Most pet parents-to-be pick their pets' kits based on the appearance of the box instead of the contents. As a result, the kit is either too small, made from poor quality materials, or doesn't address any of the pet’s issues.
Where spending more makes sense
Some equipment is worn daily or impacts a person’s safety, and cheaper options can lead to broken, torn, or failed equipment at the worst possible time:
- Collars and harnesses that can take a dog's full pull
- Leads and clips for powerful dogs
- Reptile heating thermostats
- Aquarium filters and heaters
- Car restraints for dogs
Where it usually doesn't
- Stainless steel food and water bowls are inexpensive and long-lasting.
- Most toys: animal-themed toys don't have brand loyalty.
- Cases: Titles are not as important as function.
- Accessories focused on aesthetics rather than function.
- The brushes in boxed sets are often low quality and ineffective. Plus, you end up with extra brushes that serve no purpose.
Feeding kit
Stainless steel and ceramic bowls are good replacements for worn out and scratched plastic bowls because they do not retain bacteria, and are dishwasher safe. Bowls with mazes and lick mats help slow feeders. Water fountains help increase a cat's water consumption. Automatic feeders help distribute food on schedule but do not help with psychological issues a dog may have. If a dog has food anxiety or OCD, then an automatic feeder will not help.
The bag isn't the best container for dry food. For one, fats, which are usually stored in dry foods to prevent spoilage, will oxidise over time and ruin the food. Also, if a dry food is recalled, the bag doesn't have the lot or batch number. Store the food in the original bag in a sealed container to keep the food safe from fats and to keep the bag in case of a recall.
Walking kit
Dogs are required by law to have an ID tag on their collar when in public. An ID tag is the only legal requirement on a dog's collar, and a harness with a leash is all that is needed for most walks. Dogs with smashed faces (Brachycephalic) and dogs that have neck problems are also better suited to walk with a harness, as they can’t be held on a leash with a collar.
Winter evenings are dark. Reflective gear or a light attached to your dog’s collar will help you as well as your dog during these evening walks.
Pet tech
Pet tech can improve a pet's life by solving different problems. For example, a microchip cat flap will only allow a cat with a microchip to enter a house, thus keeping neighbouring cats from eating a house cat's food. However, many of these technologies require the owner to pay a subscription or other cost to use the product. Furthermore, these products don't change the fact that a person interacts with a pet. The technologies also can break or have other issues, requiring a person to fix them.
Beds and crates
You should look at the cover of a bed first. The rest doesn’t matter much. If you have older dogs or dogs with joint problems, you should get them a nice, soft, and supportive bed. It should also have low to no outer height so they can easily step onto it.
The crate should allow the dog to stand up, turn around, and stretch out. With proper use, the crate becomes a nice den for the dog, especially for a puppy. A den is necessary for a dog to have a place to relieve anxiety. This should not be used to punish or neglect the dog. The American Veterinary Medical Association says that a dog should not be left in a crate for more than 8 hours.
Second-hand kit
Second hand bowls, carriers and most beds are usually fine. You can pick up good quality gear cheap. Avoid used heat mats, heater elements and UVB bulbs. Check second hand aquariums for leaks. If possible test them outside full of water before bringing them into your home.
Getting the size right
Measurements are important. Collars and harnesses should be measured with a soft tape measure and fit snugly. A dog’s neck and chest should be measured for a harness. When measuring for a crate, have the dog stand up and stretch, and then measure that length. Repeat for lying down. Dogs are measured sitting and standing for size, so crate size should be based on the larger of the two measurements. For cages and enclosures, look for a floor space that is big enough to meet animal welfare standards. There are many small animal cages that do not meet the standards.
Purchase an adult size, and replace the kit as the pet grows.
Safety checks before you buy
- Toys: nothing that can be put in mouth. No loose parts. No squeakers.
- Chews: anything harder than an animal's teeth can cause fractured teeth. Avoid those.
- Cat collars: quick-release, so the collar comes undone if it gets snagged.
- ALWAYS use a cat-specific flea treatment on cats. Dog-specific flea treatments can contain permethrin. Permethrin can be toxic to cats and cause their death.
- Electricity: If there's a water source nearby or you have a chewing pet, you'll want to use this product.