Shop Adopt a Pet’s New Pet Essentials List

Ready to adopt, and want to be sure your home is new pet-ready? Or maybe you just adopted and want to check those last few items off your list? We have you covered with the best products to set you up for pet parenting success. Read on to check out Adopt a Pet’s favorite new pet essentials, then stock up at PetSmart. They’ve got anything you need for every first.

Find the right food

Great nutrition is the cornerstone of a long and happy life with your new pet. Food is medicine, as the saying goes. That’s why finding the right fit for your cat or dog should be first on the list. Here are our picks:

Dog food:

• PEDIGREE® | All Pedigree recipes are created with quality ingredients and formulated for professional nutrition to bring out your dog’s best. Plus, The PEDIGREE® brand is committed to helping every dog find a loving home. Read more about their foundation work and learn why Adopt a Pet loves them here.

Cat food:

• IAMS™ | Check out their science-led recipe range featuring a tailored blend of natural fibers, wholesome grains, and omega-6 fatty acids to help support your cat’s digestion, energy, skin, and coat.

• Nutro™ | Nutro offers your cat high-quality nutrition from wholesome, natural ingredients, plus vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. We like their variety of options for each life stage and dietary need.

Veterinary diets for dogs and cats:

• ROYAL CANIN® | Royal Canin has been studying the health needs of dogs and cats since their start in 1968. Since then, the brand has created specialized formulas for pets with special diet needs or sensitivities and other unique diets designed to bring out the best traits in your pet, while simultaneously catering to tricky genetic predispositions.

Treats:

• GREENIES™ | With delicious taste, quality ingredients, and real benefits, Greenies’ range of pet-approved products, from dental treats to pill pockets and supplements, are both irresistible and good for your pet.

Tip: When introducing a new food, make the switch gradually. Pets can have sensitive stomachs, so quickly swapping foods is not recommended. Instead, mix in small amounts of the new food to start, and increase the ratio of new food each day until you’re at 100%.

Get your home pet-ready

Dog:

• Toys | Pick up a few different toys to find what your pup likes best, from balls and chew toys to interactive toys and plush toys. 

• Bowls and feeders | Use food puzzles and slow feeders for your pup’s enrichment. Try an elevated feeder to give your pup an ergonomic feeding position. Stainless steel and ceramic options are the most hygienic. 

• Furniture | Opt for washable bedding that fits your dog’s size, and get your house prepped with furniture like stairs to help small and older dogs reach hard-to-get places and gates for off-limits areas.

• Crates and kennels | Consider portable options that serve multiple purposes, or find a stationary crate for your home. Pick up house training pads for small dogs and soft crate mats to keep them comfortable.

Cat:

• Toys | Every cat is different, so try out a mix of quick-release wand toys, mice or balls, tunnels, and scratchers.

• Bowls and feeders | Shallow bowls are best to reduce whisker stress, and stainless steel and ceramic bowls will help keep bacteria at bay. Plus, raised feeders are more ergonomic to support your kitty’s healthy digestion. 

• Furniture | Start with a bed and scratch post, or snag that fancy cat tree you’ve been eyeing.

• Litter box | It’s best to have one more litter box than the number of cats in your home. Opt for an open-top design, and select a size that matches your cat’s mobility level.

• Litter and accessories | You’ll want a litter mat, scoop, disposal, cleaning products, and the litter itself. The kind of litter you reach for will depend on personal preference, but we recommend starting with an unscented litter to avoid allergies.

• Crate or playpen | These come in handy when introducing a kitten or undersocialized cat to a new home.

All pets:

• Cleaning supplies | Reach for pet-safe and unscented stain remover and detergent options to reduce irritation and allergies when possible.

• Food storage | Pick up canned food lids, bag clips, and containers.

Tip: Making sure your pet stays hydrated is key to their health, especially if you opt to feed them dry food. But dogs and cats don’t always drink enough water on their own. Water fountains are a great way to encourage hydration by offering running water.

Prep for grooming and care

We recommend setting yourself up for grooming basics like nail trims and brushing at home. Depending on your pet’s grooming needs, you may feel more comfortable with additional help from a groomer. More on that in the services section, but here’s what you’ll want for basic maintenance.

Dog:

• Grooming essentials | Start with a wire bristle brush or a petting glove depending on your pup’s coat, toothbrush and toothpaste, nail trimmers, pet-safe wipes, grooming scissors, and shampoo. You may opt for more specialized grooming products based on your dog’s breed, coat, and other needs.

• Simparica Trio parasite preventative | It’s important to get your pup started on a flea, tick, and heartworm preventative and keep them protected year-round. We like Simparica Trio best for its range of protection against pests, and because it comes in chewable tablets that can pass as treats.

Cat:

• Grooming essentials | Opt for a wire bristle brush for long-haired cats or a petting glove for short-haired cats. You’ll also need nail clippers, plus a toothbrush and toothpaste. Cats are fastidious bathers and should not need baths outside of extraordinary circumstances, but some long-haired cats may benefit from professional grooming help.

• Revolution Plus parasite preventative | Keeping fleas, ticks, and other pests at bay is essential for your cat’s health. Revolution Plus not only protects against fleas and ticks, but also covers ear mites, certain parasites, and heartworms. We love a full-spectrum protectant that offers efficiency and more bang for your buck.

Pet travel like a pro

Dog:

• Collar, harness, and leash | We recommend using a buckle collar with an attachment for a tag containing your contact info. Adjustable harnesses will also let your pup move comfortably.

• Poop bags, bag holder, and poop scoop | You’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for those walks.

• Car crate or car restraint | Keep your pup safe in the car.

• Clothing and shoes | Depending on your local weather conditions, keep your dog comfortable in all temps with a raincoat, sweater, or paw protection for hot pavement.

Cat:

• Carrier | Whether you opt for a cat backpack, hard-shell carrier, or soft carrier, make sure you’re prepared to transport your kitty safely to vet appointments and other necessities.

Tip: If you’re planning a long trip with your pet, or if you notice that your pet has anxiety around transport, speak with your vet about calming product options.

Set up services, from grooming to training

Adopting a long-haired cat who can use some help with that coat? Or maybe you could use some help potty training your new puppy? Your local PetSmart store offers helpful services with highly trained, passionate associates.

• Grooming | Everyone needs a spa day. Packages offer a range of services from nail trims and grinding, brushing and de-matting, haircuts and sanitary trims, ear cleaning, and more. Special cat and dog stylists will make your pet feel comfortable.

• Pets hotel | Try an alternative to pet sitting for cats and dogs, with private suites and kitty cottages available.

• Doggie day camp | Most day camps have full and half-day options and are packed with fun activities like skill enrichment, storytime, and socialization. 

• Dog training | Dogs of all ages and levels of experience can use training. Your pup can learn desired manners as you work to address behavior concerns and strengthen your positive bond.