Pet Supplies

With any new pet, various animal-care items should be considered. Food, bedding, grooming tools, toys and training supplies will be needed, depending on the animal. Knowing what to get ahead of time helps to ensure you are fully prepared before the new pet comes home.

Feeding Supplies

Water should be available to animals at all times, while food should only be offered once or twice a day. Many animals, such as dogs and lizards, will overeat if they are given a constant supply of food. Automatic watering dishes can be used to ensure a supply is always available. Food and water dishes should be made of plastic, ceramic or stainless steel, and of an appropriate size for the animal. Choosing a pet food can be difficult, but like choosing groceries it helps to look for food with natural ingredients and minimal additives. Pet foods are available at specialty pet stores or in the animal isle in many grocery stores. Pet lizards and amphibians eat live foods, such as crickets and worms, which must be bought every week or so. Some pet stores also sell freeze-dried bugs.

Bedding

For large animals like cats and dogs, a padded bed in the corner of the room gives them a place to sleep. A cage with bedding in it doubles as a pet bed and an area for pets to go when owners leave the home. Smaller animals, like rodents and lizards, will require a cage or aquarium with a den or hideaway for darkness and comfort. For rodents, cages are often lined with sheets or filled with paper shavings. Lizards often require sand to line their terrariums.

Grooming Supplies

Pets, like humans, need to have their coats and teeth brushed, nails trimmed and to be bathed. Special grooming products are available for different kinds of pets. Owners should buy shampoos and grooming products made for their type of pet. Depending on the type and length of the fur, owners will need to choose an appropriate brush. Shedding brushes are helpful for removing tangles and extra fur from long-haired pets, while soft-bristled brushes are fine for short-haired pets. Smaller animals will only require occasional baths using shampoo or soap purchased from a pet shop.

Toys

Animals can become bored and develop destructive behavior unless they have toys. Some toys will provide an opportunity for pets and owners to bond and others will keep pets occupied when their owners don't want to play. Dogs may enjoy a hollow ball filled with treats or Frisbees, while cats prefer toys like fake mice and laser pointers. Rodents typically enjoy chew toys made of wood or seeds. Reptiles prefer hiding and relaxing instead of play, and will be happy with the use of a rock to bask on underneath a heating lamp.

Training Supplies

Treats are important for rewarding puppies when they follow commands. While human food works for rewarding puppies, it is better to purchase treats like dog biscuits or liver snacks. Training cats not to misbehave may require the use of a spray bottle filled with water. Many small animals are difficult to train, but rats and mice can be trained to perform simple tricks with the use of treats as rewards.

Travel Supplies

For traveling, a cage, leash, collar and identification tag are essential. Dog seat belts can be used to hold a dog in place during long car rides. When leaving the home with dogs, it helps to carry waste bags. Small animals, such as rodents and reptiles, can often remain in their cages during travel, with a towel or sheet draped over the top to prevent them from becoming too alarmed.