Meeting your pet for the first time always elicits feelings of sheer joy and love. From the moment you pick them up to when you bring them home, you know it's the start of a loyal bond for years to come.

Deciding to adopt a pet is not a process you should rush, though. Carefully planning and modifying your lifestyle to accommodate your new family member is essential. Keep these eight things in mind before bringing a pet into your home.

Ensure You're Committed to Caring for a Pet

Before signing the dotted line, ensure your lifestyle and living situation is conducive to animal care by asking yourself the following questions:

• Do I have enough time to devote to my pet?

• Will I have time to train them and take them out throughout the day?

• Am I prepared to wake up every few hours to potty train them?

• Can I afford to care for them?

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) underscores the importance of avoiding impulses and remembering that pet ownership is an investment of time and money — a lifelong commitment to caring for your pet.

If you answered no to any of the above questions, you might consider adopting an animal with fewer care requirements, such as a fish or bird.

2. Interview Veterinarians Beforehand

Interviewing potential veterinarians before you bring a pet home is critical in case animals display gastrointestinal issues — a common occurrence in puppies — or have difficulty settling in during their transition. Additionally, considering the areas of your house to best locate their pet bed is essential, especially for certain breeds prone to allergies to house dust mites. This helps minimize their exposure, as they will be spending a lot of time sleeping.

Some breeders require that you schedule an initial appointment for your pet within the first three days, which you'll find outlined in the contract you sign.

During the first visit, your veterinarian will give your pet a proper exam and determine whether they're predisposed to health problems or congenital abnormalities. They'll also likely take bloodwork and ask that you provide a fecal sample. Depending on your pet's age, your kitten or puppy might be ready for a round of vaccinations.

3. Get Your Home Pet-Ready

Nothing is more critical than ensuring your home is ready for a pet. Remember that puppies and kittens are naturally curious and will be eager to touch, explore and nibble on everything they see. 

Hide electrical cords, tie blind cords and purchase garbage cans with lids that seal tightly. You should also check that your doors and windows latch securely. Dogs and cats can damage windows when looking outside or releasing nervous energy. To be safe, consider reinforcing screens with nails and screws on the outside to avoid your pet falling through and escaping.

You'll also want to remove houseplants that might be hazardous to your pet. For example, lilies are highly toxic to cats — even licking pollen off its fur could result in fatal kidney failure within three days, while dogs might get upset stomachs.

4. Buy the Essentials Early

Different types of animals will each have varying needs, but for puppies and kittens, you should purchase the following essential items:

• Crate

• Bed and blankets

• Water and food bowls

• Regular and teething toys

• Collar, harness and leashes 

• Litter box and scooper for cats and training pads for dogs

• Grooming accessories

• Poop bags

• Puppy playpen or baby gate

Most importantly, your pet will need the proper food and treats. They might already be used to a particular brand, which you should continue giving them temporarily. You can then begin transitioning them to a premium option if you choose or per your veterinarian's recommendation. 

According to a recent American Pet Products Association (APPA) survey, dog owners spend about $287 on food annually, while cat owners spend an average of $254. 

Another report by Chewy showed that premium food product sales rose 12.8% in 2020, with owners more adamant about their pet's health and well-being.

5. Prepare for an Adjustment Period

Remember that your pet may have recently separated from their mother and littermates or feel scared in their new surroundings. 

Like babies, your pet will probably cry for you during the night — but keeping their crate near your bed so they can hear you breathe might bring them comfort during the first few days. It'll also ensure you know when they need to go out.

Once they settle in, you can expect them to sleep most of the time. Puppies usually require about 18 to 20 hours of sleep every day. 

6. Make Time for Training

It's hard to say how long it'll take to train your pet — your commitment to teaching them is just as vital. Many puppies learn basic commands within the first couple of weeks, but it'll take continuous reinforcement. 

Getting the entire household involved in training helps, but your pet's age, breed and gender might further determine their ability to learn new skills. 

7. Consider Spaying or Neutering

Unfortunately, shelter intake is overflowing with about 6.3 million dogs and cats annually. If you don't intend to breed your pet, consider spaying or neutering them before they're six to seven months old. 

Aside from preventing unwanted pregnancies — a contributor to the overpopulation of shelter pets — spaying female dogs reduce their risk of developing breast cancer and uterine diseases. 

8. Properly ID Your Pet

Sadly, 10 million pets go missing in the United States annually, with only 15% of dogs and 2% of cats reunited with their owners. Avoid your pet becoming a statistic by giving it proper tags and microchip identification.

Also, update your contact information regularly with the company whenever there's a change. Your current address and phone number will make a difference in reuniting you with your companion.

Preparing for Your Pet Is Your First Act of Love

Having everything ready to welcome your new pet home is your first act of love as a new pet parent. With the essentials on hand and a steadfast commitment to showing up, you'll give them the best start to a beautiful life.