Being a pet owner is a big responsibility. You don't decide on bringing home a new pet because it's cute or most of your friends have one. It requires commitment. When planning to have a new addition to the family, one of the things pet owners fail to consider is creating a pet-friendly home to welcome a new furbaby. Whether you are looking for a new home or having some improvements in your current abode, here are the things you need to do to prepare your place for a new pet.
Give your pet his own spot
You are definitely excited to bring home your new pet but you must not forget that he will be on the adjustment period to a different environment for a few days. Make him feel at home by ensuring he has his own spot. A warm, comfy bed where he can stay most of the time should already be ready the moment he arrives.
Pet-proof your home furnishing
Your dog or cat will definitely scratch your floor and furniture and end up messing even your most beloved home pieces. A genuine leather couch is more manageable to repair as long as the damage is minor. Microfiber fabric is a better choice than traditional fabric upholstery. For the floor, ceramic tile is the best flooring for pets since hardwood flooring makes the scratches more visible. If you allow your pet to roam around the house, expect that fur will be all over the place. You don't really need to give up the accent carpet rug you love so much but remember that you have to deal with fur and pet stain. Just make sure that you vacuum and wash your carpet regularly. If you don't have a carpet yet and plan to have one, nylon fiber carpet is more durable and stain-resistant.
Secure entry and exit points
Your dog or cat can get very curious. One of their favorite room in the house to explore is the bathroom. Always keep the door close and the toilet bowl cover close because they will definitely try to get a drink. If you will be screening the house, choose a pet-proof screen. Your pet thinks it's a scratch pad and will eventually tear if you are using an ordinary screen.
Your pet will attempt to leave the house. Ensure that your main door and windows have latches that your pet cannot open on its own. This will also avoid the incidence of your pet getting lost.
Tidy up the entire house
You must get rid of clutter and start organizing your home. Anything that is within your pet's reach could harm him. He might swallow small pieces of items and get choked. Whether indoor or outdoor, you must get rid of unsafe plants that might poison him when ingested. Cleaning products and chemicals must be securely kept in the cabinet. Also, your trash bin must have a lid that your pet could not open.
Organize your electric cables. They could either chew on it or get tangled up. You can use a flexible cable sleeve to hide them. Avoid leaving the cable dangling when the appliance is not in use. A cord binder and cable catcher will keep them in place.
Design a pet-friendly yard
You can't keep your pet locked up inside the house all the time. He needs to spend time outside running and playing. The stunning properties at Banff Homes for sale have large yard for your pet to move around.
First, you must get rid of poisonous plants. If you do not know which plants in your garden are harmful to pets, you can consult a veterinarian or a botanist.
Incorporate in your yard design a pet house. This will also become his own spot when he is done playing. You can also build a yard path where he will naturally walk on. This path will also help set his boundary so he'd know which areas are off-limits.
Make sure that there is an accessible water for your pet. You could either have a small pet bath pool or a drinking fountain. They need it, especially during summer.
Now that your home is safe and comfortable for a new pet, it's time to bring him home.