Greencross Vets New Puppy or Kitten? Here’s What You Need to Know
January and February are prime time for welcoming new puppies and kittens into our homes. It’s an exciting time, but it can also be a little overwhelming.
To help you navigate these first few months, I visited Dr Helen, Veterinary Director at my local Greencross Vets, with 6-month old puppy Bobby, to ask her top advice for new pet parents.
Here is her checklist for surviving and thriving with your new four-legged family member.
1. Check for Hazards
Puppies are notorious for eating… well, everything. Dr Helen warns that socks, toys, plastic, and wires are common targets that can cause nasty obstructions.
You also need to secure your cupboards, because they’re quite good at getting them open.
Remember that common household foods are actually toxic to dogs, including:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Chocolate
2. Register with Your Local Vet
Don’t wait until your pet is sick to find a vet. Registering early allows the vet to track:
- Vaccination schedules.
- Parasite control (fleas, ticks, and worms).
- General health and growth milestones.
3. Start Training on Day 1
It is never too early to learn. Dr Helen advises that toilet training should start the minute you bring them home.
Simple commands like “Sit” and “Stay” can also be taught immediately. They will never stop learning, but building a foundation now makes life much easier later.
When Should You Desex Your Pet?
There is a lot of conflicting advice out there regarding desexing, because it differs from one pet to another.
Dr. Helen explains that the best age for desexing is largely based on the size of your pet and can vary slightly by gender.
Because there is no “one size fits all” rule, the best approach is to chat with your vet to get a recommendation tailored specifically to your pet’s breed and development.
How to Save on Puppy & Kitten Costs
If you’re worried about the cost of care, check out the current offers from Greencross Vets designed for smart spenders.
| FREE Vaccination, consultation included*: For your puppy or kitten at your local Greencross Vets until 6 March 2026.$50 Off Healthy Pets Plus Puppy & Kitten plan^: Save on the initial cost of the Healthy Pets Plus Puppy & Kitten Lifestage Plan until 6 March 2026.
FREE heartworm preventative treatment#: First dose is free for puppies 3-6 months with no prior history of heartworm treatment until 6 March 2026. |
Healthy Pets Plus (by Greencross Vets) is a proactive pet wellness membership that helps spread the cost of care at Greencross Vets. For puppies and kittens the current benefits include:
- All standard vet consultations
- 25% off desexing
- Annual vaccinations as recommended by your Greencross Vet
- Emergency consultations included or discounted at participating hospitals – see emergencyvet.com.au
- Plus $50 off until 6 March 2026!
The bottom line is, if you’re looking for a good vet and want to stack up some savings this month, head to your local Greencross Vets.
They’ll do a great job of looking after your pet. But they can’t stop them chewing your furniture…
As Dr Helen says, “There’s no vaccination for that!”
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Joel Gibson is a money-saving expert and a Greencross Vets ambassador. Follow @greencrossvets & @joelkillsbills for more smart spending tips for your pets.
The following offers have now expired and cannot be redeemed.
Terms and Conditions:
Offers end 6 March 2026.
*Valid for new Greencross Vets clients. Consultation included.
^Valid for new members only. Healthy Pets Plus 12-month membership fee: $600 – kittens, puppies & adults; $660 – senior cats & dogs. Benefits must not be abused. Savings based on prices for non-members & cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount unless stated otherwise. Exclusions & T&Cs apply – see www.healthypetsplus.com.au
#Valid for new and existing Greencross Vets clients. Subject to availability and while stocks last.
