New Pet? What to Buy at Chewy in the First Month (and What to Skip)

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A new puppy, kitten or rescue comes with a very long shopping list and a lot of products that promise to make life easier. Most of them are not needed in the first month. This guide sorts a big online pet store like Chewy into three piles: what you need right away, what can wait, and what you can safely skip.

Before You Shop: Ask First

If your pet comes from a breeder, shelter or rescue, ask what food it has been eating. Switching food suddenly can upset a stomach, so most owners keep the same food for the first few weeks and change gradually. Your vet can advise on what suits your animal.

Week One: The Essentials

• Food that matches age and size. Puppy, kitten, adult and senior formulas differ. Pick the one for your pet’s life stage.
• Bowls for food and water. Stainless steel or ceramic are easy to clean. Choose a size that suits the animal.
• A collar or harness with an ID tag. Fit matters more than looks. You should be able to slide two fingers under it.
• A leash (dogs) or a carrier (cats). You will need them for the first vet visit.
• A bed or a soft, washable blanket. A comfortable, quiet spot helps a pet settle in.
• Litter, a box and a scoop (cats). Ask what litter the pet already uses and start with that.
• Waste bags (dogs). Buy a roll you will not run out of.

Weeks Two to Four: Useful, Not Urgent

• Grooming basics. A brush or comb that fits the coat, nail clippers and pet-safe shampoo.
• Chew toys and puzzle toys. Pick sturdy ones sized for your pet and replace them when they wear down.
• A crate or a safe space. Useful for training and travel. Size it for the adult animal, with a divider while they are small.
• A scratching post (cats). It saves your sofa.
• Training treats. Small and soft, so you can use plenty without overfeeding.
• Dental care. Pet toothpaste and a brush, or dental chews your vet approves.

Safe to Skip For Now

• Outfits and accessories. Cute, but not needed.
• Several beds in different sizes. Wait until you know the adult size and where your pet likes to sleep.
• Large bulk packs of an untested food. Make sure your pet likes and tolerates it first.
• Gadgets you will not use. Cameras and feeders can be great later, but they are not week-one items.
• Supplements. Ask your vet before you add any.

Health Items: Talk to Your Vet

Flea, tick and worming products, vaccines and any medicine are decisions for your vet. Book a first check-up soon after you bring your pet home and ask what they recommend. Do not guess dosages or mix products yourself.

Tips to Keep Costs Down

• Buy small first. A small bag of food costs less to waste than a large one.
• Choose durable over trendy. A good bowl and leash can last for years.
• Compare unit prices. A bigger bag is cheaper per kilo only if your pet will finish it.
• Keep a running list. Write down what you actually run out of in the first month.

Final Thoughts

The first month is about comfort, safety and routine, not buying everything on the shelf. Cover the essentials, add things as you learn your pet’s habits, and let the vet guide the health decisions. When you are ready to shop, the Chewy site is a good place to compare options in one place.

This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Product availability, prices and policies are set by Chewy and may change. Verify current details on Chewy’s website, and ask your vet about food, health and medication for your pet.