Practical, honest advice for new adopters and experienced owners — from the first night at home to feeding, training and finding a good vet in Vienna.
A new home is exciting — and a little scary — for everyone involved. With some preparation and lots of patience, the move can be calm instead of chaotic.
Walk through your home at your pet's eye level. Hide cables, cleaning products and toxic plants, then set up food and water bowls, a cosy bed, a few toys and — for cats and small pets — a quiet hiding spot.
Show kids how to stroke gently and let the animal come to them. Meet resident pets on neutral ground or through a gate first, keep sessions short, and always supervise until everyone is relaxed.
Decide house rules before day one and keep them consistent. A crate, playpen or quiet room gives your pet a retreat where nobody disturbs them — that safety helps them settle faster.
Hiding, little accidents, a poor appetite or restless nights are all normal. Keep feeding and walk times regular, speak calmly, and give them time — most animals need a few weeks to show their true personality.
Reward calm behaviour with treats and praise, handle them gently, and spend a little focused time together every day. Trust grows from small, predictable, positive moments.
Good food is the easiest way to keep a pet healthy. Here's the basic plan for each species we rehome — tap one to open it.
A complete dog food that matches their age and size (puppy, adult or senior). Fresh water in a clean bowl, always.
Puppies: 3–4 small meals a day. Adults: 2 meals a day. Treats should stay under about 10% of daily food.
Cats are true carnivores and need a complete cat food. Wet food helps them stay hydrated; place water away from the food bowl.
Kittens: 3–4 small meals a day. Adults: at least 2 meals, or several small portions spread through the day.
Unlimited fresh hay should make up most of the diet, plus a daily portion of leafy greens and a small spoon of quality pellets.
Hay and water around the clock, greens once or twice a day. Carrots and fruit are sweet treats — a little, not daily.
Unlimited hay plus fresh veg every day. They can't make their own vitamin C, so add bell pepper, leafy greens and fortified pellets.
A quality hamster mix or pellets with small pieces of fresh vegetables. They're nocturnal — fill the bowl in the evening.
Pellets or a quality seed mix for parakeets, plus fresh vegetables like leafy greens and carrot every day. A cuttlebone supplies calcium.
Fresh food and water every morning; remove leftover fresh food after a few hours so it doesn't spoil.
Every animal is different. Ask your vet how much to feed, and change food gradually over about a week to avoid an upset stomach.
Whether you're a new pet parent or a seasoned animal lover, understanding your pet's needs is the key to a happy relationship.
Regular brushing keeps the coat healthy and doubles as bonding time; bathe only when needed. Daily walks, play sessions or free-roam time keep weight in check and burn off restless energy.
Teach "sit", "stay", "come" and "leave it" in short, happy sessions of a few minutes. Reward the moment they get it right with a treat or praise — cats can learn tricks this way too.
Separation anxiety, barking or guarding usually have a cause — boredom, fear or too little routine. Find the trigger, practise in small steps, and never punish; ask a trainer if you feel stuck.
Puzzle feeders, sniffing games, new walking routes and meeting calm, friendly animals prevent boredom — and a tired, happy pet is a well-behaved pet.
Trusted vets, affordable care, good food and friendly communities — here's where to start.
Tierarztpraxis am Bacherplatz is an English-speaking clinic offering full care, including diagnostics and dental treatment.
Animal Care Austria is a non-profit offering low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations — more than 10,000 sterilisations since 2006.
PERRO is a local Austrian brand with high-quality, grain-free food for different dietary needs. Futterambulanz offers expert nutrition counselling.
Animal Care Austria runs a community for pet owners, and local Vienna Facebook groups are great for quick, real-time tips and recommendations.
Being a great pet parent is a lifelong journey — we're here for every step. 
