The holidays are a time of gift-giving and compassionate acts, so after the New Year, you may find yourself the proud owner of a new puppy, kitten, or shelter animal. If this occurs, don't put off a visit to the vet clinic for pet vaccinations and a medical checkup. Below is a discussion of what to expect with a new pet and some tips to help you provide the best care.

5 Tips for Caring for a New Pet

1. Get a Pet License

In Tennessee, all dogs and cats over 6 months of age must be registered within the county of the owner’s residence. You must fill out a short form, pay a licensing fee, and show proof of vaccinations. You'll receive a licensing tag for your pet's collar, which they must display any time they’re out of the house.

2. Schedule Pet Vaccinations

Dogs and cats must be vaccinated for rabies each year before they can be licensed. Also, kittens need an FRPC vaccination at 6 to 8 weeks, another at 10 to 12 weeks, and a third at 14 to 16 weeks, with a booster at one year of age. Dogs should receive yearly pet vaccinations for canine parvovirus, distemper, and canine hepatitis, in addition to rabies shots.

3. Spay or Neuter Your Pet

Pet overpopulation is already a problem, and shelters across the country are overflowing with unwanted animals. To minimize the need for euthanasia and to keep puppies or kittens you cannot care for out of the shelter, have your pet spayed or neutered. In addition to curbing overpopulation, it also helps prevent breast and testicular tumors in animals. 

4. Exercise Your Pet Regularly

Dogs, in particular, need outdoor exercise and a change of scenery to prevent boredom and destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing. Daily, half-hour walks should help your dog stay fit and provide enough stimulation to keep them from tearing up the house.

5. Provide Training

To be happy, healthy members of your household, your new dog or cat needs guidance on to how to behave. Take time each day to train them on correct behavior. Reward them when they potty outdoors or successfully use the litter box. Be patient, don't get angry, and use only positive methods of reinforcement.

Don't wait to take your fuzzy new friend to the vet clinic for any necessary pet vaccinations or other health procedures. For expert, compassionate pet care, contact Harrogate Hospital For Animals in Claiborne County, TN. They make emergency house calls and offer a wide variety of services, including vaccinations, neutering, spaying, pet boarding, and even laser surgery. Visit their website to view location details and office hours or call (423) 869-3666 to schedule an appointment today.