Newtown Square, PA (PRWEB) December 01, 2015
For many, a little puppy with a big red bow tops their list of gifts to find under the Christmas tree. But how can a family be sure a new furry friend will fit in forever? Petplan pet insurance says planning is the key to setting everyone up for success.
“Surprising the family with a new pet can be a recipe for trouble because there’s not time to adequately prepare,” says Dr. Jules Benson, Chief Veterinary Medical Officer at Petplan. “It’s crucial that everyone in the family meets a potential new pack member before making a commitment, and it’s also important to stock up on supplies and pet-proof the space before bringing your new friend home. A pet doesn’t have to be unexpected to make a wonderful gift – in fact, the excitement of preparing can be just as fun for the family.”
Before celebrating the season with something snuggly, brush up on Petplan’s basics of what to expect when expecting a puppy or kitten:
dig for details
Choosing a pet compatible with the family’s lifestyle can play a large part in whether he or she makes a successful transition. Consider the size of your space, how often someone is home and whether a plucky playmate or calm cuddle buddy will be a natural fit. Also think about how much grooming a potential pet needs, what to do with the pet when you travel and how much training the family can provide before picking a winner.
supply and demand
Think ahead about all the “extras” that come with the territory of pet parenting, and stock up on supplies before bringing a bundle of joy home. Get a bed, litter, a leash, toys, treats, grooming tools, food and water dishes, a crate or carrier, a collar and ID tag and other necessities. Create a space for the new pet before he comes home, so he has a comfy spot of his own to settle into the surroundings.
burden of proof
If there’s one thing new pets have a knack for, it’s sniffing out every square inch of your home. Pet-proof areas like the kitchen, garage, laundry room and garden, where common household toxins can lie within paws’ reach. Invest in locking-lid trash cans to keep roving noses out of trouble and use baby gates to barricade rooms that are off-limits. There tends to be a lot of extra “stuff” in people’s homes during the holidays; make sure décor, wrappings and table scraps remain safely out of access.
all about baby
People don’t always know what to expect when expecting a new pet, so read up on puppy and kitten care. Learn about the feeding, grooming and exercise your chosen breed requires, and tackle a few beginner training manuals to make sure to get off on the right foot (or paw). Even if you’ve had pets in the past, it’s a good idea to do some homework; veterinarian recommendations for standards of care may have changed in the meantime.
bill of health
Perhaps the most important thing to do to ensure a long life together is to provide for a pet’s essential health needs. Find a veterinarian and go for a checkup right away, then get a pet insurance policy that will pay for illnesses and injuries. The last thing a new pet parent wants is to have to give up a precious kitty or pup because of unexpected vet expenses.
A new home with loving people is one of the most wonderful gifts to give a pet – and a best friend for life is priceless for a family. With a little planning and preparation, the whole pack can be happy and healthy for years to come.
For more advice and information to help welcome a new pet, visit http://www.gopetplan.com/expecting-puppy-guide.aspx.
###
ABOUT PETPLAN
Petplan is more than a pet insurance provider. We’re dedicated to providing pet parents with the support, resources and tools they need to keep their pets not just surviving—but thriving—into their old age. Simply put, we aim to be the kind of company that will make our pets proud. For the second consecutive year, Petplan was listed among the top 50 companies on Forbes' annual ranking of America’s Most Promising Companies – a list of 100 privately held, high-growth companies with bright futures. Petplan is the only pet insurance provider to have been included on Inc. Magazine’s list of 500 fastest-growing, privately held companies in America.
Petplan’s fully customizable cat and dog insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage for all hereditary and chronic conditions for the life of the pet as standard. Petplan policies are underwritten by AGCS Marine Insurance Company in the U.S. and by Allianz Global Risks US Insurance Company in Canada. The Allianz Group was rated A+ by A.M. Best in 2014. For more information about Petplan pet insurance, visit http://www.petplan.com or call 1-866-467-3875.