How to prepare your new home for your new pets?

As first-time new home owner, we understand that it is an equally exciting and stressful time, especially for a pet owner.

Therefore, we have made it our number 1 mission to provide you with tips and tricks on how to manage moving with your fluffy little ones! Whether you’re preparing for a playful puppy, curious kitten or any type of pet, we will pledge to ensure that you are equipped with the correct knowledge to make your move as smooth as possible!

Our mission makes sure to cover all the important aspects from pet proofing all the way down to training basics!

Tips, tricks and basics… for preparing your new home for pets

1. Pet proof your home

As smart as you may believe your pup is, most animals are still extremely vulnerable to most items within your household, which can cause accidents as well as a mess. To lessen your chances of this happening to you, it is important that you comply with the following:

•  Clear any hazards: any items which are liable to cause direct danger should be removed from accessible areas. This could be things such as electrical wires, detergents , small objects…

• Store chemicals separately: it is vital that medication, detergents and toxic liquids are stored as far away as possible from your pets, specifically in areas far from reach. These products are easily accessible and can be very harmful if consumed at any given point in time.

2. Create a pet-friendly area

Creating a designated space your pet can have to themselves where they can relax and gain a sense of security is useful to a large degree as it will also help maintain order in your home. As a pet owner, you can design:
 

• A designated resting area: Choose a quite area in your home. Take a trip to your local supermarket to purchase a mini sofa, playful toys and treats.
• A food and water station:  set up a station to save you time from having to clean up the mess in your kitchen.

3. Implement in-home pet safety protocols

Depending on the type of animal, it can be easy for animals to get either hurt or lost. This is why it is essential to put in place top-tier safety measures to prevent these accidents, such as:

• Build pet gates: pet gates are a lifesaver to limit the access of your pet to any no-zone areas within the household. It is also a great way of providing your pet with its own area.
• Check for potential escape routes: as much as you think you may trust your pet, they are still capable of slipping out of exits which you may not be aware of e.g., windows, holes, fences.

4. Gather basic supplies

Living with pets means spending time to purchase everyday essentials they’ll need to survive. Listed below are some of the main requirements to consider:

• Comfortable bedding
• Litter boxes
• Leash/collars
• Range of food/water supply
• Toys and chewables
• Grooming supplies

5. Facilitate your pets into their new home

The first couple days and months of being a new pet owner will start off slow as your pet will be getting used to/familiar with its surroundings. The following may help them to get comfortable faster:

• Training: basic training around the house can help establish good behaviour and standard routines; this can be set through commands and house rules
• Socialising: it’s important to allow your dog to socialise with other dogs and possibly your neighbours to promote friendliness and teach them how to behave well

If you’re ready for a home that enhances family life, we’d love to help. Our team of advisors are always on hand to help you find your new home in Scotland. We look forward to hearing from you.