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

All Care Guides articles
12 articles
Seasonal careHot 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
Seasonal careFireworks, 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
New pet guidesThe 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
New pet guidesThe 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
EmergenciesEmergency 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
Getting startedBringing 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
Getting startedSetting 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
Money and planningPet 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
Costs and planningWhat 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
PuppiesThe 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
Owning a petHow 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
EmergenciesWhat 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