Bringing a new pet into your home can be one of the most exciting life changes. Pets can bring so much joy and company, but they come with their fair share of responsibilities even before they arrive home for the first time. Here’s how you can prep your home for a new pet.
But first, here’s something to keep in mind…
When adopting a pet into your home, you should brace yourself for potential damages. A kitten or puppy can often have accidents in the house during training, so keep this in mind as you get your home ready for a new furry friend. Wood or linoleum floors and leather or vinyl furniture are the easiest to clean. As always, if you’re renting your home, be sure to check with your landlord before adopting a pet.
Clean your house from top to bottom
Just as you would want to clean your house before having visitors over, you’ll also want to clean before taking in a new member of your family. If you are introducing a pet into your home for the first time, it’s a good idea to start with a clean slate. We recommend cleaning your entire home from top to bottom. This way, you can go over every room and ensure that it is clean and orderly (and make sure there aren’t any forgotten messes or areas that your new furry friend may get into).
Pet proof your home
After giving your home a deep clean, it’s time to make it pet-proof. Much like baby-proofing a home, pet-proofing requires assessing the areas that your pet will be able to access and make sure they are safe. Ensure your cabinets aren’t easily accessed so your new pet can’t get into any food or harmful chemicals. If you can, opt for washable area rugs instead of carpet, in case your new pet has an accident. One of your main priorities should be to secure all door and window screens (and secure your yard or patio area, if you have one) to make sure your pet won’t be able to escape your home.
Organize a personal space for your new pet
Next, we recommend finding an area of your home that can be your new pet’s personal space. As humans, we value having areas in our home that are designated for relaxation, and your pet will value this, as well. Organize a sleeping area for your new pet, an area for their food, and an area for the litter box if your new pet is a cat. Having an official area for sleeping will help your pet feel right at home. If you’re adopting a cat, try purchasing a scratching post or tower to prevent damage to your furniture. If you’re adopting a dog, make sure you have plenty of toys.
Overall, pets can bring so much life and joy to a home, but keep in mind how much maintenance they can be.
This post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. The point of view and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Realty Executives International. This post was written by Bailee Abell. Bailee Abell is a writer born and raised in California. A graduate of University of California, Santa Barbara, she loves reading classic literature, sipping warm beverages, and visiting theme parks every chance she gets. Find her at baileeabell.com.
Nice tips! I agree with the cleaning tip!