A little know-how.
A happier pet.
Practical care sheets for every kind of companion. Start with the basics, then find the guide for your animal.
Find your pet’s care guide
Choose an animal group, then explore its care sheets below.
Puppies & dogs
8 starter guides · Clear steps, useful checklists, trusted sources.
Bringing your puppy home
A calmer first day, a comfortable first night, and a simple start together.
Read care sheet Puppies & dogs · 3 minFood, water & growing well
Choose puppy food, keep meals consistent, and make changes gradually.
Read care sheet Puppies & dogs · 3 minPotty breaks, sleep & crate comfort
Small wins, kind rewards, and a routine your puppy can learn.
Read care sheet Puppies & dogs · 3 minYour first vet visit & when to call
Bring the records, ask questions, and know when help should not wait.
Read care sheet Puppies & dogs · 4 minGrooming your puppy at home
Simple, calm steps for baths, brushing, nails, teeth and ears.
Read care sheet Puppies & dogs · 4 minTraining your new puppy
Start on day one with short, upbeat lessons, rewards your puppy loves, and lots of gentle new experiences.
Read care sheet Puppies & dogs · 4 minTeacup and toy puppies: what to know
"Teacup" is a marketing word, not a breed. Here is what it means, which toy breeds to look at, and how to care for a very small puppy.
Read care sheet Puppies & dogs · 3 minWinter safety for your puppy
Keep paws safe from ice and salt, keep antifreeze away from pets, and keep your puppy busy indoors on cold days.
Read care sheetThe first hello.
The first night.
Keep things calm. Use familiar food. Make time for sleep and frequent potty breaks.
Start with your puppy’s first days ↗- Prepare a safe, quiet space.
- Bring their food and health records.
- Arrange your first vet visit.
Puppy Basics, one short lesson a day.
Potty training, the crate, the first vet visit, feeding and socializing, in plain words. See the lessons
Free puppy help
- Free 5-day Puppy Basics email courseA short lesson by email each day for 5 days.
- First 30 Days with Your Puppy guideChecklist, shopping list and feeding schedule. Print it.
- How big will my puppy get?Pick a breed and age. See the grown-up size range.
- First-year care budgetFood, vet, grooming and supplies for year one.
- Compare 2 breedsTwo breeds side by side, from our breed records.
- Kids’ corner printablesA puppy-ready checklist and coloring pages for kids.
Join the Gotcha Day club.
Tell us your pet’s name and the day they came home. Every year we send a happy Gotcha Day note.