Having a pet is a wonderful way to enhance your daily life. You will have someone to care for and look after, and someone who will give you unconditional love and be loyal to you. What more could you want, right?
But before you bring any pet home, whether it’s a cat or dog, or even a fish or a hamster, there are things to consider. What do they need in terms of diet and exercise, as well as shelter and veterinary care? Can you afford to keep the pet, and will you be able to dedicate the time needed to keep them happy, active, and healthy? For instance, according to Nuwber, there are some differences between cat and dog owners based on these animals’ needs, so it’s worth doing some research into different types of pets to find the one that is right for you.
Once you’ve found the perfect pet, it’s time to prepare your home for them. Continue reading for a few helpful tips on how to do just that.
Create a Space Specifically for Your Pet
Whether you’re setting up a large enclosure for a rodent, bird, reptile, or fish, or you are bringing home a dog or cat from an animal shelter, there will need to be some space set aside for them. That way, you can set up an area for them and give them everything they need to feel comfortable and at ease in their new home.
For example, if you’re bringing home a cat of any age, giving them some time to adjust to their new environment is key. Allow them to stay in one room in your home until they feel comfortable and confident enough to explore other areas. Set up the space with a clean litter box, fun cat toys, a scratching post, and a cozy place to sleep, such as a cat bed.
No matter what, the goal is to help your new pet feel safe. Consider how they must feel being in a totally new environment. Be empathetic, give them a warm space they can immediately call their own, and spend plenty of time with them as they adjust so they’ll know you’re there to take care of them.
Make Sure Your Entire House Is Safe for Your Pet
Another important thing to keep in mind is that you need to make your home safe for your pet. In the same way that you’d make adjustments around your home to make it safe for a baby or small child, you need to do the same for an animal.
There are many ways you can go about ensuring your home is a safe environment for whichever pet you bring home. For example, you should remove anything that would be a choking hazard, remove plants that are toxic to your pet, make sure all of your medications, cleaning products, etc. are properly stored away where your pet can’t get to them, and make sure all of your doors and windows are closed properly to avoid your pet getting out.
Basically, by pet-proofing your home before they arrive, you can rest easier knowing that they’ll be safe. And if you notice any other hazards even after you’ve brought your pet home, that’s okay; just take action immediately to avoid problems before they occur.
Buy All of the Pet Supplies You Need in Advance
Last tip: as you research which type of pet is right for you, you’ll notice that different animals require different things. Before bringing your pet home, make sure you have all of the essentials, from food to grooming brushes and everything in between, so you won’t have to run out to the store at the last minute.
