Essential Care

Congratulations on the furry, four-pawed addition to your family! As a first-time pet owner, you may be scratching your head, wondering what’s next. Take charge of your pet’s well-being and learn how his most essential needs, eating, playing and staying healthy, are crucial for his quality of life.

Dogs and Puppies:

	Water and food bowls		Dog bed
	Vaccinations		Nail Trimmers
	Heartworm, flea and tick control		Grooming brush
	Tagged collar and leash		First Aid Kit
	Chew Toys		Insurance

Cats and Kittens:

	Water and food bowls		Litter boxes and sifter
	Vaccinations		Cat bed
	Heartworm, flea and tick control		Nail Trimmers
	Tagged collar		Soft brush
	Toys and scratching posts		First Aid Kit
	Cat carrier		Insurance

Where’s Waldo?
Help your pet avoid an unwanted trip to the pound. In addition to a comfortable collar with ID tags attached, pets—whether living indoors or out—should receive a microchip from your veterinarian. An open door, unsupervised back yard or even a natural disaster can part pets from owners. If lost, your pet’s microchip can be scanned, creating a greater chance you will be reunited and avoid heartbreak, pound fees or, worse, the high cost of treating an injured pet.

Your Veterinarian Knows Best!
Whatever the situation, if you suspect your pet is ill or injured, don't hesitate to take him to your veterinarian. The earlier the problem is identified and the appropriate treatment is started, the better the outcome will be.

Further Reading :
A Newcomer's Tail
Typical costs for a new puppy.

Feeding Fluffy
It’s true: studies show between 25 and 40% of household pets are overweight or obese, leading to obesity-related pet illnesses and increased veterinary costs.

Learn more about VPI Pet Insurance:
Dog insurance, Cat insurance, What’s covered, Get a quote