Welcoming a puppy or kitten into your home is one of life’s happiest milestones. But for many first-time pet parents, those early weeks are filled with small choices that can feel uncertain. In fact, Royal Canin’s insights show that nearly half of pet owners in the Philippines are new to the experience — often bringing pets home through friends, family, or chance encounters. With little time to prepare, decisions about feeding, vet care, and routines are often made on instinct rather than guidance.

“The earliest decisions pet parents make often shape a pet’s health for years to come,” said Gerard Poa, Philippine Market Head of Royal Canin. “The ‘Start of Life’ during puppies and kittens’ stage is where good intentions meet the biggest learning curve, which is why early guidance matters—not just for individual pets, but for how pet care evolves as a whole.”

1. Nutrition Comes First

One of the most common early missteps is feeding young pets with adult food already at home. It feels convenient, but puppies and kittens have very different nutritional needs. Their growth, immunity, and digestion are still developing, which means they require food designed specifically for their stage.

“Puppies and kittens aren’t just smaller versions of adult pets,” explained Dr. Kitsie Torres, Health Affairs Manager at Royal Canin, veterinarian, and pet owner. “During the ‘Start of Life’ stage, their bodies are still developing—from immunity to digestion. Nutrition designed for their life stage helps support healthy growth and gives pet parents confidence that they’re starting right, even as they continue learning.”

2. Don’t Put Off the Vet Visit

Another quiet delay often happens around veterinary care. When a puppy or kitten looks healthy, it can feel reasonable to wait before scheduling a check-up. But early vet visits are about more than vaccines — they’re opportunities to learn about development, nutrition, and preventive care.

“Early vet visits aren’t just about reacting when something goes wrong,” Dr. Torres added. “They’re moments for guidance and planning—helping pet parents understand their pet’s development, nutrition needs, and preventive care before small concerns become lasting issues.”

3. Shape Confidence Through Routines

Chewing, scratching, restless nights, or bursts of energy can feel worrying to new pet parents. Yet these behaviors are part of normal early development. Small, consistent routines around feeding, play, rest, and training help pets adjust — and give owners confidence in their role.

4. Get Guidance When You Need It Most

To support pet parents at this critical stage, Puppy & Kitten Con: The Best Start in Life to a Lifetime Together was created. Happening on April 18–19, 2026 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, the event offers interactive experiences and expert-led conversations around nutrition, vet care, and home routines.

“Puppy & Kitten Con was designed to meet pet parents at the exact moment these questions arise,” Gerard Poa added. “By simplifying and improving the accessibility of guidance during the ‘Start of Life’ stage, we are empowering pet parents with the knowledge and confidence they need from the very beginning.”

Here’s what to expect so you can plan your visit accordingly:

Beyond the event, communities like RC Club continue the support, offering tailored information as pets grow — ensuring that guidance doesn’t stop after the first few weeks.

Bringing home a puppy or kitten is the start of a lifetime together. With the right nutrition, timely vet care, and consistent routines, first-time pet parents can build a strong foundation for their pets’ health and happiness. And with guidance available from experts and communities, those early questions become stepping stones toward confident, caring ownership.

See you at the con!

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