Bringing a new animal home before the setup is actually ready is one of the most common mistakes in the hobby. The animal arrives, something isn’t right, and you’re scrambling to fix it while the animal is already stressed.
This checklist covers the basics: species research, enclosure and equipment, parameters, food, supplies, and arrival prep. Work through it before you commit to a pickup or delivery date.
Bookmark this page or print a copy to work through before your animal comes home.
New Animal Setup Checklist
Animal / Species: _____________________________ Target Arrival Date: _____________________________
Species Research
| Item | Done? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Read a complete care guide for this species | ||
| Confirmed adult size and long-term space requirements | ||
| Confirmed lifespan and long-term commitment | ||
| Understood feeding type, frequency, and prey/food availability | ||
| Understood temperature, humidity, and lighting requirements | ||
| Researched common health issues for this species | ||
| Confirmed legality in your area where applicable |
Enclosure & Equipment
| Item | Done? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosure / tank purchased and assembled | ||
| Substrate added | ||
| Hides, decor, or anchor points in place | ||
| Heating / lighting installed and running | ||
| Filtration running (aquariums) | ||
| Thermometer / hygrometer / test kit in place | ||
| Enclosure / tank has been running long enough to verify stable conditions |
Parameters & Conditions Verified
| Parameter | Target Range | Current Reading | OK? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature (warm side / ambient) | |||
| Temperature (cool side) | |||
| Humidity | |||
| Water parameters (aquariums: pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) | |||
| Salinity / specific gravity (saltwater) |
Food & Supplies
| Item | Done? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First food / prey sourced and on hand | ||
| Supplements sourced where applicable | ||
| Water conditioner / dechlorinator on hand (aquariums) | ||
| Feeding tongs, dishes, or other feeding equipment ready | ||
| Spare bulbs or backup heating on hand |
Emergency & Arrival Prep
| Item | Done? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Exotic / aquatic vet identified in your area | ||
| Emergency contact info saved | ||
| Arrival plan confirmed (pickup / delivery / acclimation method) | ||
| First-week acclimation plan in place (appropriate feeding, observation, and minimal unnecessary disturbance) | ||
| Source / breeder / store contact info saved |
Bookmark this page or print a copy to work through before your animal comes home. Works for reptiles, freshwater and saltwater aquariums, amphibians, tarantulas, scorpions, shrimp, and other habitat-based animals.
Want the Full Planning System?
The HabitatCraft New Animal Planning Workbook expands this into an 11-page printable system: an “Is This Animal Right for Me?” worksheet, commitment and cost planning, habitat and space planning, species research notes, equipment and supply checklist, breeder and source questions, pre-arrival readiness checklist, arrival-day record, first 7 days observation log, and transition into ongoing husbandry records.
Want the Complete Recordkeeping System?
Each branch-specific bundle includes the New Animal Planning Workbook alongside four other HabitatCraft PDFs — a keeper planner, feeding tracker, health and emergency record, and going away care sheet
Reptile Bundle | Freshwater Bundle | Saltwater Bundle
Amphibian Bundle | Tarantula Bundle | Scorpion Bundle