PetSmart’s Holiday Gifts to Welcome Your New Pet Home

Congratulations, you’ve decided to adopt a new pet! But before you bring home your furry buddy, keep in mind that a little prep will go a long way to help them adjust.

This includes everything from basics (such as food and collars) to picking out toys, beds, and fun holiday gifts. Simple as they may seem, these thoughtful touches make a world of difference to animals, especially when they’re a little freaked out about an environment that’s new to them.

Here’s a list, from our friends at PetSmart, of everything a pet parent should buy to help their sidekick settle into their new home — and celebrate your first holiday season together!

Mealtime

When you’re getting ready to bring home a new pet, mealtime is one of the first routines to lock in. Think pet food, bowls, and all the little things that help make those first days together feel comforting and full of happiness as you establish a daily rhythm to help them settle in.

Food and water bowls

New pet parents often learn the hard way that mealtime can be messy. To get ahead of this, get a Top Paw® Bones Dog Bowl. This budget-friendly, sturdy bowl has a wide bottom to help prevent tipping, making it perfect for enthusiastic eaters, while the playful bone design is the cutest. Ceramic bowls, such as the Top Paw® Olive Bone Ceramic Dog Bowl, are also big hits because they are sturdy, nontoxic, and heavy enough to stay put.

Training treats

Nutro Crunchy Dog Treats with Real Mixed Berries are perfect for training. They crumble easily and are made with real berries, high-quality protein — and without chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives. (For healthier cat treats, try Temptations™ Meaty Bites).

Play and enrichment

Play isn’t just fun — it’s how your new pet learns, bonds, and burns off all their energy. Stocking up on toys and enrichment essentials is a smart move from day one to keep them occupied.

Dog toys

The Joyhound® Flattie Squirrel is a must-have for dogs who love to snuggle, chew, and play. This plush toy combines a soft exterior with an internal crinkling squeaker to keep pups entertained, while easing anxiety, boredom, or loneliness. But here’s why you really want this toy: Pet parents rave that it’s tough enough to survive even the most enthusiastic tug-of-war.

Scratchers

The Whisker City® Scratch & Cradle is a mini playground for cats. Its comfy cradle is great for lounging, while the woven seagrass sidewall gives them a great place to scratch, which new pet parents will quickly realize they desperately need. This is a great way to save your rugs.

Out and about

Outings with your new pet start with the right gear and all the little essentials that make each walk or adventure feel easy, safe, and totally joy-filled.

Leashes and collars

Six feet long, the Top Paw® Dog Leash is strong enough to handle big pulls and playful teeth, while giving you full control. Available in several colors, this durable nylon leash is a must-have staple.

Another essential is the Top Paw® Dog Collar. It’s strong, durable, no-frills, and perfect for a new or growing pup who’s getting acclimated to wearing a collar. Fully adjustable for a comfy, secure fit, it’s also lightweight, making it a favorite.

Care and clean up

Bringing home a new pet means embracing the messy moments, too. Having the right care, grooming, and clean-up essentials on hand keeps things fresh, easy, and stress-free.

Cat litter

Top of the shopping list for every new cat parent? Cat litter. A great place to start is with Pretty Litter, which has lightweight, odor-trapping crystals that instantly soak up moisture. This litter will even change color to help you keep an eye on your kitty’s health.

Poop bags

These Top Paw® Tribal Cactus Waste Bags are extra-thick and sturdy, making cleanup easy — which isn’t always true of poop bags. They also have a playful cactus design and eucalyptus scent, making this unpleasant task a little more pleasant.

Rest and recharge

Every new pet needs a cozy spot to call their own, because downtime is just as important as playtime when they’re settling in.

Crate

A KONG® Ultra-Strong Two Door Crate provides a safe, cozy, yet secure space for crate-training puppies and older dogs. Pet parents love the sturdy construction, reinforced doors, and divider — which helps with growing pups. Add a comfy mat and bedding, and you’ve got the ultimate crate for training.

Bed

Make sure your dog can curl up in comfort with the Top Paw® Cuddler Dog Bed, available in soft gray or tan. Made from ultra-plush fabric, it’s cozy, cuddly, and perfect for lounging, napping, or just feeling extra spoiled.

Health and wellness

Dental care, regular vet visits, and grooming all help keep your new pet healthy and happy. Meanwhile, DNA tests for cats and dogs are a fun way to learn even more about who’s joined your family and can lend extra insight into their health and traits.

Dental chews

One thing new pet parents often forget? Dental care. In addition to regular brushing, keep your small dog’s smile happy and healthy with Pedigree® Dentastix. Their chewy X-shape scrapes away plaque and hard-to-reach tartar while freshening breath, all without added sugar or fillers.

Dental care matters for cats, too. Greenies™ are basically the OG of dental treats. Their crunchy texture helps reduce tartar buildup, freshens breath, and keeps cuddle time enjoyable.

Celebrate

Celebrate your new furry family member with a gift that gets tails wagging or paws pouncing! For dogs, the Gingerbread Rope Ball Toy is a go-to for fetch, tug, and bonding time. Cats can dive into a whole collection of toys with Merry and Bright’s Cat Toys Set, covering everything they love to chase, bat, and pounce on. Picking out a special toy makes your first holiday together feel extra playful and memorable — the start of your own little tradition.