If you are planning on getting a puppy or kitten, there are a few basic items you will need beforehand.  Even if the pet is older, there are things you need to do ahead of time to be ready.

For puppies or dogs, naturally you will need a good collar and leash.  Collars come in a wide variety of colors and materials.  Your choice depends on your preference.  Some people prefer cloth or leather collars, while others prefer adjustable collars.  Head collars and harnesses have become popular because they provide better control over an energetic puppy or dog.  Retractable leashes are popular among dog owners because they extend up to 16 feet and can be retracted to a few feet for easier control of the dog.  For training purposes, many dog trainers prefer a leather leash, preferably six feet long.

If you plan to train your cat to walk on a leash outdoors, a collar and leash are required.  A cat collar is recommended if you plan to let your cat wander outdoors.

Some owners prefer to crate their dogs at night or when left unattended.  Not surprisingly, many dogs enjoy being in their crates as it provides a sense of security.  It also prevents puppies from chewing on electrical cords or damaging items in your home.

Pet identification tags should always be firmly attached to collars.  At a minimum, the pet's name and your phone number should be included on the tag.

Whether your cat goes outdoors or not, you will need a pet carrier to transporting him to a veterinarian or for traveling.  Carriers are made of durable plastic which will last for many
years, or can be made of cardboard.

Before your new pet arrives, you will need bowls for food and water. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are preferable to plastic.  Plastic dishes are harder to sanitize, scratch and
crack easily, and can be chewed by the pet.  If you give your pet canned food, it is easier for your pet to eat from a bowl that is rounded inside.  Some dishes have rubber feet or rings around them to help keep them in place.

Whether it is a wicker basket on the floor or a special blanket on your bed, many pet owners provide beds for their pets.  Orthopaedic bedding, usually made from egg-crate foam, may help older dogs and cats.  Although cats may ignore any bed you choose for them, they will usually find their own spot.

There are many toys designed especially for dogs and cats.  Many toys, such as balls or ropes for dogs and wand-type toys for cats, are essential for exercising your pet, as well as allowing you to share quality time with your pet.  Squeaky toys are good for your dog.  Although the noise can drive you crazy, dogs like to toss these toys in the air and then pounce on them.  Be sure to supervise your dog when playing with squeak toys so he doesn't chew the toy up and swallow the squeaker.

Puppies must have chew toys.  Chew toys include artificial bones, treat-dispensing chew toys, and rope toys that also help clean their teeth and keep their breath fresh.  Chew toys ease teething discomfort and satisfy the puppy's natural instinct to chew.  It is not recommended to give puppies items such as old shoes because puppies may think that all shoes are chew toys.

You can ease the transition to a new home for your pet if you plan ahead and make sure you have some basic items before the pet arrives.