There is a very specific moment that happens when you bring home a new puppy or kitten. It’s usually sometime between the first cuddle and the first accident on the floor. You look at this tiny creature, full of trust and chaos, and think, I really hope I’m doing this right.
Because while welcoming a new pet is joyful and exciting, it is also overwhelming. Suddenly you are responsible for their nutrition, training, safety, vaccinations, parasite protection, sleep routines and long term health. Google becomes your late night companion. Advice feels endless and often contradictory. Everyone seems confident. You are not.
That is exactly why Petdirect has created two comprehensive resources designed specifically for Kiwi pet parents at the very beginning of the journey.
They are structured, practical, and built around the real questions people ask once the door closes and it’s just you and your new family member.
Puppyhood: The Beautiful Chaos Stage
Puppies are pure energy wrapped in fur, learning everything for the first time. Those early weeks shape their health, confidence and behaviour for years, which makes structure and routine incredibly important.
The Petdirect Puppy Guide helps you prepare your home, settle your puppy calmly, and build good habits from day one. It covers sleep setups, crate training, nutrition and safe food transitions, along with clear guidance on NZ vaccination timelines and parasite prevention.
You’ll also find practical support for toilet training, teething and preventing unwanted behaviours early using positive reinforcement.
Kittenhood: Small Body, Big Personality
Kittens may be tiny, but they grow and adapt quickly, and the first weeks at home are key for building good habits and a sense of safety.
The Petdirect Kitten Guide walks you through preparing your home, avoiding common hazards like toxic plants, and setting up essentials such as litter trays, scratching posts and enrichment. It also outlines the NZ vaccination schedule, desexing guidance, and parasite protection, even for indoor kittens.
With clear advice on litter training, nutrition and early behaviour, it helps new cat owners feel confident navigating kittenhood without the guesswork.
Why the First Year Matters So Much
Whether you bring home a puppy or a kitten, the first year lays the foundation for everything that follows. This is when bones strengthen, brains develop, immune systems mature and behavioural patterns become established.
High quality nutrition supports skeletal and cognitive growth. Routine parasite prevention protects both pets and people. Early training reduces anxiety driven behaviours later in life. Regular vet visits establish a baseline for long term health.
Both guides include development timelines so you know what to expect at each stage, from those fragile early weeks through to adolescence and adulthood. Knowing what is normal removes a lot of stress.
Start Here
If you are about to bring home a new puppy or kitten, or you are in the thick of those first few weeks, these guides are designed to help you feel confident in the role you have just taken on.
And yes, even if you have already Googled everything twice, they are still worth the read.
