Dogs can bring immeasurable joy into a child’s life. They help children develop social skills and responsibility and give them a lifelong companion—not to mention pups make wonderful cuddle buddies! However, kids must remember that earning a dog’s trust and affection takes time and patience. When they learn the right way to interact with a new dog, all their diligence and hard work will be worth it in the end.

Almost everyone has thought about adopting a pet at some point in their life. If you’ve considering bringing home a furry friend, what’s holding you back? Perhaps you think they’re too expensive, or the constant shedding doesn’t sound all that appealing. Rest assured, there’s a pet for every budget, level of maintenance and lifestyle. No matter which animal you adopt, they all provide the same things—unconditional love and companionship.

You’ve just signed the last bit of paperwork, and now it’s official—you’re the proud owner of a new rescue cat! But the work doesn’t stop there. Rescue pet parents have to make sure everything is in place before their kitty can step their paws over the threshold and into your home.

With all the excitement that comes with adopting a cat, pet parents might easily forget to kitty-proof their living space first! Cats are pretty low-maintenance compared to dogs, but they still require a few basic necessities. Pet supplies like food, bedding, a cat carrier and supplements will set you up for success.

Perhaps the greatest joy of being a cat is getting to lounge around all day. The midday snoozes we look forward to aren’t called “cat naps” for nothing! But while it’s normal for your feline to rest, pet parents often wonder if they really need all that sleep or if they’re simply bored.

Every dog needs some kind of work. Of course, expecting Fido to pull survivors from a burning building might be a bit too ambitious! Rest assured, there are plenty of tasks that need doing around the house, and your pet is the perfect pooch for the job.

An important part of every dog’s training is for them to understand where they’re allowed to sleep. Owners have a few options to consider including dog beds, crates, blankets, furniture or even your own bed! Whichever you choose will depend on a couple of factors like the dog’s age and how well they’re trained.

If your resident cat is getting up there in years, you might be wondering whether it’s a good idea to adopt a kitten to keep them company in their old age. Can it be done? Absolutely. But should you? This answer is less clear-cut.

Dog lovers should put as much stock in their pups’ daily routines as their own. Routines help introduce structure to your pet’s life and let them know what to expect. Plus, they help your dog stay relaxed after regularly burning off some energy—a quick game of fetch could mean the difference between a calm pooch and a house left in shambles!