Pet-Proofing Your Home
Think of pet-proofing like baby-proofing — your goal is to eliminate hazards and protect both your pet and your belongings. Get down on your hands and knees to see your home from a pet's perspective.
🔒 Safety Checklist
- Secure or hide electrical cords (pets love to chew them)
- Move toxic plants out of reach (lilies, aloe, pothos are common dangers)
- Store chemicals, medications, and cleaning supplies in closed cabinets
- Pick up small objects that could be swallowed (coins, hair ties, small toys)
- Secure trash cans with lids or in cabinets
- Install baby gates to restrict access to certain rooms if needed
- Check that window screens are secure
- Remove or secure breakable items at tail-wagging height
- Ensure toilet lids stay closed (especially for small pets or those who drink from toilets)
- Check for gaps behind appliances where pets could get stuck
⚠️ Common Household Toxins
Many everyday items are dangerous to pets: chocolate, grapes/raisins, xylitol (artificial sweetener), onions/garlic, certain houseplants, human medications (especially ibuprofen and acetaminophen), and antifreeze. Keep all of these well away from curious noses.
Essential Supplies
Have these items ready before bringing your pet home so you're not scrambling on day one.
For Dogs
🐕 Dog Supplies
- Food and water bowls (stainless steel or ceramic are easiest to clean)
- High-quality dog food appropriate for their age and size
- Collar with ID tag (include your phone number)
- Leash (6-foot standard leash for training; avoid retractable initially)
- Harness (especially for pullers or small dogs)
- Crate sized appropriately (should be able to stand, turn around, lie down)
- Dog bed or comfortable bedding for the crate
- Poop bags (buy in bulk — you'll use hundreds)
- Enzymatic cleaner for accidents
- Toys: chew toys, interactive toys, and fetch toys
- Treats for training (small, soft treats work best)
- Brush appropriate for their coat type
- Dog shampoo
- Nail clippers or grinder
For Cats
🐱 Cat Supplies
- Food and water bowls (or a water fountain — cats love running water)
- High-quality cat food appropriate for their age
- Litter box (one per cat plus one extra is the rule)
- Cat litter (unscented clumping litter is usually preferred)
- Litter scoop
- Scratching post or cat tree
- Cat carrier (for vet visits and emergencies)
- Cat bed (though they'll probably sleep wherever they want)
- Toys: wand toys, balls, catnip toys
- Brush appropriate for their coat
- Nail clippers
- Collar with ID tag and breakaway clasp
💡 Shopping Tip
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Creating a Safe Space
Your new pet needs a designated area where they can retreat and decompress. This is especially important in the early days when everything is unfamiliar.
For Dogs
Set up a quiet corner or room with their crate (door open), bed, water bowl, and a few toys. This becomes their "home base" — a place they know is safe and calm. Use baby gates to give them a contained area to explore initially.
For Cats
Prepare a single room (a bathroom or spare bedroom works well) with litter box, food, water, scratching post, hiding spots, and bedding. Cats should start in this smaller space and gradually earn access to more of the home as they gain confidence.
Finding a Veterinarian
Select a vet before your pet comes home so you're ready for that first appointment.
What to Look For
- Location: Reasonably close for routine visits and emergencies
- Hours: Do they offer evening or weekend appointments?
- Emergency care: Do they handle emergencies or have a partner emergency clinic?
- Reviews: Check online reviews for patient experience
- Philosophy: Visit or call to get a sense of their approach to care
Schedule your first appointment for within one week of bringing your pet home. Bring all medical records from the shelter.
💡 Find a Vet
Use VetNearMe.ai to find highly-rated veterinarians in your area and access 24/7 AI health assessments for pet concerns.
Preparing Your Family
If you have children or other household members, everyone needs to be on the same page about the new arrival.
Set Ground Rules
- Who will be responsible for feeding? Walking? Litter box duty?
- What areas of the home will be off-limits to the pet?
- What commands will everyone use consistently?
- When and how should children interact with the pet?
Teach Children
- Always approach pets calmly (no running, screaming, or sudden movements)
- Let pets come to them rather than chasing
- Pet gently, avoiding face, tail, and paws initially
- Never disturb a pet while eating or sleeping
- Recognize signs of stress (growling, hissing, tucked tail, flattened ears)
- Always have adult supervision during interactions
Preparing Existing Pets
If you have other pets, introducing a new animal requires careful planning.
Before the New Pet Arrives
- Ensure existing pets are up-to-date on vaccinations
- Consider pheromone diffusers (Adaptil for dogs, Feliway for cats) to reduce stress
- Set up separate spaces so each pet has their own territory
- If possible, exchange bedding between the shelter and your home so pets can get used to each other's scent
Introduction Tips
- Keep initial introductions brief and positive
- Use barriers (baby gates, crates) to allow visual contact without physical access
- Reward calm behavior with treats
- Never force interactions — let pets set the pace
- Supervise all interactions until you're confident they're getting along
The Night Before
You've done the prep work — here's your final checklist for the night before pickup:
✨ Final Prep
- Safe space is set up with bed, water, and toys
- All supplies are purchased and organized
- Family has discussed rules and responsibilities
- First vet appointment is scheduled
- Car is ready for transport (crate secured or seatbelt harness ready)
- You've taken time off work or cleared your schedule for the first few days
- You're mentally prepared for the adjustment period!