Have you been thinking about getting a dog or a cat? Will this be the first time that you've had a pet of your very own? Although you may have had pets in the past when you were younger, owning and caring for a pet when you're an adult can be a drastically different thing than when you're still living in your parents' home. Before you ever bring a pet into your home, there are several things that you're going to want to do ahead of time. These include:

1. Get different types of toys

Pets are not unlike people in that some pets might like one type of toy while another pet might be completely disinterested. For instance, some people might be tempted to take their cat to the veterinarian when the cat shows no interest in catnip toys. While cats do tend to love catnip, hence the name, it's also perfectly normal for a cat to have absolutely no interest in it. They may prefer things like crinkle balls or dangling toys but you're not going to know this until you get the cat home and start to play with them. Similarly, some dogs love to play fetch with sticks and others couldn't care less; it all depends on the dog in question.

2. Make a wellness appointment

Ideally, you'll be adopting your dog or cat from a source that takes care of pets well. But whether you're getting your pet from a shelter or a breeder, there are always issues that can slip through the cracks. A veterinarian will be able to look over your new pet and let you know whether or not there is anything that should be concerning to you. It's a good idea to set up an appointment as soon as you know you'll be getting a pet. You can contact services like Pittsburgh Spay & Vaccination Clinic to learn more. 

3. Know what food to get

Food can vary greatly in quality depending on what company made it and where you purchased it. Your new cat or dog may be used to a specific brand right now but that doesn't mean that you can't switch to a different food that better suits your budget and the needs of your new furry friend. Consult with your pet's veterinarian if you need tips on how to get your dog or cat to eat the new food.