Just brought them home?

Everything to sort out in the first few weeks with a new puppy, kitten or rescue, in the order you will need it. Each item links to the part of the guide that explains why.

This checklist is collated from published veterinary and shelter guidance and is not advice about your pet. Your vet may plan vaccines, deworming and tests differently, especially for a rescue with no records. If your pet seems unwell, call a vet rather than working through a list.

Answers are taken from our guide to welcoming a new dog, which lists its sources.

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Before they arrive

Set up a sanctuary space, like a crate, a pen or a quiet corner, with a soft bed, water and a chew toyWhy?
Walk around at dog height and tuck away wires, slippers and anything small enough to swallowWhy?
Check the balcony grills and the main door so a nervous dog cannot slip outWhy?

The first week

Keep the first week low key, with short calm walks and plenty of undisturbed napsWhy?
Serve meals at the same times every dayWhy?
Notice what unsettles your dog, like a pressure cooker whistle or the lift door, and go slowly thereWhy?
Reward the things you love right away with a treat or a warm wordWhy?

The week-one vet visit

Book a vet visit in the first week and carry every paper that came with your dogWhy?
Plan the core vaccines: distemper, adenovirus and parvovirusWhy?
Plan the rabies vaccine, which is core in IndiaWhy?
Ask whether the leptospirosis vaccine makes sense where you liveWhy?
Ask for a deworming plan (puppies are dewormed every two weeks until at least 12 to 16 weeks)Why?
Ask about tick preventionWhy?

Home and kitchen safety

Keep onion, garlic, chives, grapes and raisins well out of reachWhy?
Save your vet's number on every phone in the houseWhy?

As they settle in

For a puppy, start meeting the world in clean, controlled settings, and wait for your vet before busy streetsWhy?
Write down meals, water, walks and poop while everything is newWhy?

Once the vet visit is done, see when each shot is due with the vaccination schedule, and keep the dates, test results and vet notes together in The Fur Stories.

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New dog or cat checklist: the first weeks at home