Bringing a new pet into your home is a joyous occasion. Before your new pet arrives, you should make sure your house is safe by pet-proofing your home. Here are some great tips for pet-proofing your entire house in preparation for the arrival of a new pet. 

Kitchens and Bathrooms

All medications, chemicals, household cleaners, and laundry supplies should be out of reach of your pet. Trash cans should be kept covered or in a latching cabinet. All food and food wrappers (including plastic bags) should be out of reach of your pet. You should even keep your pet’s food bag out of reach so that he can’t get into it and overeat while you’re out of the house. Keep washer and dryer doors closed at all times, so your pet can’t get in and get stuck. Finally, make sure all cabinets latch properly, so your pet can’t get them open. 

Living Rooms and Bedrooms

Make sure all dangling cords and wires are out of reach of your pet so that he won’t get tangled up in them or chew on them. Put away anything breakable until your pet gets used to the home and you know what his temperament is. Make sure nothing is left out that can be chewed up–toys, socks, and other small objects can become a choking hazard or cause a bowel obstruction when ingested or chewed. Cover up all air vents, crawlspaces, or anywhere your pet can get stuck. Make sure none of the plants in your house are poisonous to pets. 

Garages, Basements, and Dens

Put away any chemicals, paints, solvents, and cleaners. Make sure antifreeze is never stored low enough for pets to get into, and make sure it isn’t dripping onto the floor. Keep car doors closed so pets won’t end up trapped inside. Put all sharp objects and tools out of reach, and make sure there are no crawl spaces, holes, cabinets, or boxes your pet could get trapped inside of. 

If you have any questions about what isn’t safe for a new pet in your home, contact your local veterinarian. If your pet gets into something he shouldn’t and seems ill, take him to a veterinary hospital right away.