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Care Guides

Step-by-step guides for new owners, new arrivals and difficult decisions.

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All Care Guides articles

12 articles

Dog resting in shade beside a water bowl while its owner tests the pavement heat with a handSeasonal care

Hot Weather Safety for Pets

Heatstroke kills quickly and is entirely preventable. Recognising the early signs and acting fast.

Petarium Editorial · 3 min read · Updated 2026-10-07

Illustrative article cover for Fireworks, Thunderstorms and Noise FearSeasonal care

Fireworks, Thunderstorms and Noise Fear

What actually helps a frightened animal during loud events, and what to plan weeks in advance.

Petarium Editorial · 3 min read · Updated 2026-10-07

Puppy exploring a puppy-proofed living room with a playpen, bed, water bowl and chew toys as its owner watchesNew pet guides

The Complete New Puppy Guide

Everything the first sixteen weeks demand: toilet training, sleep, socialisation, vaccination and biting.

Petarium Editorial · 3 min read · Updated 2026-10-19

Tabby kitten exploring a room prepared with a litter tray, bed, scratching post and bowlsNew pet guides

The Complete New Kitten Guide

Litter training, play biting, indoor safety, vaccination and how to raise a confident adult cat.

Petarium Editorial · 3 min read · Updated 2026-10-07

Illustrative article cover for Emergency and Disaster Preparedness for PetsEmergencies

Emergency and Disaster Preparedness for Pets

Building a pet emergency kit, an evacuation plan and a care plan if you are suddenly unavailable.

Petarium Editorial · 3 min read · Updated 2026-10-19

Illustrative article cover for Bringing Home a Rescue Dog: The First Three MonthsGetting started

Bringing Home a Rescue Dog: The First Three Months

A realistic decompression timeline — why the 'three-three-three' rule of thumb is a useful expectation-setter, not a guarantee.

Petarium Editorial · 3 min read · Updated 2026-10-07

Planted aquarium cycling without fish beside a liquid test kit and a calendar with weeks ticked offGetting started

Setting Up a First Aquarium: A Month-by-Month Guide

Why the first fish should go in weeks after the tank, not days — and what to actually do while you wait.

Petarium Editorial · 3 min read · Updated 2026-10-07

Illustrative article cover for Pet Insurance: What the Policy Types Actually CoverMoney and planning

Pet Insurance: What the Policy Types Actually Cover

Lifetime, maximum-benefit, time-limited and accident-only cover explained, plus the exclusions that catch owners out when a chronic condition is diagnosed.

Petarium Editorial · 4 min read · Updated 2026-10-15

Couple planning pet costs with a calculator, receipts and a savings jar as their young dog rests under the tableCosts and planning

What a Pet Really Costs Over a Lifetime

A realistic framework for setup costs, monthly running costs and the unpredictable veterinary bills that decide whether ownership stays sustainable.

Petarium Editorial · 3 min read · Updated 2026-10-07

Puppy sitting attentively as a person offers a small treatPuppies

The First Fourteen Days With a New Puppy

The first fortnight sets the tone for everything. A calm, practical plan for sleep, toilet training, alone time and those needle-sharp teeth.

Petarium Editorial · 4 min read · Updated 2026-10-19

Owner with a leashed dog talking to staff at a veterinary receptionOwning a pet

How to Choose a Vet Practice

What to look for in a vet practice, from out-of-hours care to cat-friendly and exotic expertise.

Petarium Editorial · 4 min read · Updated 2026-10-15

Gauze, dressings, gloves, scissors and a towel laid out beside a first aid bagEmergencies

What to Put in a Pet First Aid Kit

A simple checklist for home and travel, and the first aid you should — and shouldn't — attempt.

Petarium Editorial · 3 min read · Updated 2026-10-07