Bringing Home A New Pet? Read This Ultimate Guide For A Happy, Healthy Start

Bringing home a new pet is one of life’s happiest moments, whether you’re welcoming a wiggly puppy or kitten, a laid-back adult companion, or a sweet senior pet ready for a fresh start. Every new pet comes with their own story, personality, and pace, but they all share one thing in common: moving into a new home is a big adventure. With a little thoughtful preparation, that adventure can feel exciting, comforting, and full of promise for everyone involved.

The first few days aren’t about getting everything exactly right; they’re about enjoying the beginning of something special. Your new pet is exploring a whole new world of sights, smells, sounds, and schedules, all while getting to know the people (and other pets!) who will soon feel like family. A calm, predictable home lets your pet exhale, settle in, and realize they’ve landed somewhere safe. And having the right supplies ready can take so much of the stress out of those essential first moments together.

Why Preparation Matters from Day One

Starting off with the right supplies sets the stage for comfort, confidence, and bonding. From age-appropriate nutrition and cozy bedding to training tools and toys, being prepared allows you to focus on what matters most: spending quality time together. PetSmart makes it easy for new pet parents to find trusted basics all in one place, so you can skip the stress and enjoy the fun parts of welcoming your new companion.

Preparation also helps pets ease into their new routines at a pace that feels good to them. Many newly adopted dogs benefit from a gentle “decompression” period, where life stays calm, and expectations are low. This gives them time to relax, observe, and slowly settle into their surroundings. Taking things one step at a time, rather than rushing introductions, training, or outings, helps even the most timid pets feel secure and ready to thrive.

A Gentle Transition for Dogs and Cats

Dogs tend to show us when they are feeling insecure, but cats are just as affected by change, even if they are harder to read. Creating quiet spaces, sticking to regular mealtimes, and surrounding them with familiar comforts helps cats settle in on their own terms (which, of course, is the only way cats do anything).

Whether you’re mastering leash walks with a new dog or helping a cat feel cozy in one room before confidently ruling the whole house, taking things slow sets everyone up for success. 

This guide covers the must-know basics every new pet parent should have in their back pocket, from that very first night home to long-term care and everything in between. Because a great start isn’t just about what you buy, it’s about how you open your home, your routines, and your heart to a new best friend and the exciting chapter you’re beginning together.

Creating A Safe, Comfortable Space

One of the first things you want to do when bringing home a new pet is create a calm, comfortable space where they can decompress, observe, and just exist without pressure. This is especially important for rescue animals, who may be carrying a suitcase full of past stress and are trying to figure out if this situation is permanent or just another pit stop.

A Zone Of Their Own

Whether it’s a crate, a cozy bed in the corner, or a quiet spot tucked away from foot traffic, dogs thrive when they have a designated place that belongs to them. Think of it as their personal studio apartment. A properly sized crate with a soft bed from PetSmart, paired with a familiar blanket or plush toy, gives your dog a sense of security and routine. For dogs who love structure, crates can be incredibly calming. For others, a comfy bed in a low-traffic area does the trick. There is no one-size-fits-all answer here, only what makes your dog breathe a sigh of relief.

Boundaries Are Comfort, Not Control

Dogs do not find freedom in chaos. They find it in consistency. Setting gentle boundaries early on helps your dog understand what is expected, where they can relax, and how to succeed in their new home. Using baby gates, exercise pens, or designated quiet areas helps prevent overwhelm and builds confidence.

At the end of the day, creating a safe space is one of the kindest things you can do for a new dog. It tells them, without words, that they are safe in your home. And with the right essentials from PetSmart, setting up that comfort zone is easy, affordable, and honestly kind of fun.

Brand Spotlight: Make Comfort Easy With Top Paw 

Helping a new dog feel at home starts with the right setup, and the PetSmart-exclusive brand, Top Paw, makes that part refreshingly simple. Top Paw offers a wide range of thoughtfully designed essentials that focus on comfort, durability, and everyday practicality.

This brand truly shines when it comes to comfort. With more than 30 bed styles available, there is an option for every size dog, sleep style, and life stage. Whether your pup prefers to stretch out, curl up, or needs extra support for aging joints, these beds help turn any corner into a place of rest and security. 

Top Paw also offers foldable crates and playpens that create safe, defined spaces, making transitions less stressful and supporting dogs as they adjust to a new environment. Add in absorbent training pads for house-training and well-made grooming and care essentials, and you have everything you need to establish a calm, predictable routine.

Brand Spotlight: Effortless Style And Function From Nate + Jeremiah

The Nate + Jeremiah line, created by celebrity interior designers Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent, is based on the idea that your dog’s bed, crate, or feeding area does not have to look like an afterthought tucked in the corner. Thoughtfully styled beds, modern crates, and polished accessories blend seamlessly into your home while still prioritizing your dog’s comfort and security. 

For new pups, especially those adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings, having a calm, well-designed space helps them settle more quickly. It feels intentional, predictable, and soothing, which goes a long way toward building confidence. The Nate + Jeremiah collection makes it easier to create a space your dog loves without sacrificing your own sense of style, because comfort and good design can absolutely coexist.

Creating A Cozy Space For Cats

Cats might be small, but their comfort checklist is surprisingly sophisticated. They need more than just a cozy sleeping area to feel at home. Our feline friends relish privacy, especially if you’ve got other animals in the house. Giving your cat a sanctuary that isn’t immediately shared helps reduce stress during those essential first days and weeks. Cats can be territorial, and a slow introduction in separate, quiet spaces helps build confidence and trust.

Vertical space is another big piece of the comfort puzzle. Cats feel safest when they can observe their world from above, so adding cat trees, shelves, or tall perches gives them that sense of control and security that makes their heart go purr. Placing these vertical hangouts near windows is even better; sunny views and bird watching are practically feline therapy.

Then there’s the practical but oh-so-important stuff: litter box placement and scratch-friendly zones. Your cat’s litter box needs to be in a quiet, low-traffic area that isn’t next to noisy appliances like washing machines or furnaces, where sudden roars could startle them mid-business. 

Scratchers aren’t just cute decor; they are vital tools for healthy behavior. Giving cats dedicated scratching posts or boards helps keep claws in check, protects your furniture, and meets their instinctual urge to stretch and mark their territory.

Brand Spotlight: Build A Kitty Dream Home With Whisker City + ExquisiCat

Whisker City is PetSmart’s go-to brand for all things feline comfort and enrichment. Think cozy beds, plush hideaways, multi-level cat trees, and plenty of scratchers designed to support natural behaviors and keep your cat happily engaged. Whether you’re setting up a snug sleep nook or a towering perch where your cat can survey their domain, Whisker City has options to make every space feel special and inviting. 

ExquisiCat focuses on the less glamorous but wildly important side of cat care: litter and odor control. This brand includes a wide variety of litter types, litter boxes, waste disposers, and accessories that make managing your cat’s bathroom needs easier and fresher. With formulas engineered for low dust, reduced tracking, natural clumping, and enhanced odor control, ExquisiCat products help keep your cat’s space clean and comfortable. 

Together, Whisker City and ExquisiCat give you everything you need to build a cat-friendly haven that’s calm, clean, and just plain irresistible to your new furry roommate.

Everyday Gear That Keeps Your Pup Safe

Before your dog even masters the art of sitting politely, they need the basics. A well-fitted collar with ID tags, a sturdy leash, and a comfortable harness are non-negotiable. PetSmart carries options for every type, including escape artists, pullers, and dogs who see harnesses as a personal insult. The right gear keeps walks safe, prevents accidental escapes, and helps your dog feel supported instead of restrained. 

Brand Spotlight: Arcadia Trail, Adventure-Ready Gear for Dogs on the Go

When it comes to everyday safety gear, Arcadia Trail understands that walks are not just exercise outings. They are also training sessions, confidence builders, and bonding opportunities. This PetSmart-exclusive brand focuses on durable, adventure-ready walking and outdoor gear designed for both comfort and control. 

Arcadia Trail’s adjustable collars and harnesses help ensure a secure, comfortable fit without restricting movement, while strong materials and reliable hardware provide peace of mind for everything from quick potty breaks to longer outdoor excursions. For dogs who pull, freeze, or treat every walk like a full-scale expedition, this gear supports them without adding stress.

They also offer functional apparel designed for real-world weather. Arcadia Trail’s wind- and waterproof jackets help keep dogs warm, dry, and protected during rainy walks, chilly mornings, or unpredictable outdoor adventures. Having the right outerwear means dogs can stay comfortable and confident no matter the forecast, making getting outside safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Nutrition Basics: Feeding Your Dog From Day One

The right nutrition supports your pet’s energy levels, digestion, coat health, immune function, and even behavior. Starting them off with high-quality food from PetSmart and sticking to a consistent feeding schedule helps create structure and security right away, which is especially important for dogs adjusting to a brand-new home.

Why Nutrition Matters More Than You Think

What goes in the bowl shows up everywhere else. A balanced diet supports steady energy, healthy digestion, a stronger immune system, and a shinier coat. Better food often means better focus, fewer tummy issues, and a dog who feels good enough to relax and learn. PetSmart makes it easy to find trusted nutrition options that support your dog from the inside out.

Choosing the Right Food for Your Dog

Every dog has different needs, which is why PetSmart offers a wide range of formulas based on age, size, activity level, and lifestyle. Puppies, adults, and seniors all require different nutrient balances, and active dogs burn fuel very differently than laid-back loungers. Choosing the right food helps support your dog’s health now and as they grow, without guessing or overfeeding.

Slow Transitions Save Everyone’s Sanity

Even the best dog food should be introduced gradually. Transitioning slowly over seven to ten days helps protect digestive health and reduces the risk of stomach upset. Mixing old food with new and increasing the ratio over time gives your dog’s system a chance to adjust, which is kinder for them and far less stressful for you.

Brand Spotlight: Authority Offers Trusted Balanced Nutrition

Authority is a brand known for offering vet-informed dog food recipes designed to support lifelong health. These balanced formulas are tailored for different life stages, sizes, and specific needs, helping support digestion, skin and coat health, immune function, and consistent energy. Authority is a reliable choice for pet parents seeking straightforward nutrition backed by research and experience.

Brand Spotlight: Simply Nourish, Thoughtfully Sourced Natural Nutrition 

Simply Nourish is a PetSmart-exclusive brand focused on natural dog food recipes made with carefully selected ingredients. These formulas are crafted to support whole-body health while keeping ingredient lists clear and intentional. For pet parents who want a more ingredient-conscious option without sacrificing nutritional balance, Simply Nourish offers a thoughtful approach to everyday feeding.

Cat Brand Spotlight: Viva La Kitty, Nutrition Made Just for Them

Starting your cat off with food designed specifically for their needs helps set the tone for better health, smoother routines, and fewer mealtime battles. Viva La Kitty is a PetSmart private label brand created with feline health in mind. They offer a wide variety of high-protein, often grain-free wet foods, shreds in gravy, and treats. With real meat and no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives, Viva La Kitty delivers quality nutrition without the premium price tag.

Building Healthy Habits Early

The early days with a new dog are when habits are formed, for better or worse. From regular walks and grooming to potty breaks and bedtime, routines help dogs understand what to expect from their day and from you. That predictability builds trust, reduces anxiety, and makes daily life smoother for everyone involved. PetSmart makes it easier to build those routines with everyday essentials all in one place.

Daily Care Without the Overwhelm

When you are building routines, less is more. Start small and layer things in gradually so your dog does not feel like they have joined an intense boot camp. Regular walks at similar times each day, gentle grooming sessions, and predictable meal and potty schedules help your dog relax because they know what is coming next. This is especially helpful for rescue dogs who may have lived with constant uncertainty before landing in your home.

Grooming and hygiene routines are part of that daily rhythm. Brushing coats and teeth, wiping paws, checking ears, and handling feet all help dogs get comfortable with being touched and cared for. These moments also give you a chance to catch little issues early, before they turn into bigger vet visits. It is bonding disguised as maintenance, and it sets your dog up for a lifetime of stress-free care.

Preventive Care as Everyday Life

Preventive care works best when it feels normal. When dental care, grooming, and wellness routines are introduced early and handled calmly, dogs are far more likely to accept them without drama. A daily dental chew, a quick brush-through, or a calm post-walk paw check reinforces the idea that care is just part of life. Over time, these small habits add up to better health, fewer surprises, and a dog who trusts that you have their best interests at heart.

Brand Spotlight: Dentley’s, Support for Dental Health

Dental care is one of those things that is easy to overlook until your dog’s breath demands immediate attention. Dentley’s offers a wide range of dental chews, including traditional rawhide, rawhide alternatives, bully-style chews, and natural options like duck and chicken feet, giving dogs plenty of safe, satisfying ways to support their dental health. Adding a dental chew to your dog’s daily routine is a simple, low-stress way to support oral health disguised as a delicious treat. It is an easy habit that pays off in the long run.

Brand Spotlight: Wiggles & Wags Treats

Wiggles & Wags treats are a playful and tasty line of dog treats available exclusively at PetSmart. Made in a variety of flavors and formats from crunchy biscuits and soft chewy bones to high-protein freeze-dried bites and jerky cuts, these treats are crafted to bring instant joy and plenty of tail wags at treat time. With options for training, everyday rewarding, and fun snacks, Wiggles & Wags offers something delicious for every dog

Building healthy habits early sets the tone for everything that follows. With trusted brands available at PetSmart, creating those routines feels less overwhelming and more achievable, helping your dog grow into a confident, well-cared-for companion who knows exactly what to expect from their day.

Play, Training, and Bonding: Because Fun Is How Trust Is Built

Play and training are not just ways to burn off energy or teach polite behavior; they are how dogs learn that you are safe, predictable, and worth paying attention to. Play is often the first language dogs feel fluent in. It creates shared experiences, builds confidence, and lays the foundation for a relationship that goes far beyond sit, stay, and “please don’t eat that.”

Why Play Builds Confidence and Trust

When dogs engage in interactive play, they are learning how the world works with you in it. Games like tug, fetch, or chase teach dogs that good things happen when they engage appropriately. This is huge for rescue dogs who may still be figuring out whether humans are reliable. Play helps them practice decision-making, builds optimism, and reinforces positive behaviors without pressure. A dog who plays confidently is a dog who is starting to feel secure.

Enrichment That Keeps Boredom at Bay

A bored dog is a creative dog, and not always in ways you will appreciate. Enrichment toys, puzzle feeders, and interactive play help channel mental energy into something productive instead of destructive. These activities give dogs a job, which reduces anxiety and keeps them from inventing their own entertainment involving couch cushions or shoes. Even short daily enrichment sessions can make a noticeable difference in behavior and overall calmness.

Choosing Toys That Do More Than Squeak

Not all toys are created equal. The best ones support both mental and physical stimulation and invite you into the experience. Interactive toys encourage engagement, movement, and problem-solving, while still being fun. Rotating toys also keeps things fresh, preventing boredom and keeping dogs curious. The goal is not just entertainment. It is connection.

Brand Spotlight: Joyhound, Play That Brings You Together

Joyhound toys are designed with one goal in mind: interaction. These are the toys that invite you off the couch and into the moment with your dog. From tug toys to engaging fetch options, Joyhound encourages movement, shared play, and bonding. For new dogs, especially those still building trust, these kinds of toys help create positive associations through fun, low-pressure experiences. Play becomes something you do together, not just something your dog does alone.

At the end of the day, play is not optional. It is one of the most powerful tools you have for building trust, shaping behavior, and creating a relationship that feels safe and joyful on both ends of the leash.

Helping Your Dog Adjust Over Time

Bringing a dog home is not a one-and-done moment. For many pups, especially rescues or those with change-heavy histories, the first few days are just the start of a weeks-long emotional journey. With patience, consistency, and a whole lot of belly rubs, your dog will learn you are their safe place and their person.

Recognizing Comfort vs. Stress

Understanding your dog’s body language is like learning a new language with zero subtitles. Signs of comfort include loose posture, soft eyes, and relaxed tail wags or gentle snores in their bed. Stress can look like tucked tails, avoidance, pacing, lip-licking, or refusing to eat. When you see the “I trust you” signals, reinforce them with calm praise or a favorite treat. If stress lingers, take a step back and simplify routines until your dog feels more secure.

Adjusting Routines, Training, and Enrichment

As your pup settles in, their routine will evolve. Short, predictable walks followed by quiet rest signal safety. Training sessions that emphasize positive reinforcement help build confidence while strengthening your bond. Enrichment, like puzzle feeders, scent games, or supervised interactive play, keeps their mind engaged and reserves those goofy zoomies for appropriate moments.

PetSmart Services That Support the Journey

PetSmart’s in-store services go far beyond products to help your dog thrive throughout the adjustment period. They also offer:

Full-Service Grooming Salons

A good groom isn’t just about looking cute. PetSmart’s Grooming Salon is staffed with academy-trained, safety-certified stylists who provide baths, trims, and brush-outs for dogs of all sizes and coat types. Clean, well-maintained fur helps your dog feel fresh and comfortable, and many pups walk out of the salon calmer and prouder than when they walked in.

Professional Dog Training

PetSmart offers accredited training classes for pups of all ages, sizes, and skill levels. These programs focus on positive reinforcement and practical skills that boost confidence and obedience both at home and out in the world. Whether you’re tackling leash manners, impulse control, or fun tricks, professional support can make learning enjoyable for both of you.

Doggie Day Camp

If socialization and supervised activity are part of your dog’s comfort plan, Doggie Day Camp gives your pup a safe, climate-controlled place to play, explore, and make furry friends. Sessions offer structured physical and mental engagement with trained Day Camp Counselors, plus activities tailored to age and energy level. It’s a great way to build confidence while you handle errands or work.

Overnight Boarding

When life pulls you away, PetSmart’s PetsHotel offers climate-controlled overnight boarding with safety-certified care, calming accommodations, and daily enrichment that keeps your dog comfortable even when you’re apart. PetsHotel rooms are cleaned daily, and staff monitor pets throughout their stay, giving you peace of mind knowing your buddy is safe, cared for, and settling in their home-away-from-home.

Each of these services can be part of your dog’s longer-term adjustment strategy. They support social growth, mental stimulation, and the confidence it takes to fully embrace their new life with you.

Get More From Every Moment With Treats Rewards

Every tail wag, successful recall, or quiet moment when your dog chooses you over their safe space deserves a little celebration. PetSmart’s Treats Rewards program is built around exactly that idea. It turns your everyday purchases into meaningful perks, so while you are stocking up on food, treats, toys, and training tools, you are also earning rewards that support your dog’s care long term. It is a simple way to make the most of what you are already doing for your pet.

Why Treats Rewards Just Makes Sense for Dog Parents

The program is refreshingly straightforward. You earn 10 points for every dollar you spend, including grooming appointments and training classes, which adds up quickly when you are caring for a dog. Those points can be redeemed for discounts on essentials like food, toys, and services, helping stretch your budget without cutting corners on quality. Because let’s be honest, dogs have a talent for needing everything all at once.

As you earn more points, you can unlock Bestie or VIPP status, which comes with bonus perks, extra savings, and even more personalized deals. Members also enjoy special pricing you will not find elsewhere, along with tailored offers based on your pet’s needs. It feels less like a generic rewards program and more like PetSmart actually paying attention to how you shop.

Celebrating the Big Days and the Little Wins

One of the sweetest touches of Treats Rewards is how it celebrates your dog. Members can receive Birthday or Gotcha Day gifts, which is a small thing that somehow feels big. Those milestones matter, especially for rescue dogs whose Gotcha Day marks a whole new chapter. It is a reminder that these moments are worth celebrating, even if your dog has no idea why they are getting extra treats.

Extra Perks That Make Life Easier

Treats Rewards also brings practical benefits that dog parents truly appreciate, like free Ship to Home on select orders over $49. That means fewer emergency store runs when you realize the food bin is empty. And if you adopt in-store, PetSmart automatically enrolls you in VIPP status, giving new pet parents an instant boost as they get started.

At its core, Treats Rewards is about supporting the everyday reality of life with dogs. You are already investing time, energy, and love into their care. This program simply gives a little back, helping you celebrate progress, save along the way, and keep showing up for your dog in all the ways that matter.

Everything Your Dog Needs, All in One Place

Bringing home a new pet is the beginning of a lifelong bond, and having the right support from day one makes all the difference. With PetSmart, you can find everything you need to raise a happy, healthy best friend, from everyday essentials and nutrition to play, care, and trusted services. With guidance you can rely on and solutions designed for every stage, PetSmart helps you focus on what matters most: helping your new pet feel safe, loved, and at home.

Every new beginning deserves the right support. From that very first tail wag to all the milestones ahead, PetSmart has the ability to be more than a place to shop. It can be a trusted part of your journey, helping you build confidence, connection, and a home where your pet truly belongs.