Purely Guides

Pets

New puppy and kitten checklists, training and care schedules.

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These guides are for people bringing home a new puppy or kitten, and for owners who want a clear routine instead of guesswork. They cover the first day, the first month, feeding and training schedules, grooming intervals, vaccine timing, and the hard decisions that come at the end of a pet's life.

If a puppy is arriving soon, start with The Checklist for New Puppy Owners: Before, During and After Day One. For a cat, start with The New Kitten Checklist: Your First Day, Week and Month. Both walk you through supplies, costs and a timeline so nothing gets missed in the first busy weeks.

Already settled in? Puppy Training Schedule: 8 Weeks to 6 Months, Week by Week and Feeding a Puppy Schedule by Age, Weight and Breed Size turn daily chaos into a plan. For ongoing care, use Dog Grooming Schedule: Exact Intervals by Breed and Coat Type and Dog Vaccination Schedule Chart: Every Shot by Age, Explained.

Bring them home

The Checklist for New Puppy Owners: Before, During and After Day One — free printable checklist (PDF, 18 pages), coverfree
The Checklist for New Puppy Owners: Before, During and After Day One
Pets · Checklist
18 pages

For the weeks before pickup day, when you're still buying supplies and planning crate and potty setup.

The New Kitten Checklist: Your First Day, Week and Month — free printable checklist (PDF, 19 pages), coverfree
The New Kitten Checklist: Your First Day, Week and Month
Pets · Checklist
19 pages

For first-time cat owners who want a timed plan and a realistic view of first-year costs.

Build the daily routine

Puppy Training Schedule: 8 Weeks to 6 Months, Week by Week — premium printable template (PDF, 23 pages), coverpremium+1 bonus
Puppy Training Schedule: 8 Weeks to 6 Months, Week by Week
Pets · Template
23 pages

Reach for this when potty accidents, biting and nap battles need a predictable daily structure.

Feeding a Puppy Schedule by Age, Weight and Breed Size — premium printable template (PDF, 28 pages), coverpremium+1 bonus
Feeding a Puppy Schedule by Age, Weight and Breed Size
Pets · Template
28 pages

For owners unsure how much food, how often, or what to do with a picky eater.

Keep up with health and grooming

Dog Vaccination Schedule Chart: Every Shot by Age, Explained — free printable cheat sheet (PDF, 18 pages), coverfree
Dog Vaccination Schedule Chart: Every Shot by Age, Explained
Pets · Cheat sheet
18 pages

Useful at the first vet visit, or when you've lost track of which shots are due.

Dog Grooming Schedule: Exact Intervals by Breed and Coat Type — free printable checklist (PDF, 13 pages), coverfree
Dog Grooming Schedule: Exact Intervals by Breed and Coat Type
Pets · Checklist
13 pages

For anyone guessing at bath, brush and nail timing for their dog's specific coat.

When to Put Your Cat Down Checklist: Scoring Quality of Life — free printable checklist (PDF, 15 pages), coverfree
When to Put Your Cat Down Checklist: Scoring Quality of Life
Pets · Checklist
15 pages

For families facing a senior or seriously ill cat and needing an honest way to decide.

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Common questions

What should I buy before my puppy comes home?

Crate, food, bowls, leash, ID tag, cleaning supplies and chew toys cover the basics, but costs add up fast. The Checklist for New Puppy Owners: Before, During and After Day One lists what to buy, what to skip, and what the first month typically costs.

How many times a day should a puppy eat?

It depends on age, current weight and expected adult size, and the number of meals drops as they grow. Feeding a Puppy Schedule by Age, Weight and Breed Size gives portion math and a 30-day tracker so you can adjust as the puppy gains.

What happens if we missed a puppy shot?

Missing a dose usually means restarting part of a series rather than skipping it, and timing matters for safe socialization. Dog Vaccination Schedule Chart: Every Shot by Age, Explained covers core versus non-core shots and the catch-up steps to discuss with your vet.

How do I know when it's time to euthanize my cat?

Scoring pain, appetite, mobility and hygiene over several days is more reliable than judging a single bad afternoon. When to Put Your Cat Down Checklist: Scoring Quality of Life gives a worksheet, a good-day/bad-day log and clear thresholds to bring to your vet.