Santa Brought a New Pet. Now What?

Gifting a pet to your family is truly the gift that keeps giving. The key to adding a new pet to your life the right way is being prepared — not just on the day you bring Fido home, but for every day after. 

Make Your Home Safe for Fido

Before you bring your pet home, do a walk-through looking for anything that could harm your pet. There are checklists available online to help cover your bases, but here are a few priorities to protect curious new pets from themselves:

• Use childproof latches to keep paws from prying open cabinets.
• Place medications, cleaners, chemicals, laundry supplies, rodent poison, antifreeze up high and out of reach.
• Move or tie up dangling electrical cords.
• Keep trash cans covered or inside a latched cabinet.

Help the New BFFs Bond

If you’ve gifted a new pet to your kiddos, set new expectations that will surely bond the new BFFs for life. Bonding occurs naturally between pets and those who take care of them. Help your child learn how to be the hero their new BFF deserves – feeding him on a regular schedule; walking him and romping in the back yard – even on bad weather days; teaching him how to chase balls and squirrels; brushing his coat; helping him learn how to do cool things like sit, stay, and shake. By being really good pet owners who are the center of Fido's life, your kids will be rewarded with a lifetime of love and sloppy kisses.

Wellness and Total Pet Care

Bring your new pet to see us at The PARC as soon as you can, especially if it’s a puppy or kitten. We’ll help you make sure they are protected with the right vaccines and are parasite free so you can snuggle away. Puppies and kittens will need a series of vaccines given during the first few weeks. Every year pets need to have their vaccines boosted, and our doctors like to do a thorough Physical Exam twice a year. Our medical team at The PARC will prep you with all the info you need to be the hero your new pet deserves! In addition to wellness care, The PARC provides everything your pet may need throughout its lifetime. Boarding, daily PlayCare, full-service Salon for dogs and cats, 24/ER and Critical Care. 

2am Scare; 3am Care

No one is ever completely prepared for an emergency, but it’s wise for a new pet owner to know The PARC is open 24/7. We always have vets ready to help. If your pet is a regular patient at The PARC, we’ll have their medical records handy and you’ll be cared for by familiar faces you know, trust, and who already love Fido. Unlike our own visits to the ER, payment is due at the time of service. An emergency pet care fund comes in handy when you need it! Although emergency care can be expensive, our prices are comparable with other ER vet hospitals in DFW. We will work alongside you throughout the care of your pet and keep you updated with accurate financial estimates. The PARC offers payment plans through CareCredit.com.