Home Sweet Home

One of the most important things you can do to welcome a new pet into your home is to prepare a welcoming space for him. Make sure you have all the supplies you’ll need before you bring your pet home: a bed, cage or tank; food; dishes or feeders; and a carrier or leash.

You’ll also need to make sure your home is safe. Get down on the floor and look around from a pet’s point of view. Tape down cords or wires that your pet might chew on or get tangled up in. Put away small objects that could be swallowed or broken. Check the latch on the bird cage or the top of the hamster cage to make sure enterprising animals can’t find their way out. Look for hidey-holes where your animal might get lost or forgotten. If you have a front-loading washer or dryer, start keeping the door closed!

Look around outside, too. Make sure your doors shut securely and make a habit of closing them behind you. If you have an animal that will be outside on his own, check your fence and gate to see that they’re secure or install an invisible fence before you let him out. Also, make sure your animal has a shelter from the heat or rain.

A special reminder for condo and apartment dwellers: Check your regulations to make sure you’re allowed to have a pet.