Getting a new pet is an exciting time. You’re looking forward to adding a new member to your family who will love you and be around for a long time! It’s important to plan to make the necessary changes to the spaces your home for when your new pet arrives. Read on for tips about preparing for your new pet.

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Kitchen

Be sure your pet cannot access foods that could harm them. Keep toxic foods like onions, chocolate, and grapes covered or put away. Raw meat is also harmful to your pets, so while cooking make sure to watch your pet or put up a gate that prohibits them from getting into the kitchen. Keep food in containers and in cupboards your pet cannot access. Get a covered trash can or keep it in a cupboard, and harmful cleaning solutions out of paw’s reach.

Bathroom

Keep the toilet seat down and locked so that your pet can’t drink or fall into the water. Water in toilet bowls often contains chemicals from cleaners that is harmful if your animal were to ingest, just like you. The same toilet locks for children can be used to prevent your animal from harm, but keeping the bathroom door latched should be enough.

Keep the floor and counter clear of small objects your animal could chew on or swallow. Bobby pins and hair ties are small enough for your pet to choke on. Makeup is also small enough to chew on and can be made of harmful chemicals. If your dirty clothes pile is in the bathroom, keep them off the floor so your pets don’t chew them.

If you’re getting a large dog, keep in mind the days she gets muddy or dirty. Have a space dedicated to washing your dog and think of a system. Have a leash secured outside near a hose and purchase environmentally friendly, organic shampoo that won’t harm your pet or the grass. Keep towels in the mudroom, laundry room, or bathroom for your pet. Small dogs and cats can be conveniently washed in larger kitchen or utility sinks. If your pet has been exploring the woods and roughing it, they might have cuts or abrasions. First Aid sprays are perfect for prevention and treatment of infections.

Living Room

If your living room is kept neat, then the largest concern here is damage to your furniture. Cats claw at furniture for many reasons, like removing the dead outer layer of the claw. It can also be to mark their territory. If your cat begins this, place alternative, appealing, and sturdy scratching objects near the objects he’s already been scratching at. Do not punish your cat for scratching, it will cause them to be afraid and may exhibit defensive behavior. Train your cat to stop scratching.

Dogs can be easily trained to not lay on furniture. Purchase a dog bed or other comfortable alternative for your dog to lay on and positively reinforce them to lay on it. A lot of pets like to gaze out the window at the great outdoors. If possible, give them a space to lounge and sleep on near a window. A cat bed on a bay window is purrfect.

If you have a fire place, be sure to purchase a screen to protect your pet from the open flame. Your pet will enjoy your fireplace just as much as you!

Home Office

Get organized! Keep loose papers in folders, drawers, and filing cabinets to prevent claw marks and slobber stains off your important documents. Another concern is messy bundles of wires for your router, computer or printer which can electrocute your pet if chewed. Concealer cables will cover them and also make your workspace neater. Provide your pet with appealing chew toys to try and prevent them from chewing objects they’re not supposed to.

Outside

It’s a no-brainer that your animal loves the outdoors. Cats and dogs love to sunbathe and explore outside. Add a pet door so they can come and go as they please. Consider adding a fence to your property so when you let them out you don’t have to worry about them running away. If this is not an option, add a long leash or chain to your yard. Be sure to follow your state’s tethering laws.

Make sure pools and fire pits are covered to prevent your animal from falling in. Another concern in the garden is the planting of toxic plants. Be sure to consider leaving these out of the yard, which can be toxic if ingested.

A final space to consider for your pet is creating their own cozy corner. Your pet will appreciate a quiet area in the laundry room, garage, or other low traffic space arranged with their beds and toys. You can purchase crates that are foldable, and litter boxes that are less of an eyesore. Now that you’ve thought about all the spaces in your home, you’re ready to welcome your new pet!