To: New Pet Owners...From: The Pet Place

This handy guide will help you and your new pet get acquainted. It also suggests several things to do in making your home, yard and neighborhood a safe and healthy place for your pet:

The all-important ID.
It is imperative that you get an identification tag for your pet as soon as possible. Tags are readily available at pet stores or through offers made by pet food manufacturers. Include the pet's name, your phone number, and address (if room permits). The results of not getting a sturdy collar and tag can be tragic. If your pet should somehow become lost it may never be recovered without a proper ID.
The Safety Check.
Be sure to safety check your home, yard and neighborhood so that your pet will have a safe and healthy environment. If you have a dog, make sure that your yard is fenced and gated to prevent it from escaping. Too many dogs are killed by running into the street and getting hit by a car. Of course if you have a cat that goes in and out, it will probably do a certain amount of wandering. Keep in mind that cats usually don't go too far (especially if they are spayed or neutered). But they can get into someone's garage, get hit by car, etc. so check out your neighborhood. If it appears to be unsafe, keep your cat indoors (it will adjust, especially if it is a kitten). When it comes to your home, keep in mind that puppies and kittens are especially curious. Puppies like to chew on things and kittens get into things. This checklist should be helpful in making your home a safe place for your pet:
1. don't leave open garbage cans
2. check to be sure doors to washing machines, dryers, freezers, ovens, and refrigerators are securely closed (before and immediately after use)
3. make sure medicines and household cleaners are locked up
4. watch that hot irons or other heavy objects are not precariously placed so they might easily fall on your pet
5. some innocently looking plants are toxic to cats and dogs. They should not have access to: Philodendrons, Dieffenbachias, True Ivies, Elephant's Ears, Poinsettias, False Jerusalem Cherry, Oleanders, Rhododendrons, azaleas, Cherry Laurels, Mistletoe.
6. don't give any pet medications not prescribed by a vet. Don't EVER give a cat aspirin
7. Watch out for exposed fireplace flames
8. rubber band and small soft rubber objects could cause your pet to choke
9. exposed hot stove surfaces should not be left unattended
10. don't' let your pet chew on electrical cords
11. large plastic bags, food wrapper (especially meat wrappers) should not be left out
12. don't allow your pet to have access to anti-freeze contaminated water in your garage, i.e., a puddle under your car
13. don't leave sharp objects such as knives and razors out
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Selecting a Vet/Immunizations.
It is important to take your new pet to a veterinarian on a regular basis. Fortunately, animal care is the very best in Southern California so you shouldn't have trouble finding one to your liking. Make sure you keep your pet current on shots and immunizations. Seriously consider having your pet spayed or neutered. There are already hundreds of thousands (perhaps millions) of homeless pets. Adding more would just deepen the tragedy.
Common Ailment/Emergencies.
Fleas, worms, and bites & scratches, are common problems. Your vet will advise treatment. But you should be prepared for emergencies. It would be wise to visit your nearby bookstore and pick up a book on pet care. Also at your vet, you'll probably find several handy brochures provided by pet food manufactures.
Feeding Your Pet.
Your pet will probably do better eating commercial pet foot. It is well-balanced and nutritious. A mixed diet of canned and dry food is suggested. A trial and error method will tell you what types and brands your pet enjoys most. Treats and table snacks ar OK on an occasional basis but in the long run they are not well suited for your pet. Chocolate is particularly bad. By the way, don't forget to always have plenty of fresh water available.

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Traveling With Your Pet.
As a rule, dogs love going in cars, and cats don't. If you have a dog, make sure it is on a leash when you leave you car. A cat should be kept in a pet carrier (not one that cramps its space). Use special seat belts made for dogs. A sudden noise could scare your pet and cause it to bold, perhaps running into traffic with tragic consequences. When parked, be sure your car is not in a sunny, hot place. And keep your windows down at least several inches for ventilation. Remember your pet can quickly and easily overheat in a locked car. And allowing this to happen is a criminal offense. Your vet will advise on preparing your pet for air travel. Double check with your airline to be sure the cargo pit is pressurized and heated.
Kennels & Pet-Sitters.
Most of the time when people take a vacation or are away from home on business, etc. they don't take their pets. This is probably harder on a dog than on a cat because dogs crave almost constant attention from their owners and they are slavishly devoted. Pets can become depressed over a separation. It is common to have a friend or relative stop by on a daily basis to feed and check on a pet, but people are very busy as a rule and cant spend much time doing this. It is recommended that you consider choosing either a pet-sitter or a kennel. A professional pet-sitter will spend considerable time with your pet in your home, playing with it and feeding it. The charge is usually quite reasonable. The other alternative is a kennel. Today's modern kennel isn't just a maze of cramped cages. The facility should offer vet care, spacious enclosures, and have a qualified staff that genuinely likes pets. Kennels should be clean, should not smell, and should welcome your inspection. Again, charges are usually very reasonable.

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Adjustment Time/Play Time.
A key to having a happy relationship with your pet is to give it time to adjust to its entirely new world. Mistakes and accidents are bound to happen so be patient in your training. If you have a dog, it might be wise to have a professional trainer help you. Cats are usually by nature very clean and will use a cat box if shown it repeatedly. Make sure, by the way, that a cat box is cleaned out daily and is always in the same spot. With a dog, take it outside on a regular basis to relieve itself, don't make it painfully wait for too long a period. A word about disciplining your pet. Do it with your voice, not with your hand or other objects. Your pet does not need to be beaten into submission. That is just plain cruel. With regard to play, some owners just can't be bothered. But it is important to spend some time each day playing, loving, and interacting with your pet.
Introducing A New Pet To Those You Already Have.
First of all, you are to be congratulated on taking another pet into your home. The proper way of introducing the new member is to take it to the pet(s) you already have, not the other way around. Those you already have need to feel secure that they are not being pre-empted by the newcomer. The first meeting will probably be awkward and a little hostile. Give the situation time. Read your pet books or get your vet's advice on the situation.
Grooming.
Be sure to groom your pet on a regular basis, especially if your dog or cat has long hair. It will look forward to being brushed and combed. It is also a good way to pick out fleas, ticks, etc. and allows you time to inspect your pet for any health problems. Regular grooming is especially important for longhair cats who are prone to hairballs. With regard to bathing your pet - dogs will tolerate it, cats hate it. Many people bathe their dogs several times a year. A cat as a rule doesn't need to have a bath (except flea dips). But consult your vet.
Final Notes.
Get a rescue sticker for your home or apartment. You can obtain one from a pet store or in some cases, a fire station. In case of a fire or other emergency when you are not at home, police or firefighters will be able to tell that you have pet(s) at home that need rescuing. On another matter, if you should die before your pet does, make sure provisions for care are left in a will. Consult an attorney.

Good luck with your new pet. Thanks for remembering that pets need love, and a home too.

References and Credits: The Ultimate Dog Book, The Ultimate Cat Book, by David Taylor (Simon and Shuster); Dr. Perry Griffith, Beach Blvd. Pet Hospital, Huntington Beach CA; Animal Inns Of America, Garden Grove CA; Muttwalkers, Inc., Long Beach, CA; City of Long Beach CA Animal Shelter.

You And Your New Pet