Organize Your Home before Getting a New Pet

If you are planning to adopt a new pet into your family, it can be well worth your time and effort to get your home properly organized and arranged in advance. Too many times families adopt a puppy or a kitten, only to discover after it's too late that there are dangerous safety hazards or messy areas around the house that cause problems. Before you bring your cute new arrival home, here are some organizational tips that will help you get your home in tip-top pet condition.

Electrical Cords and Outlets

Electricity is a big concern when it comes to pet safety. Loose cords can be accidentally pulled by a frisky pet, possibly causing lamps or appliances to fall. Electrical cords can also be a tempting item for pets who like to chew on things. This can often be an especially big problem with puppies. Before you bring a dog or cat into your home, examine your electrical cords and outlets carefully from their perspective. If you find any loose cords, try to find a way to secure them. For example, you can bundle a long cord in a simple paper tube, such as what you would find at the center of a roll of paper towels or a roll of bathroom tissue. Not only will this help you keep cords from tangling, but it will make them less tempting to a pet. Make sure that any table lamps or small appliances have their cords hidden or secured, to reduce the risk that they will be pulled onto the floor.

Although animals are not prone to sticking objects into outlets like small children are, you should still examine your electrical outlets carefully. For example, if you are placing a fluffy pet bed against the wall, make sure there isn't an outlet directly behind it. If there is, you can simply use child-proof electrical outlet protectors to add an extra degree of safety.

Toys, Books and Collectibles

Young pets in particular have a difficult time distinguishing their toys from other people's belongings. For example, a puppy will probably be just as likely to chew on your child's favorite stuffed animal as their own chew toy. To avoid problems and unpleasant scenes, make sure that everyone knows that they must now pay special attention to their own items. Make sure your child has adequate toy boxes or shelves to store his or her toys.

You should also pay closer attention to books and collectibles throughout your home. After all, you don't want a playful puppy chewing on your favorite book, or knocking an antique vase off of the table when they bump against it. If you are adopting a kitten, it's important to remember that they are excellent climbers and jumpers. Even if you store your collectibles on a high shelf, you might need to take extra precautions. For example, if your cute little kitty can use a chair under the shelf as a jumping point, you might want to move the chair to avoid potential problems. With a little care and forethought, you'll be able to organize your home so that it is much more "pet-friendly."