New Pet Preparation Checklist
Pick dog or cat, age and experience - the list below updates automatically.
Checks are saved on your device. Use it for shopping and for the final day check.
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What to buy first
Start with what day one requires: food and bowls, toilet supplies, a bed and a carrier cannot be bought in a panic on the morning itself. Keep the food brand identical to what the animal already eats. Training gear and extra toys can wait until life has settled.
For the full budget picture see the Initial Cost Simulator; for item-by-item guidance see Preparing for a Dog and Preparing for a Cat. If a cat is coming, install the escape-proofing before homecoming (Escape Prevention & Pet-Proofing).
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Frequently asked questions
Is my checklist saved?
Yes, automatically in your browser's localStorage on your own device. Nothing is sent to any server, and the state is restored next time you open the page.
Do my checks disappear when I switch between dog and cat?
No. Checks are stored per item, so switching back restores them. Use the Reset button if you want a clean slate.
Can I share the list with family?
The Share button exports the list as text. Where system sharing is unavailable it copies to the clipboard instead, ready to paste into a messaging app.
What does printing look like?
Only the checklist itself prints, in a black-and-white layout that works as a shopping memo.
What is the absolute minimum to prepare?
Day one needs five things: food and bowls, water, toilet supplies, a bed and a carrier. Everything else can follow once life has settled.