If it’s within your budget, buy good quality cat food. We can help you with the options available to you, and we will tell you why. There is specific food for kittens or cats of certain ages, so let us help you with their diet.

Cats need fresh and clean water daily, sometimes even twice daily. Buy a nice cat bowl for your pet, and keep it filled. Also, keep the water in a cool place, and perhaps have a bowl inside and outside.

Lucky for you, you do not need to take the cat to the parlour. Cats groom themselves. You don’t need to worry about grooming, but if your cat has allergies, itches or hair loss, bring him in to us.

Cats will find cupboards, boxes or comfy couches to sleep on, but we suggest you have a good cat bed, lined with a soft blanket, towel or both. Keep the bed clean and wash the inners fairly often.

Buy a litter box for your cat and always keep it in the same place. You should clear the litter box daily so it does not get smelly and then change the litter every few weeks. We will suggest the litter for you, and advice you on how often to change it.

Remember that cats wander. You might be okay with this, but if you are in a new place, or you don’t want your cat visiting the neighbors, or a new city, keep your cat inside. Many areas in the ACT are now Cat Containment Areas, which means you are required to keep your pet contained on your premises at all times.

Even if you think your cat is never going to go outside, rest assured, it will. Let us microchip your cat for you, so it can always be identified. It makes finding a lost cat that much easier.

We will guide you. Remember, bring your cat in if it seems sick, is not eating, is more lethargic than usual, has vomiting or diarrhea, has a skin condition, is losing hair, seems to be scratching more than usual or needs its nails clipped.

Change your dog’s water daily, and sometimes, twice daily. If your dogs spend time inside and outside, have water bowls in both places, and where possible, keep them in the same place.

We will advise you on the various types of dog foods, which to give to puppies and which to give to small, medium or large dog breeds. When you give your dog treats, and let’s face it, all dogs love treats, keep them dog related. No snacks from the table!

As soon as you get a puppy, or a new dog or a rescue, bring it in to us so we can vaccinate, boost or just give a proper all-round health check. We will give you a vaccination card for your dog, highlighting dates for future vaccines and boosters. It is vital that you vaccinate your dog, not only for his health but also for the health of others.

Some dogs need more exercise than others, but all dogs need exercise. If you can go to the park or for a walk, once or twice a day, always do it. If you are unable to do this but you have the budget, hire a dog walker. You can also play ball with your dog in the yard, garden or even indoors. Exercise is good not just for your dog, but for you too, and you will love the walks the two of you enjoy together.

Invest in a lovely dog bed or shelter, put blankets or towels down for extra cosiness, and keep it clean and hygienic.

You know how they greet you with total enthusiasm when you come home, even if just after five minutes? Dogs get lonely and need your company too. Give them attention, whenever you can. Love them a lot, although you don’t need to be told this, it’s the most natural and uncomplicated love in the world.

We will tell you all about puppy school and puppy training, how to socialise your dog and how to ensure that your beautiful pet gets on with other dogs, humans and most importantly, children. This is really important and a well socialised dog is a happier dog, with happier humans too

This is all part of socialisation. It’s easiest to train your dog when he is young, but you can still train a dog and help it to be a better dog at any time. Sit, stand, wait and run are all good commands to learn; learning not to jump on people or to steal food is as important. Again, we will guide you all the way.

Lastly, keep up to date with your dog vet visits and bring him (or her) in for regular check ups. Dogs need to be vaccinated, checked for fleas, have their nails clipped, have their teeth brushed and / or checked, and have routine doggy check ups. We are here to help you, every step of the way.