The short version: what every pet needs
Most pets, whatever the species, depend on you for the same handful of things: appropriate food, clean water, a safe place to live, regular exercise and mental stimulation, preventive veterinary care, and your attention. The details change a lot from a dog to a cat to a hamster, so it helps to learn what your specific animal needs before you bring it home.
This guide focuses mainly on dogs, with notes that apply to other pets. It is general information, not a substitute for advice from your own veterinarian, who knows your pet’s age, breed and health history.
Food and fresh water
- Choose a complete diet made for your pet’s species and life stage. Puppies, adult dogs and seniors have different needs, and so do cats and small animals. Ask your vet which food and how much suits your pet.
- Measure meals. Free-feeding and generous treats make it easy to overfeed. Excess weight is linked to joint problems and other health issues, so keeping your pet lean is one of the most useful things you can do. For more on feeding dogs well through every life stage, see dog food for a long life.
- Keep fresh water available and clean the bowl regularly.
- Know the common hazards. Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, and the sweetener xylitol (found in some gum, candy and baked goods) are well-known dangers to dogs. If your pet eats something you are unsure about, do not wait for symptoms. Call your vet or a poison helpline straight away: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours a day and may charge a fee.
- Change foods gradually. Sudden switches can upset a pet’s stomach. Your vet can suggest how to transition.
Exercise and mental stimulation
Dogs generally need daily walks and play, but the amount varies with age, breed, size and health. Puzzle feeders, sniffing walks, short training sessions and rotating toys all help burn mental energy, which matters as much as physical exercise for many dogs. Cats benefit from play, climbing spaces and scratching posts. Small pets need room to move and things to chew, burrow or explore, depending on the species.
If you live in a small space, see our apartment dog tips for ideas.
A safe, comfortable home
- Give your pet a quiet place to rest that is theirs.
- Put medications, cleaning products, small objects, cords and toxic plants out of reach.
- Secure fences and gates, and never leave pets in a parked car.
- Protect pets from extreme heat and cold.
Walk through your home from your pet’s level. Puppies and kittens in particular will chew and swallow things that adults would ignore.
Vet care: vaccines, checkups and parasite prevention
Plan a first visit soon after you bring your pet home, then follow your vet’s schedule for vaccines, checkups and parasite prevention (such as flea, tick, heartworm and intestinal worm control, depending on where you live; see flea, tick and heartworm prevention for dogs). Never give human medications or use a product made for another species without asking your vet first.
For puppies, our guides on when to take a puppy to the vet and the new puppy vet checklist walk through timing and what to bring.
Grooming and hygiene
Regular brushing, nail trims, ear checks and teeth care keep small problems from growing. How often depends on coat type and your pet’s tolerance, so start gently and use treats to make handling pleasant. Your vet or a professional groomer can show you safe technique, particularly for nails and ears.
Handling your pet this way also helps you notice lumps, skin changes, sore spots or unusual odors early.
Training and socialization
Basic training makes daily life safer and easier: coming when called, walking politely on a leash, settling on a mat and leaving items alone. Reward-based methods are widely recommended. Socialization, meaning positive exposure to new people, places, sounds and other animals, is especially important for puppies, but it should be done carefully while vaccinations are still in progress. Ask your vet what is appropriate for your puppy’s age.
If you have more than one dog, see our multi-dog household tips.
Identification: collar tag and microchip
A collar with a current ID tag is the quickest way for someone to contact you if your pet gets lost. A microchip adds a permanent backup, but only works if the registration is current with your contact details. Check both after any move or phone number change.
Budgeting for pet costs
Costs go beyond the adoption fee: food, supplies, routine vet care, parasite prevention, grooming, training, boarding, and the possibility of unplanned illness or injury. Many owners set aside an emergency fund or look into pet insurance. Compare policies carefully, since coverage and exclusions vary.
If you are still deciding which pet fits your life and budget, our guide to easy pets to take care of may help.
Learning your pet’s normal
You will notice problems sooner if you know what is typical for your pet: appetite, energy, stool, drinking, breathing and gum color. Some owners also learn to take resting breathing and heart rates at home. See our guide to normal dog and cat vital signs for approximate ranges and how to check.
Signs you should call a vet
Contact your veterinarian promptly, or an emergency clinic outside hours, if your pet shows:
- Trouble breathing or persistent coughing
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea, or blood in either
- Not eating or drinking, or unusual lethargy
- Collapse, seizures, or sudden weakness
- Straining to urinate with little or no output
- Suspected poisoning or ingestion of something toxic
- Injury, bleeding, or obvious pain
When in doubt, a phone call to your vet is reasonable. Young, old and very small animals can decline quickly.
Frequently asked questions
How can we take care of animals?
Provide suitable food and water, a safe home, exercise, preventive vet care, and kind, consistent handling. Learn the specific needs of the species before adopting.
What is the 7-7-7 rule for dogs?
It is an informal idea used by some trainers and rescues, not a veterinary standard. Versions vary, but it generally describes a new dog adjusting over roughly the first weeks at home. Treat it as a reminder to be patient rather than a rule.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for new pets?
A popular rule of thumb suggests a rescue dog may need about three days to decompress, three weeks to learn the routine, and three months to feel at home. Every animal differs, and it is not a medical guideline.
What is “I love you” in dog language?
Dogs do not use words, but relaxed body posture, soft eyes, leaning in, and calm, voluntary closeness are generally read as signs of comfort and trust. Context matters, so look at the whole body.
What are good pets to take care of?
It depends on your time, space, budget and experience. Our guide to easy pets to take care of compares some options and explains why no pet is truly effortless.