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Printable checklists
New pet, adoption visit and routine care checklists, formatted to print or save as a PDF.
Before the animal arrives
Complete these in the week before collection day.
- Housing, bedding or enclosure set up and running at the right temperature
- Food supply matching what the animal is currently eating
- Water bowls or bottles, plus a spare
- Carrier or transport container sized for the adult animal
- Identification: microchip booking, collar tag or ring
- Veterinary practice chosen, registered, and its emergency number saved
- Hazards removed: cables, toxic plants, small swallowable objects, open water
- A quiet space where the animal can retreat and not be disturbed
- House rules agreed with everyone in the household
- First veterinary check booked within the first week
Adoption or breeder visit
Take this with you and ask every question before any money changes hands.
- Can I see where the animal is kept day to day?
- Can I meet the mother, or the animal's current carers?
- What is its full health and vaccination history?
- Has it been microchipped, neutered, or treated for parasites?
- What is it currently eating, and how often?
- What behaviour have you seen with people, children and other animals?
- Why is it being rehomed, and has it been returned before?
- What support do you offer after adoption?
- What happens if the placement does not work out?
- Is there written paperwork covering all of the above?
Routine care schedule
A repeating rhythm that catches most problems before they become emergencies.
- Daily: fresh water, appropriate food, enclosure spot-clean, exercise and company
- Daily: a quick look over eyes, nose, appetite, toileting and mood
- Weekly: weigh small animals, deep-clean housing, check equipment and filters
- Monthly: body condition score, parasite prevention if prescribed, nail check
- Quarterly: replace worn bedding, toys, harnesses and lighting as needed
- Annually: veterinary health check, vaccination review, dental assessment
- Twice yearly for seniors: full veterinary check with bloodwork if advised
- Review insurance cover and emergency savings once a year