There’s always more to learn as new fur parents. Even I need a refresher every time I welcome a new baby! Bringing home a puppy or kitten is a joyful milestone but for many first-time pet parents, the earliest weeks are also shaped by small, quiet decisions—often made on instinct, long before guidance feels clear.
In the Philippines, Royal Canin’s insights show that around half of pet owners are first timers, with many puppies and kittens acquired informally through friends, family, or unexpected circumstances. With little time to prepare, early care decisions are often guided by what feels practical in the moment, rather
than what growing pets truly need.
“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.”
One of the first moments where uncertainty shows up is nutrition. Adult pet food is often already at home, making it an easy default—not because pet parents don’t care, but because it feels familiar and convenient. Yet puppies and kittens have very different nutritional needs during their earliest stages, when growth, immunity, and digestion are still developing.
“Puppies and kittens aren’t just smaller versions of adult pets,” said 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.”
Another quiet delay often happens around veterinary care. Many pet parents plan to schedule their first vet visit “once things settle down.” When a puppy or kitten appears healthy, it can feel reasonable to wait. But early vet visits are not only about vaccines—they are opportunities for guidance, helping pet parents understand development, nutrition needs, and preventive care from the very beginning.
“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.”
Beyond feeding and vet care, everyday routines also play a role. Chewing, scratching, disrupted sleep, or bursts of energy can feel worrying to new pet parents. Many of these behaviors are part of normal early development, and small, consistent routines—around feeding, play, rest, and training—help shape
confidence later in life.
Individually, these moments may seem ordinary. Together, they form the foundation of a pet’s lifelong health and a pet parent’s confidence in caring for them—shaping better outcomes from the very beginning.
And because of issues like these, a Puppy & Kitten Con was organized to meet and assist new fur parents. 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. This proactive support not only reassures pet owners but also lays the foundation for healthier outcomes as their pets grow and develop. By making early-stage information clear and easy to find, we help ensure that pets receive the best possible care during their most critical formative period.”
Designed for first-time and soon-to-be pet parents, Puppy & Kitten Con: The Best Start in Life to a Lifetime Together brings Royal Canin’s Start of Life approach to life by translating science into practical, reassuring guidance—without judgment, overwhelm, or information overload.
Taking place on April 18–19, 2026, at Ayala Malls Manila Bay for its Manila Run, Puppy & Kitten Con offers pet parents a space to learn, ask questions, and gain clarity during the earliest stages of pet ownership. The event builds on the spirit of World Puppy Day (March 23) by extending the conversation beyond celebration and into purposeful learning.
Attendees can explore interactive experiences built around the golden milestones of early pet care: understanding a pet’s needs, choosing the right nutrition, establishing veterinary guidance early, and creating the right home environment. Through expert led conversations and hand-son learning, pet
parents are supported in making informed decisions at the moments that matter most.
For many pet parents, Puppy & Kitten Con is where learning begins—and RC Club is where that guidance continues. As part of Royal Canin’s broader Start of Life commitment, RC Club provides ongoing expert support and tailored information to help pet parents navigate each stage as their pets grow.
Because a lifetime together often begins with questions—and having trusted guidance early can make all the difference, for pets and the people who care for them.
Last Updated on 19 hours by Carizza
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