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Which Pet Supplies are Necessary to Care for My Dog or Cat?

January 16, 2017 by Mary Telesz

Pet SuppliesSo, you’ve decided to become a pet owner! This is always a great decision, and one that will provide you with years of love, fun, and memories from your new furry pal. Whether you’ve taken on a dog or a cat, there are plenty of  pet supplies you need to have on hand around the home to ensure a happy, healthy environment for your pet, both in and out of the home.

Which Pet Supplies are Necessary to Care for My Dog or Cat?

While some supplies may seem obvious, there are quite a few essential items that you may not initially be aware, so we’re here to help. Use this guide as a checklist when preparing for the arrival of your new pet.

Cat Supplies

Cats are generally easier to have around the home than dogs, but they still require many pet supplies to keep them clean, entertained, and groomed.

We’ll start with the basics.

Food & Water Bowls

This is obviously ideal for eating and drinking. You definitely have plenty of options for food and water bowls, and the direction you take depends on your cat.

If you are adopting a kitten, choose smaller, more shallow bowls before moving on to larger bowls. Ceramic and hard plastic materials are the safest, and choosing bowl sets with weighted bottoms can help keep the bowls in one place and prevent them from tipping over.

Litter Box

Unless you plan on your cat living outside, a litter box is essential. Enclosed litter boxes give your cat some privacy while they do their business, and self-cleaning litter boxes are available for those that don’t want to worry about scooping out waste all the time. Be sure to position the litter box in an area away from the food.

Collar

Cats can sometimes be expert escape artists, and if your cat is rarely outside, there is always the chance that it can get a little too curious and end up wandering away. Having a collar with identification tags on your cat can help someone else get ahold of you if they happen to find it. You will definitely be glad that you invested the $10-15 dollars in such an instance.

Carrier

There will be times you may need to transport your cat, whether it is to the vet, or to a friend’s or relative’s home. Be sure to purchase a quality cat carrier that is appropriately-sized so your cat is both safe, secure, and comfortable each time.

Cat Grooming Products

Just like humans, cats need proper bathing and grooming products to ensure that their coat healthy and shiny. It is essential that you bathe your cat regularly and we recommend speaking with your local pet shop to discuss the best options on the market. We also recommend checking out how to make your own homemade cat shampoo.

Toys

All pets need toys, right? Your cat may spend plenty of time sleeping, but its active times should be spent playing, whether it is with your assistance, or on its own. There is definitely no shortage of options for toys. Try to mix things up a little, and get a gauge for what your cat prefers. Avoid toys that have small parts or pieces that may come off.

Additional Items

These items are not necessarily essential, but they are strongly recommended for a happy, healthy feline friend.

Scratch Posts

Cats love to scratch, so unless you want them practicing on your furniture, you will need to invest in a scratch post. Look for posts that are over a foot tall, and include a sturdy base.

Brush

Regular brushing is beneficial to both you and your cat. A brush helps remove loose hair, cutting down on excess shedding all over your home. Your cat is benefited by avoiding hairballs when cleaning themselves. Look for cat-specific brushes.

Flea Products

Fleas can be more than an annoyance for your cat — they are also troublesome for you, not to mention the risk of diseases. Flea collars, shampoos, and topical solutions are all effective methods for battling fleas.

Enzyme Odor Neutralizer

Messes sometimes happen, and when they do, you want to be able to clean them up and remove the smell immediately. Enzyme-based cleaners are gentle on fabrics and surfaces, while effectively breaking down smells and stains from your cat.

Feline Toothbrush and Toothpaste

The idea of brushing your cat’s teeth may seem silly at first, but it can be very beneficial to their dental health. Specialized toothbrushes and toothpastes made specifically for cats can help you keep your cat’s dental health in prime condition.

Dog Supplies

Owning a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences one can have, regardless of the breed you choose. Just like cats, dogs need numerous supplies to ensure their health, happiness, and safety.

Here are the essential items you should make a priority from the start.

Food & Water Bowls

Weighted bowls are best to keep them from tipping over and moving around. If your dog is eating too fast, consider purchasing a special bowl with dividers that makes your dog have to work harder to get smaller amounts of food.

Taller dogs may need a bowl stand to elevate their food and water bowls to a more acceptable height, preventing them from having to bend all the way down while chewing and swallowing.

Dog Bed

Dogs need their own special spot to lounge and sleep on in the home. Not only does this encourage them to stay off of your furniture, it provides them a sort of refuge and sense of ownership over a particular spot.

Be sure the bed matches the dog’s size, and includes both a washable cover and inner.

Crate

Crates can serve a variety of purposes for your dog. Crate training is a common technique that acclimates your dog to being comfortable in a crate when you are away from the home. Many dogs actually end up preferring their open crate to a bed elsewhere in the home.

Depending on your dog’s size, the crate can be used to transport your dog, or provide them a secure place to be confined if you bring them with you to another home.

Collar & Tags

Even if you do all you can to prevent it, there is always a chance your dog can get loose and run away. A properly-fitting collar with identification and rabies tags lets others know that your dog is up to date on essential vaccines, while also giving strangers a way to contact you if your dog gets loose.

Toys

Dogs love toys! Balls, frisbees, ropes, chews — you have many directions you can go. Work with your dog to see what it prefers, and be sure to leave a few chew toys out in your home to prevent your dog to turning its attention to furniture and clothing.

Avoid toys with synthetic stuffing, and steer clear of toys with pieces are small parts that can come off and cause the dog to choke.

Grooming Supplies

Consistent grooming will keep your dog’s coat healthy, while proactively removing loose fur that can get all over your home. Be sure to keep some dog shampoo on hand in case your dog gets messy outside.

Leash

Your dog needs to be walked! Look for a quality leash around 6 to 7 feet in length that is comfortable in your hand, and fits securely on your dog’s collar.

Additional Items

The following dog supplies aren’t absolutely necessary, but they can make life a lot easier for both you and your canine.

Baby Gate

Baby gates serve the same purpose for your dog as they do a baby — keeping it confined to one area. This is very helpful for growing puppies, and also for dogs you can keep in a certain area of your home while you are away, or when company is present.

Nail Clippers

Certain breeds of dogs have nails that grow much faster than others, causing plenty of discomfort and unwanted scratches. While having a dog groomer handle this aspect is always the best idea, keeping nail clippers at home allows for you to keep your dog’s nails trimmed in between visits.

Cleanup Bags

Responsible dog owners clean up after their dogs when at the park or out for a walk. Doggie clean up bags are small, light, and perfectly sized to carry around when you and your pooch are out and about.

Enzyme Cleaner

Dogs can be prone to messes at times, whether it’s due to potty training, illness, or just an accident. Enzyme-based cleaning products are the best way to both clean and neutralize the messes and odors in your carpet and fabrics.

Flea & Tick Products

These pests are a concern for your dog’s comfort and health. Specialized shampoos, collars, and topical solutions can both treat and prevent flea and tick problems.

Clicker

Clicker training is the most popular form of dog training, and for good reason. This simple device makes a distinct clicking sound with a soft press of a button. This sound is made when your dog does the right thing during training sessions.

Treats

Treats are a must-have for rewards, and sometimes just because. Use them during training, in between meals, or just before you leave the home for an extended period.

Need Help with Your Pets? Contact Paw Pals!

Paw Pals can help fill the void during times when you cannot be with your pets. From dog walking to in-house pet sitting, our friendly and loving staff provides personal and attentive care to your precious pets day and night! Our convenient services ensure the well-being and happiness of your pets when you are away, giving you peace of mind and a better life for your pets. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!

Filed Under: Pet Care

Contact Paw Pals for More Information

Paw Pals specializes in professional dog walking, dog sitting, and pet sitting services. One of our reliable, adult staff members will keep your pet safe, while providing your pet the love and care they need when you are away. Contact us to learn more!

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Office Location

Paw Pals Pet Sitting, LLC
14001-C Saint Germain Drive #213
Centreville, VA 20121
(703) 345-1695

professional dog walking software

Office Hours

Monday
9am - 5pm
Tuesday
9am - 5pm
Wednesday
9am - 5pm
Thursday
9am - 5pm
Friday
9am - 5pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Areas Served

Centreville – 20120, 20121
Chantilly – 20151
Clifton – 20124
Fairfax – 22030, 22033
Fairfax Station – 22039
Manassas – 20109, 20110, 20111
Reston – 20191, 20190

Google Rating
4.9
Paw Pals Pet Sitting
Paw Pals Pet Sitting
4.9
Julie Shildt
Julie Shildt
17:45 14 Nov 21
It has been a pleasure doing business with paw pals. We have used this company for several trips we have taken over the past 6 months. They have been wonderful caretakers for our 2 cats. Anytime there is ever a question they don't hesitate to give us a call and they leave the best notes and pictures in the emailed report of each visit. We are so glad have found such a great company.
laceyrt
laceyrt
18:03 08 Mar 23
The folks at Paw Pals pet sitting are fantastic to work with. This review includes a bit of a long story but goes to show how dedicated they are to their job and the care they have for the animals they watch over. I reached out to Paw Pals, even though I live outside their service area, in a bit of a panic because our scheduled dog sitter for our family vacation suddenly wasn't available. The local sitters we've used in the past seemed like they wouldn't be able to accommodate us on such late notice and so we were scouring the internet for other options.When I submitted a request to Paw Pals, I expected to get a polite no thank you - you're out of our service area. Instead I got a call from Jen, who was so kind, helpful and accommodating and essentially bent over backwards to help set up a sitter for us. We met the sitter at her home and it was more of the same. So friendly and welcoming to our dog and fully prepared to watch her for two weeks.We ultimately didn't end up booking with Paw Pals, only because our local sitter had an opening that allowed someone to stay in home with our dog (who is a very anxious senior shepherd-collie mix). But just based on the limited experience I had with them, I would highly recommend Paw Pals. These folks are fantastic and I only wish we lived closer so we could utilize their other services on a regular basis. Five stars all the way!
Michæl Silva
Michæl Silva
21:38 01 Jul 22
Mary at Paw Pals Pet Sitting is the greatest! She has helped me train my pooch Chico how play nice with other dogs and for that I am extremely grateful! A+A+A+A+A+A
Kwi Kim
Kwi Kim
22:37 17 Jun 22
I hired Paw Pals based on my sister’s referral. Meet & greet was very thorough and detailed. I was surprised that my finicky cat came to check the sitter out. Subsequently, a sitter watched my cat over several separate visits, and it was clear through the visit reports that my cat loved the sitter. All the visits were completed having followed my directions & with professionalism.I would highly recommend Paw Pals to anyone who’s looking for a dependable, personable, & professional sitter.
Joseph Walter
Joseph Walter
19:55 13 Jun 22
Paw Pals provided a large number of photos of our pets along with a personalized message on how our pets were doing with every single visit. I would highly recommend using Paw Pals, we'll be continuing to use them whenever we go on vacation.
Ashley Manning
Ashley Manning
09:50 11 Jun 22
Highly recommend as pet sitters!Initially, a sitter from the company will visit the house to meet the pets and learn where everything is. Tatiana took careful notes and we got her some spare keys.While we are away, Paw Pals sends sitters to come and look after our boys. They feed them, scoop litter, bring in mail and packages, and they will even manage trash, recycling, blinds and lights so that everything is comfortable for our kitties. Each time they check in, we receive an email message with updates and pictures, which is so comforting when we are on the road.Also, if you don’t let Paw Pals know when you are home, they assume something has happened and will continue to care for your babies. If something were to happen, I know they would be okay.Five stars for Paw Pals!
Brian Wood
Brian Wood
04:08 22 May 22
We have used Paw Pals for a number of years now and would highly recommend to anyone looking for help with their pets. Great communication from owner Mary and flexibility to make adjustments in schedule as life changes over time. Have had a consistent set of walkers who have gotten to know our pup and the various walking routes around our neighborhood quite well.
Lesley Bush
Lesley Bush
13:58 18 Mar 22
We can't rave enough about Paw Pals. They took care of our 18 year old Cat and 20 year old Chinchilla while we were away and when our flight got cancelled, they were so accommodating and available last minute for an extra day. We worked with Jen to coordinate visits from Miko and Danny. I loved the pictures and updates on how our Lil geriatric guys were doing. Thanks a million, Paw Pals!! Our special pets were so well cared for.
Sebastian Barnes
Sebastian Barnes
01:06 17 Jan 22
I have used Paw Pals for several trips over the last few months, and they have been phenomenal every time! Mary is extremely kind and responsive, and she makes sure that my cat and dog have the care that they need every time I am out of town. All of the pet sitters that I've had have been incredibly sweet to my pets, and they treat them like their own! Will gladly continue using Paw Pals every time I need a sitter.
Andrea Hall
Andrea Hall
22:45 03 Oct 20
I wasn't sure about hiring a new doggie walker service... after all they are our kiddos... my babies were in great hands and I felt relaxed having them in their care. Thank you for everything!
Taylor Smith
Taylor Smith
21:22 03 Oct 21
I never worry when Mary and team take care of my dog!
Katie McCune
Katie McCune
19:19 15 Jul 21
I honestly cannot recommend Mary and her whole crew enough! We started using Mary originally about 7 years ago to stop by occasionally when our Aussie Lana was younger. Over the next couple years Lana stayed with Mary and her family for a couple weekends when we went on vacation. When we moved to our new house in Manassas, Lana stayed with Sam, who lives in Manassas, overnight for moving day, and did great. Right before the pandemic, we adopted our second Aussie, Goose, and Mary recommended a fantastic trainer for him.We now have weekly walks for the dogs, and they love all of their walkers! Trevor, Paul, Hazel, Sofie, and probably a couple others have helped Goose get used to more people, and have helped my husband and me when our schedules are crazy.Paw Pals is our go-to for any help with our dogs, so I highly recommend them!
Alexandra Hill
Alexandra Hill
22:43 23 May 21
I was a nervous mommy to leave my cats with a sitter service for the first time. Paw Pals went above and beyond to care for my cats and ease a nervous mommy. I already made a reservation to use them again!
Cindy Welgoss
Cindy Welgoss
13:12 27 Nov 20
We have been using Paw Pals for several years, and through a variety of pets that we have loved. Mary and her team have always been *exceptional* in every way. They are professional, courteous, and truly love our fur family! Mary herself is an organized and stellar administrator of her pet care business, keeping detailed records of our pet’s needs, scheduled pet visits, payments, and balance due easy to keep track of as the pet owner. The pet caretaking team is reliable and trustworthy. When our dogs see any of their Paw Pal friends, they get SO excited to see them! Follow up comments are left via text to keep the pet owner informed of the visit and how the pets are faring. Paw Pals has allowed our family the peace of mind to leave our pets at home, for work, weekend getaways and longer times away when necessary, where they are the most comfortable and familiar. We are grateful to Mary and her team for giving us the ability to enjoy pet ownership without feeling tied down. The responsibility of having pets comes with the need to keep them safe and comfortable at all times, and Mary and her team affords us this when our family has to be away.
Dr Tammy Cashion
Dr Tammy Cashion
21:11 12 Mar 19
We have used Paw pals pet sitting on multiple occasions for our bunnies while we are away. Many pet sitters are not interested in small pets however; Mary and her team, are amazing and we trust her implicitly! We are very happy with the outstanding service we have received from her team including texts and photos of our pets when we are out of town. They always go the extra mile and we highly recommend them!
Kristin Conrad
Kristin Conrad
16:00 16 Nov 19
We are so grateful we found Mary and her team at Paw Pals. They are exceptionally responsive, amazingly organized and detail-oriented.We have such peace of mind when we travel knowing our home and pets are so well cared for. Paw Pals is the best pet sitting service we’ve used, and we’re so happy we found them.
Katie Russell
Katie Russell
15:01 17 May 20
Paw Pals is fantastic! I have had a great experience with Mary! Compassionate, professional, responsive, and prompt! Thank you!
Phillip Evans
Phillip Evans
14:38 11 Jul 20
When we adopted our new dog in January, Paw Pals agreed to walk her and give her some outside time so she wasn't in the crate all day. She loved her dog walker and you could see her excitement every time the walker showed up. We moved out of the area but would recommend Paw Pals to anyone needing someone to care for their pets.
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