Some advice for first-time pet owners

COLUMBIA, S.C. — If a new four-legged family member arrived over the holidays and it’s your first pet, we asked for advice from local experts. 

Leslie Rider is the medical manager and foster coordinator at Final Victory Animal Rescue in West Columbia. She says, “If you’ve never owned a pet before, it is super important to make sure you have all the correct resources.” 

Rider emphasizes the importance of preparation when adding a new furry addition to your family. “Pets are expensive. You need to make sure that you can afford food, toys, and vet appointments,” she says.

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Rider reminds us that bringing a new pet home introduces them to a completely new environment. “You need to make sure that you’re giving them comfort and reassuring them that it’s okay. You don’t want to just kind of throw them into the house and be like, okay, there you go,” says Rider.

Rescuing an animal can sometimes be a smoother experience. The pets often come with some basic training, making the transition into a new home easier, especially for new pet owners.

Rider mentions, “Here at Final Victory, we get well acquainted with all of our dogs. Same with our fosters. They’re in a home, so they know if they’re potty trained. We know if they’re chewers, if they’re playful, if they’re lazy.”

As a reminder, many adoptable animals at Final Victory Animal Rescue are waiting for their forever homes.