New Pet Checklist: 50 Essentials To Stock in Your Pet Shop

Welcoming a new pet into the family is an exciting time, filled with anticipation and joy. As a dedicated pet shop owner, you have the opportunity to guide new pet parents in ensuring their furry, feathered, or scaly companions have everything they need to thrive. 

In this blog, we’ll highlight the essentials to stock in your store — and how to win over new pet owners. Set your customers up with a new pet checklist and help them start their growing pet family off right.

Let’s get started.

Winning Over New Pet Owners

For a new pet owner, parenthood can be overwhelming. Customers want to know what’s truly necessary versus what’s merely an upsell. Your pet store’s product selection is your first and most important opportunity to establish trust and win their long-term loyalty.

Build Trust Through Curation

A carefully curated selection sends a powerful message: You’re an expert, not just a seller. New owners are looking for guidance. By stocking only high-quality, vet-recommended, and species-appropriate essentials, you simplify their purchasing decisions. 

When they see a product on your shelves, they trust that it meets a standard of safety and quality. This sense of confidence is invaluable and sets your store apart from big-box retailers.

Create a Complete “Starter Kit”

New pet owners want a one-stop-shop experience. If they have to visit three different stores to get a proper reptile enclosure, a selection of high-quality crickets and dubia roaches, and a reliable heating pad, they are less likely to return to your shop. 

A comprehensive inventory — covering food, comfort, waste management, and species-specific needs — helps them fill their entire new pet checklist with you. This convenience solidifies your shop as their primary resource from day one.

Ease the Transition

Your product selection serves as a practical guide. Grouping essential items makes it easier for new pet owners to understand everything required for their pet’s smooth transition home. For example, stock specialized products for different life stages. Add puppy and kitten formulas for young pets, or senior diet pet foods for older rescues. 

You may also want to carry anxiety vests and allergy-friendly foods for pets with special needs. This demonstrates your understanding of the long-term commitment of pet ownership, encouraging customers to see you as a partner in their pet’s life.

50 Must-Have Products for New Pet Owners 

Here’s a comprehensive checklist of the essentials to stock in your shop to make sure every new pet is off to a great start.

Food & Water Supplies

Nutrition and hydration are the foundations of a pet’s health and well-being. Stock a variety of food and water supplies to cater to the diverse dietary needs of different species.

1. Food bowls: There are bowls for every type of pet — dogs, cats, reptiles, birds, and more. Choose food bowls that slow pets down, refill automatically, or elevate to meet the animal’s height. Stock products targeted to your pet store’s focus.
2. Water dishes: Provide a range of sizes and styles for different pets’ needs. Beyond sizes, manufacturers offer self-refilling bowls, shallow trays for reptiles, and no-spill bowls.
3. Appropriate pet food: Offer options such as kibble, wet food, hay, and specialized diets to meet different nutritional needs. If your store focuses on dog care and supplies, stock a broad selection of dog foods for every age and size. If you’re a general pet shop, carry well-rounded food options for each type of pet.
4. Treats: Stock a selection of treats for training and rewarding pets. Include roasted beef tips and pig’s ears for dogs, and catnip and lickable treats for cats.
5. Water bottles: Essential for small animals or travel, water bottles help pets stay hydrated and should be included on your new pet checklist. Stock bottles for birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and gerbils, depending on your customer base. 
6. Food storage containers: Keep pet food fresh with airtight, stackable containers. Customers with multiple pets can easily access food for the whole family, and large bins accommodate a full 50-pound bag.

Comfort & Shelter

Creating a safe and cozy environment is key to helping pets feel secure and comfortable in their new homes. Here are some items to add to your new pet checklist and stock in your store.

1. Dog beds: Cuddler beds, with raised edges, are ideal for dogs who like to rest their head or feel secure. Donut and calming beds are deep, circular designs with high walls that help settle dogs who love to curl up and burrow.
2. Kennel pads: Stock basic, durable, and comfortable padding for use inside crates or kennels.
3. Cat beds: Heated or self-warming beds are excellent for cats, especially new pets who naturally seek out warm spots. Cave and covered beds satisfy a cat’s instinct to hide and feel safe in an enclosed space. Window perches and hammocks also sell well for cats who enjoy watching the outdoors.
4. Soft bedding mats and pads: For small animals, stock simple, washable, and comfortable bases for their enclosures.
5. Hiding tunnels or tents: Add these to your selection of crates, kennels, and tanks to give rodents and reptiles a sense of security and a place to nest.

Related Read: Owning a Pet Store: 6 Must-Have Skills

Enrichment & Play

New pets are curious in their new homes and explore energetically, so be sure to carry toys and play items to keep them engaged and entertained.

1. Interactive and puzzle toys: Engage dogs’ minds and slow down feeding by including cones and treat-dispensing balls on your new pet checklist. Fetch toys — durable rubber balls, frisbees, and ropes — provide exercise and give new puppies and pet parents tools to play together.
2. Plush and comfort toys: Ideal for cuddling and gentle play, these should be stuffing-free or durable enough for chewers. Dogs also enjoy ropes or fabric toys for bonding and energy release, making them a valuable addition to your inventory.
3. Cat toys: Interactive wand toys simulate hunting and provide exercise, while small, lightweight solo play toys — like crinkle balls, catnip mice, and springs — help new customers find the perfect toy for their cat.
4. Scratching posts and pads: These are essential for satisfying a cat’s natural urge to scratch. New pet owners will thank you for helping them protect their furniture, too.
5. Chew toys: Stock safe wood, hay, or mineral blocks to support dental health. Shredding toys made from natural materials like wood, paper, or leather offer enrichment and fulfill destructive chewing instincts.
6. Exercise wheels and balls: These are perfect for keeping small animals active. Include appropriate, solid-surface wheels for hamsters and gerbils.
7. Swings and perches: Offer new bird owners a variety of additions for bird enclosures that also help exercise their birds’ feet.

Waste Management

Proper waste management is a must-have for maintaining a clean and healthy home for pets and their owners. House training is a consistent and pressing need for new pet owners, and they often fill their carts with products to help train their pets.

1. Litter boxes: Stock different types, such as traditional open boxes, covered boxes for privacy and odor control, and self-cleaning automatic boxes. Include sifting scoops (the standard for clumping litter), deep-bladed scoops for efficient bulk removal, and options with longer handles to reduce bending.
2. Litter types: Offer a range of options, like clumping clay (the most popular all-purpose choice), non-clumping clay (often recommended for kittens or post-surgery), natural alternatives like pine, corn, or paper (for eco-conscious customers), and silica gel crystal litter (for superior moisture and odor control). 
3. Poop bags and dispensers: Carry options to meet all customer needs, including eco-friendly biodegradable or plant-based bags, as well as scented and unscented varieties. Offer small refill rolls for daily use and large bulk boxes for stocking up. Include durable dispensers that easily attach to leashes for hands-free carrying, helping pet owners stay prepared.
4. Dog waste tools: Offer long-handled jaw-style scoopers for yards and walks, and spade-and-bin sets for larger waste in kennels or gardens.
5. Small animal bedding: Choose highly absorbent, dust-free, and biodegradable bedding for hamsters, gerbils, and rabbits. Ensure wood shavings are kiln-dried pine or aspen, and avoid cedar, which can be harmful to rodents and birds.

Grooming & Hygiene

Regular grooming and hygiene products are an important part of a pet’s overall health. Provide a selection of grooming supplies to help pet parents maintain their pets’ well-being and appearance.

1. Brushes: Stock brushes for removing loose fur and mats — this is especially important for dogs and cats with medium to long coats, like golden retrievers and Persian cats. Pin brushes work best for daily grooming of long, silky, or wiry coats, while bristle brushes are ideal for short-haired breeds because they remove surface debris and add shine.
2. De-shedding tools: Designed to reach beneath the topcoat and safely remove loose undercoat, these tools are essential for double-coated breeds like huskies and German shepherds.
3. Grooming combs: These combs are used to check for any remaining tangles after brushing and are perfect for careful work on delicate areas like the face and paws.
4. Shampoos and conditioners: Offer products formulated for specific coat types, such as brightening shampoos for white or light-colored coats and deep-cleansing formulas for oily or dirty coats. Include rinse-out or leave-in conditioners to restore moisture, reduce static, and make brushing easier, especially for long, tangle-prone hair.
5. Nail clippers and grinders: Typically used for small to medium-sized dogs, clippers work by placing the nail through a small hole and slicing it off with a single blade. Grinders are suitable for pets of any size, especially those with dark nails where the quick is hard to see or for pets nervous about the loud snap of traditional clippers.
6. Toothbrush and pet toothpaste: Stock pet-friendly toothpaste in appealing flavors, like poultry or beef, to encourage regular use. Offering a variety of brush styles — finger brushes and long-handled brushes — helps owners effectively clean their teeth and prevent plaque buildup.
7. Flea and tick prevention: Include collars, topical treatments, and oral medications, which are especially popular during the spring and summer when pests are most active. Educate new pet parents that year-round use, often recommended by veterinarians, ensures consistent protection against diseases carried by these pests.

Safety & Restraint

Safety is a top priority when it comes to pets. Offer a range of safety and restraint products to protect them and give owners peace of mind.

1. Collars or harnesses: Stocking a variety of styles is key, including standard flat collars for ID, martingale collars for escape-prone pets, H-harnesses for small pets and cats, and front-clip “no-pull” harnesses for training. Each type helps ensure proper identification and safety during walks and travel.
2. Leashes: Offer durable, comfortable leashes in different materials and lengths, such as a standard six-foot nylon or leather leash for control and training, a retractable leash for more freedom in open spaces, and a hands-free leash for jogging or hiking. These options help promote safe and enjoyable walks.
3. Carriers for transport: Provide secure carriers for pet transport, including hard-sided plastic crates for maximum protection and durability, and soft-sided carriers that are lightweight and airline-friendly. Both types are essential for safe trips and vet visits for small to medium-sized pets.
4. ID tags and microchipping services: Coordinate with local vets to provide identification solutions, and carry a variety of ID tags. Options include traditional engraved tags that attach to collars, slide-on tags to reduce noise, and silent alternatives like embroidered or personalized collars. These solutions give pet owners a reliable way to contact them if a pet gets lost.
5. Gates or barriers: Help create safe spaces for pets within the home by offering both pressure-mounted gates for temporary doorway blocking and hardware-mounted gates for permanent security at the top of stairs. These are particularly important for new puppies, kittens, or pets undergoing training.

Health & Wellness

A pet’s health and overall wellness is your customers’ first concern. Stock these items to let customers know you care about their new pets.

1. First-aid kits: Include pet-specific first-aid kits that contain essential items for emergencies, like gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, nonstick pads, and emergency vet contact information. It’s helpful to carry a pet-safe muzzle to ensure both the pet’s and the owner’s safety during treatment.
2. Supplements: Offer a range of high-quality, vet-recommended supplements, including joint formulas (glucosamine/chondroitin) for mobility, omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, probiotics for digestive support, and calming aids for anxiety or stressful situations.
3. Pet-safe cleaning products: Keep homes safe for pets by carrying specialized, nontoxic cleaners free from harsh chemicals like ammonia and chlorine. These products are needed for maintaining a healthy living environment.
4. Medications: Stock necessary nonprescription medications and calming aids for common health needs, such as dewormers (check local regulations), motion-sickness aids for travel, and topical anti-itch sprays for minor irritations.

Training Supplies

Effective training and proper behavior management help new pets make the transition home, and stocking the right supplies lets new owners establish a strong, positive relationship.

1. Training treats: High-value, small, and easily digestible treats are essential for positive reinforcement during short training sessions, helping maintain a pet’s focus.
2. Clickers and whistles: Providing a consistent, distinct sound, these tools help mark the exact moment a pet performs the desired behavior, supporting effective training.
3. Potty pads: Highly absorbent and often lightly scented to draw pets to the pad, these help new owners manage inevitable indoor accidents and support house training, especially for young puppies or small pets.
4. Interactive feeders and puzzles: These products are designed to engage a pet’s mind, challenging animals to solve a problem while slowing down feeding. It effectively manages boredom and channels energy into a constructive activity.

Travel & Outdoor Gear

Bringing a new pet home often involves travel, which can be an anxious experience for the animal and the new owner. Help ease their worries by stocking products designed to make the trip (and any future trips) safe, secure, and stress-free.

1. Car seat covers: These protect vehicle upholstery from hair, dirt, and scratches. Options include waterproof hammock-style covers for the back seat and bucket-seat protectors for individual seats.
2. Travel bowls: Convenient for meals on the go, these include collapsible silicone bowls for easy packing and durable water bottles with integrated drinking cups for quick hydration breaks.
3. Pet strollers: Ideal for small or older pets needing assistance on longer outings, pet strollers let pets with mobility issues — like senior dogs or cats — safely enjoy the outdoors alongside their owners.
4. Reflective gear for walks: This gear helps keep pets visible and safe during early morning or evening walks. Popular options include reflective vests, light-up LED collars, and leashes with embedded reflective stitching.

Species-Specific Needs

Don’t forget that many new pet owners adopt small, less common companions who require their own specific and essential gear.

1. Enclosures: Heat lamps create basking spots and maintain the temperature reptiles need for proper metabolism and digestion. Choose appropriate ground cover — such as cypress mulch or specialized reptile carpet — to support humidity and provide a safe environment. Offer secure hiding spots and UV lights to complete reptile habitats.
2. Cages and perches: Provide perches in various diameters and materials, such as rope or natural branches, to exercise a bird’s feet and prevent foot problems. Bird baths and misters promote healthy skin and feathers, and regular bathing encourages natural preening behavior.
3. Aquariums and tanks: A properly sized tank provides a stable habitat for each fish species. Use quality filters to remove waste and maintain clear, healthy water. A reliable aquarium heater keeps the water at a species-appropriate temperature, helping prevent illness and stress.

Adding these items to your new pet checklist helps your store fully support new pet owners and ensures their pets have everything they need for a healthy, happy start.

Related Read: 9 Pet Store Marketing Tools To Improve Your Online Presence

Get Ahead of the Competition With eTailPet’s Smart Inventory Management

Stocking your pet shop with all the right essentials for new pet owners is a strong foundation. But to truly succeed, you’ve got to connect with your customers and understand what they need.

eTailPet’s inventory management and reporting features offer valuable insights that can empower you to make data-driven decisions. Our all-in-one, cloud-based software analyzes what your customers are buying to see which products sell the most. This helps ensure you’re stocking the right products, making it easier to meet customer needs and support their pets’ health and happiness.

Ready to see how eTailPet can transform your pet shop? Explore the Build and Price tool to customize a solution that fits your business needs.