—help shape their confidence.

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A Timeline

Your Puppy's Vet Schedule

Visit 1

8 Weeks

Health check-up – A full examination to check your puppy’s overall health.
1st Vaccination – Protects against parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, and leptospirosis.
Microchipping – Required by law in the UK before 8 weeks of age.
Parasite Control Advice – Flea, tick, and worm treatment guidance.
Diet & Training Advice – Tips on feeding schedules, toilet training, and early socialisation.

💡 Book your puppy’s first vet visit as soon as you bring them home!

Visit 2

10 - 12 Weeks

2nd Vaccination – Ensures full protection (including kennel cough if needed).
Health check-up – Monitoring growth, behaviour, and overall wellbeing.
Parasite Control – Ongoing flea, tick & worming treatments.
Diet & Nutrition Advice – Adjusting food portions as your puppy grows.

💡 Your puppy will be fully vaccinated 1-2 weeks after this visit, ready to explore the outside world safely!

Visit 3

5 - 6 Months

Neutering/Spaying – Recommended for most dogs, depending on breed and size.
Dental Health Check – Ensuring baby teeth have fallen out and adult teeth are developing properly.
Growth & Behaviour Assessment – Support with any training or behaviour concerns.

💡 Neutering can reduce the risk of certain health issues and unwanted behaviours. Speak to your vet about the best timing for your dog.

Visit 4

12 - 14 Months

1st Year Booster Vaccination – Ensures continued protection against serious diseases.
Wellness Check – A full health assessment to monitor weight, joints, and overall development.
Ongoing Parasite Prevention – Flea, tick & worming plan tailored to your dog’s needs.

💡 After this, your puppy will move onto an annual vaccination and health check schedule.

Is Your Puppy Insured?

We never want money to be an issue should your pet require treatment but there is also no doubt that the provision of high-quality veterinary care can be costly. That's why it's important to insure your pet.

Learn More

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Welcoming a New Kitten

Welcoming a kitten into your home is a special moment. These tiny, playful creatures are full of personality and will quickly become part of the family. But just like puppies, kittens need a safe, structured environment to help them settle in and develop good habits.

Kittens are naturally curious and love to explore, so creating a safe and comfortable space is key to helping them feel at ease. Whether your kitten is bold and adventurous or a little nervous, patience and gentle interactions will help them adjust to their new home.

Getting Started

Your First Days Together

When your kitten first arrives, they may be cautious or hide in quiet corners. This is completely normal! Let them explore at their own pace without overwhelming them.

Set-Up a ‘Kitten Zone’

Choose a quiet area with a soft bed, food, water, and a litter tray.

Introduce Family Members Gradually

Keep voices soft and let your kitten come to you when they feel comfortable.

Show Them the Litter Tray

Most kittens instinctively use it, but placing them in the tray after eating helps reinforce the habit.

Preparing Their Environment

Kittens love to climb, scratch, and play—so make sure they have scratching posts and interactive toys to keep them entertained.

Next Steps

Socialisation & Training

Kittens learn through play, and their natural hunting instincts start developing early. Encouraging positive playtime helps prevent unwanted behaviours like biting or scratching.

Toys & Play

Interactive toys like feather wands or toy mice help mimic natural hunting.

People & Pets

Socialising with people & pets is important—gentle handling and short, supervised interactions help build their confidence.

If you have other pets at home, slow introductions are key. Let them sniff each other through a barrier before allowing direct interaction.

Handling & Grooming

Get your kitten used to being touched, having their paws handled, and being brushed.

Kittens are learning all the time, so even everyday activities—like hearing the hoover or walking on different surfaces—help shape their confidence, but can also tire them out.

Is Your Kitten Insured?

We never want money to be an issue should your pet require treatment but there is also no doubt that the provision of high-quality veterinary care can be costly. That's why it's important to insure your pet.

Learn More

A Timeline