Are you a first-time pet owner? If so, congratulations on bringing a pet into your family. Pet ownership has so many benefits—emotional, physical, and social. Your pet will bond to you almost immediately. Your cat or dog will rely on you for all their needs and many of their wants. The result is a bond like no other.
But, there are some things to know and do before you bring your pet home from the local shelter or breeder. It’s about more than just hanging a photo of your pet as a cute puppy or kitty on your wall via a custom pet canvas. And it’s about more than planning for their first Halloween costume. So, let’s get into our list of tips to create a pet-friendly home you’ll all love.
Preparing Your Home for a New Pet
Pets, especially young ones—aka puppies and kittens—don’t necessarily know the rules of the road when you first bring them home. As such, while it might seem like they just want to get into mischief, there is more to it than that. Just as we teach kids how to behave properly in the house—not running, screaming, etc., and how to use the bathroom—your pet needs the same time and attention. In fact, it may take even more time to train a pet, mainly because they don’t understand what you are trying to say to them (even though you might think so).
Litter box training for a new kitten can take anywhere from a week to a month, depending on your kitty’s personality. For a dog, you should expect about a month for potty training, and you should anticipate more frequent trips outside or to the potty pad when they are younger.
Yet potty and litter box training is not the end-all and be-all of training. Puppies, in particular, like to chew, especially when they are teething. This means that they might find the corners of your lower cupboards in your kitchen quite tasty. Or, maybe they take a liking to Dad’s newest pair of sneakers.
For all these reasons, some advance preparations can help prevent damage to your home and can improve the new pet experience in those early weeks.
Secure Dangerous Items
Pets are curious, and that can sometimes get them into trouble. Secure any dangerous items like cleaning supplies, electrical cords, and small objects that could be swallowed. Use cabinet locks and keep cords out of reach. For kittens, remember that they love to climb, so ensure that higher shelves are also safe.
Choose Pet-Friendly Houseplants
Not all houseplants are safe for pets. Some can be toxic if chewed or ingested. Before bringing a new plant into your home, check if it’s safe for pets. Avoid plants like lilies and poinsettias for cats and dogs, and opt for pet-friendly varieties like spider plants and Boston ferns instead.
Create a Cozy Sleeping Area
Your new pet needs a comfortable place to rest. Choose a quiet spot in your home where they can feel safe and relaxed. For dogs, a crate with a soft bed can be ideal, helping with training and giving them their own space. Cats might prefer a cozy nook or a soft bed near a window.
Use Baby Gates and Latches
Baby gates and latches are essential for keeping your pets out of areas where they could get hurt or cause damage. Use gates to block off stairways and decks to prevent falls, especially for puppies. Latches can keep curious kittens from sneaking into rooms with fragile items or dangerous areas like the garage.
Protect Your Furniture
Pets can really wreak havoc on your furniture. Use pet-friendly covers on sofas and chairs to guard against fur, scratches, and accidents. Consider providing scratching posts for kittens to keep their claws off your furniture. Puppies can benefit from chew toys to divert them from gnawing on table legs. Using those baby gates we mentioned above can help cordon off areas you don’t want them to access (i.e., leather furniture).
Pet-Proof Your Yard
If you have a yard, make sure it’s safe for your pet to explore. Check for gaps in the fence where a small puppy or kitten could escape. Remove any toxic plants and ensure no sharp objects are lying around. Creating a designated potty area can also help with training your new pet.
Provide Plenty of Toys
Pet-safe toys keep your pet entertained and prevent boredom-related behavior problems. Choose a variety of toys appropriate for your pet’s size and age. Durable chew toys are great for puppies' teething, and kittens will enjoy interactive toys like feather wands and balls they can chase.
Set Up a Feeding Station
Set up a designated feeding area for your pet. Choose a quiet spot where they can eat without distractions. A consistent feeding schedule is important for puppies and kittens—talk to your pet’s veterinarian about open-feeding vs scheduled feedings. Use non-slip mats under their bowls to prevent spills, and always keep fresh water available—your pet store will have these in stock and there are several options available online on sites like Amazon and Etsy.
Prepare For Your Pet in Advance
Whenever possible, advance planning to create a pet-friendly home before they come home can make all the difference. The key is to create pet-friendly spaces that help them feel safe while also keeping your home beautiful. We’re confident that implementing these recommendations will help your pet stay safe, happy, and healthy and let you and your family grow that amazing human-pet connection. Happy planning!
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