Indeed, bringing home a new pet is such an immense delight. For some, it’s like bringing home a newborn baby. And so, we understand why you might be feeling anxious and overwhelmed.
Apart from adjusting your home, you need to fix your routine, purchase some supplies etc. You might be asking, where do I start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find out.
Make Your Home Pet Friendly
Bringing your kitten or puppy into your household is like inviting in an active toddler. If there’s anything that the toddler can tear, stuff into their mouth, or scratch, your furry friend will also do the same. And so you’ll want to pet-proof your home.
Start preparing by removing all hazards, dangers, and items they might potentially destroy—be sure to hide your treasured heirlooms. Cover all electrical cords, yarn, and pet-unfriendly plants. You can throw coverings over your furniture to prevent them from being scratched or clawed up.
Prepare Your Pet’s Area
Choose a spot where your pet will be spending the most time.
If you’re adopting a dog, consider this, will it have access to your whole house, or be confined to one area? If you’ll be confining it, then building a kennel beforehand is crucial. Nevertheless, remember that you can’t just build the kennel anywhere.
You have the option of creating a nook (making its bed under the stairs), building gates for dogs that don’t like kennels, or creating an open space if your dog prefers areas where it can see things.
Start Shopping
One sure way of having a smooth adjustment is shopping early. Don’t wait till the day that your pet arrives because things can get overwhelming.
You can start buying chew toys, brushes, shoes, and coats for your dog. And for your cat, a litter box should be your top priority. One important tip while buying a litter box is to always go for a large cat litter box. Cats grow so fast! Soon your tiny kitty will outgrow theirs, so it’s best to go with a larger sized one.
Organize
It’s essential to note that some four-legged friends have routines—especially older ones. And so, it’s very critical to see how you’ll adjust yourself to fit in their routine. For example, if your new cat is fed twice, every 9 am and 9 pm, but you don’t wake up till noon, start practicing waking up early.
If you can’t change your schedule, request the help of other family members in the meantime as you slowly adjust your pet to your routine.
Prepare Your Whole Household, Including Your Other Pets
In most cases, people blame the new pet when other pets or family members start having issues. In such instances, try to have an open mind when assessing the problem. Your new cat could be having territorial issues or your other dogs could be jealous. Knowing the root cause will help you find an optimum solution.
Most householders resort to retraining their pets. Others go for homeopathic products when dealing with hormonal or behavioral issues, such as dominant or aggressive behaviors. Research shows that some homeopathic products can save you lots of cash since they address different pet issues simultaneously.
Take Advantage of the Shelter Staff Help
The people who know your pet the most are some of the best help you can get when adjusting. So, keep their numbers on speed dial. Ask them any questions and prepare to take notes. Inquire about your pets’ personality, likes, dislikes, and other things that can enhance your relationship. All these facts will give you insight into how much adjustment you should make before your pet arrives.
Make a Good Impression
Making your pet feel loved and safe is critical when welcoming them to your home. If they’re a rescue, request their foster family or parent to accompany it home with you. See if they can pack your pet’s favorite toy, blankets, etc.
Another way of making a good impression is using scent. Animals are usually sensitive to smells. And so, bring home something that has its scent and rub it around your items.
Bringing in a new pet is a big transition for both of you. Nevertheless, it shouldn’t be stressful. Following these simple steps can help you create a safe, secure, and loving environment for your new pet.
