Welcoming your first pet at home can be an overwhelming experience for both, you (your family) and the pet. Whether it is a pup or a kitten that is about to join your family, you need to take a number of steps to make sure your home is ready for the coming of the new member. To make sure you prepare your home for your pet, we provide you with a list of the 4 things you must do before your pet comes.

Pet-Proof Your Home

The first and most important thing you need to do is to secure your home. Remove all hazardous items, fragile decorations, poisonous plants (e.g. azaleas, lilies, and poinsettias), electric cables, small objects that are easy to swallow, and items that are easy to knock over and break. Also, close the toilet lids, the gaps behind the kitchen appliances and under the cupboards, closet doors and drawers, and external doors and windows.

If you live in a house with a lawn, make sure you put lawn care products and tools out of reach. Also, you need to make sure the fence is secure and without any areas from where the pet could escape.

Choose a Room and Prepare It

You need to decide upon which part of your home will belong to your pet and prepare it. It may be a corner in your living room close, a closed part of the balcony, or an area in the hallway. Wherever you plan your pet to stay, make sure it has enough room for the pup and all the essentials it needs.

One of the essentials the pet’s home must have is a basket, a pet house, or a comfy bed. You also need toys, water and food bowls, a litter tray, and a crate (for dogs) or a scratching post (for cats).

Plan a Play Area

Pets love to play, so you need to think about which part of your home will be dedicated to playing. If you live in an apartment, it could be the hallway, a corner of your living room, or a closed part of the balcony (if there is such). If you live in a house, your yard is the best pet playground.

If you’re getting a dog, make sure you get items like a dog run, a ramp, or even create an entire playground. On the other hand, if you’re getting a cat, you need a cat condo or climbing shelf.

Shop for Food and Supplies

Your pet needs special food rich in vitamins and minerals to grow healthy, so make sure you stock up on food supplies before your pet arrives. Apart from food, you also need specific gear and some supplies, including:

• A basket or a carrier
• Grooming equipment
• Collar and leash (for dogs)
• A potty bag
• ID tag
• Training pads
• Cleaning supplies

Welcome Your Pet

Once you’re done preparing your home for your new family member, it’s time to welcome it. Prepare for some adjustment period and plan the first few days. Your pet needs all your attention, so make sure you don’t leave it alone. Also, take your pet to the vet for a checkup and see if they have received all required vaccines.