The 10-Minute Pet Supply Reset

Start with the essentials your pets use every day. Check each item, note what will run out within the next one or two weeks, and combine the replacements into one order.

• Check dog and cat food levels.
• Confirm that opened food is stored correctly and still within its best-before date.
• Restock cat litter and litter box liners.
• Wash food bowls, water bowls and measuring scoops.
• Replace low supplies of dog waste bags.
• Review treats and training rewards.
• Check feeding notes for every pet in the household.
• Place the next order before an essential item runs out.

1. Check Every Pet's Food Level

In a multi-pet home, checking only the largest food container can create a false sense that everything is stocked. Review each pet's dry, wet, frozen or freeze-dried food separately. Include toppers and any food used only for certain meals.

Estimate how many normal feeding days remain based on the portion listed for each pet. Reorder before reaching the bottom of the package, especially if your dog or cat eats a specific recipe. A small overlap between the current and next package also gives you time to inspect the new food before serving it.

Keep dry food in its original package with the top securely closed and store it in a cool, dry location. Refrigerate opened wet food according to the package directions. Do not mix a new bag with old food before checking the new bag's condition, lot information and best-before date.

Browse YellowBowl's current selection of dog food and cat food when preparing your household's next order. Keep each pet on the food recommended for them, and consult your veterinarian before making a significant diet change.

2. Restock Litter and Reset the Litter Area

Long weekends can mean more time at home for the whole family—and more litter box use. Check the amount of clean litter remaining, along with liners, disposal refills and any other supplies used around the box.

The CDC recommends scooping litter daily and disinfecting the box itself as often as you would disinfect a toilet or bathroom. Wash your hands with soap and water afterward, and if anyone in the household is pregnant or immunocompromised, have another family member handle the litter box instead. For multi-cat homes, the ASPCA recommends one litter box per cat, plus one extra, since too few boxes is a common cause of litter box avoidance. Follow the litter manufacturer's directions when topping up or completely replacing litter.

During the reset, inspect the scoop and box for cracks or areas that are difficult to clean. Use cleaning products only as directed, keep cats away while cleaning, and rinse surfaces when the product label requires it.

YellowBowl's cat litter and accessories collection includes litter, scoops, boxes, liners and related cleanup products.

3. Wash Bowls and Feeding Tools

Food residue can build up quickly when routines are busy. Wash food bowls, water bowls, measuring cups, scoops and feeding mats as part of the reset.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends washing pet food bowls and feeding utensils with soap and hot water after each use. CDC guidance recommends cleaning bowls after every use for wet food and daily for dry food and water. Follow the care instructions for the material, and replace items that are cracked, heavily scratched or no longer clean properly.

Assign a separate measuring scoop to each food when pets eat different formulas or portions. Labelled scoops and a simple feeding chart can help family members avoid serving the wrong food or feeding a pet twice.

4. Replace Waste Bags and Cleanup Supplies

Check every location where waste bags are stored: leash dispensers, coat pockets, vehicles, strollers and the container near the door. A dispenser that looks full may contain only one or two bags.

Refill the everyday dispenser and create a small backup supply for longer walks. Multi-dog families may want one refill near each leash so bags are not moved between walking stations. Tie used bags securely and dispose of them according to local requirements.

This is also a useful time to check household cleanup products, paper towels and any pet-safe products used for accidents. Read and follow the product label, and store cleaning supplies where children and pets cannot reach them.

5. Reorder Treats Without Overfilling the Cupboard

Treats often disappear faster during a long weekend because more family members are home. Before reordering, gather open packages, check best-before dates and discard anything that smells unusual, appears spoiled or has damaged packaging.

Keep treats in their original packaging or retain the label and lot information if using a storage container. This makes ingredients, feeding directions and product identification easier to find. If several people give treats, use a daily container or family tracking system so everyone can see how many rewards have already been offered.

Restock familiar options through YellowBowl's dog treats and cat treats. Treats should complement a pet's regular diet rather than replace balanced meals. Follow package feeding directions and any guidance from your veterinarian.

6. Build a Simple System for Multi-Pet Homes

A repeatable system makes the next reset faster. Give each pet a labelled shelf, bin or section of the cupboard. Keep a note showing the food name, normal portion and reorder point. For frozen items, add the product to the shopping list when the backup package moves into regular use.

Choose one day each week to check supplies. A short weekly review is more reliable than waiting until a container feels light. It can also help families combine food, litter, waste bags and treats into one planned order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What pet supplies should I check after a long weekend?

Check dog and cat food, cat litter, food and water bowls, measuring scoops, waste bags, cleanup supplies and treats. Review each pet separately in multi-pet homes, since an item used by only one animal — like a specific prescription food or litter brand — is easy to overlook.

How much pet food should I keep at home?

Keep enough food to avoid running out before your next planned order, without buying more than you can store correctly or use within the labelled date. Calculate the number of days remaining from your pet's normal portion, and reorder before opening the final package.

How often should pet bowls be washed?

Wash bowls after every use for wet food and daily for dry food and water, per FDA and CDC guidance. Feeding scoops and measuring utensils should also be cleaned regularly with soap and hot water, and replaced once they're cracked or hard to clean thoroughly.

How often should a cat litter box be cleaned?

Scoop litter daily and disinfect the box as often as you would disinfect a toilet or bathroom, per CDC guidance. Wash your hands afterward, and have another household member handle the box if someone is pregnant or immunocompromised. For multi-cat homes, the ASPCA recommends one litter box per cat, plus one extra.

Does YellowBowl offer free pet supply delivery in Toronto?

Yes. YellowBowl offers free local delivery on orders of $49.99 or more before tax in eligible Toronto and GTA delivery areas; orders below that amount carry a delivery fee. Use the address checker and confirm current delivery terms at checkout, since thresholds can change.