How to prepare your home for a new pet is one of the most important tasks for any new pet parent. When I brought home Luna, my shy tabby with the loudest purr you’ll ever hear, I was so excited that I completely forgot to cat-proof my houseplants.
Two chewed leaves and one emergency vet call later, I learned my first lesson in pet preparation: excitement is no substitute for planning. That’s why I’ve broken down the process into 8 essential steps that will help you avoid my mistakes and create the perfect welcome for your new furry, feathered, or scaled family member.
Whether you’re welcoming a playful puppy like my Max, a curious kitten like Luna, or adorable guinea pigs like Peanut and Butter, preparing your home for a new pet isn’t just about buying cute toys and cozy beds (though those are important too!). It’s about creating a safe, comfortable environment where your new family member can thrive from day one.
Table of Contents
Pet-Proofing Your Space: Safety First When You Prepare Your Home for a New Pet
How to Prepare Your Home for a New Pet: Securing Hazardous Items
One of the most important aspects of how to prepare your home for a new pet is making sure your home is free of dangerous items. Growing up watching my grandmother chase her cat Mimi away from dangerous household items taught me the importance of proper storage. Before your pet arrives:
- Store cleaning supplies, medications, and chemicals in locked cabinets or high shelves completely out of reach
- Secure trash cans with locking lids to prevent curious paws from exploring
- Hide electrical cords or cover them with pet-safe cord protectors
- Remove toxic plants from your home or place them in unreachable areas (research which plants are dangerous for your specific pet)
- Keep small choking hazards like buttons, coins, and children’s toys picked up and stored away
Remember how my Luna found those houseplants? Pets are incredibly resourceful when it comes to finding trouble. Always assume your new pet can jump higher, squeeze into smaller spaces, and reach further than you think!
Designate Pet-Free Zones
Not every space in your home needs to be accessible to your new pet. Using baby gates or closed doors to establish boundaries helps:
- Protect valuable or fragile items
- Give existing pets their own space if needed
- Create safe areas during cleaning or when guests visit
- Prevent access to areas with potential hazards you can’t remove
In our house, the office remains a “guinea pig-free zone” after Peanut once chewed through an important computer cable during an unsupervised exploration!
Creating Comfort: The Essentials for How to Prepare Your Home for a New Pet
Set Up a Dedicated Space
Every Sunday during family gatherings, our pets always had their special retreats where they could escape the noise and activity. Your new pet needs the same:
- Designate a quiet area where your pet can retreat when overwhelmed
- Set up proper bedding appropriate for your specific pet type
- Position food and water dishes in a low-traffic area where your pet won’t be disturbed while eating
- Place a litter box/crate/habitat in an accessible but somewhat private location
For dogs especially, crate training provides security. Max’s crate became his favorite napping spot because we made it cozy and positive from the beginning.
Stock Up on Supplies
Before bringing your pet home, gather these essentials:
For Dogs:
- High-quality food appropriate for age and size
- Food and water bowls (consider elevated bowls for larger breeds)
- Collar with ID tag and leash
- Crate and/or dog bed
- Appropriate toys for chewing and play
- Grooming supplies
- Enzymatic cleaner for accidents
- Training treats
For Cats:
- High-quality cat food
- Food and water dishes
- Litter box and litter
- Scratching post or pad
- Cat carrier
- Interactive toys
- Grooming tools
- Cat bed or heated pad
For Small Animals:
- Appropriate habitat/cage
- Species-specific bedding
- Food formulated for your pet
- Water bottle or dish
- Hiding spots and toys
- Exercise equipment (wheels, tunnels)
- Grooming supplies if needed
Preparing Your Family: Everyone’s Involved
As I always say, “We didn’t just raise pets, we grew up with them as our siblings, our best friends, and our greatest teachers.” This mindset helps everyone in the household understand their responsibilities.
Establish Rules and Routines
Before your pet arrives:
- Decide on house rules for your pet (Will they be allowed on furniture? Which rooms are off-limits?)
- Create a feeding and exercise schedule
- Assign care responsibilities among family members
- Plan potty training methods for consistency
- Research training techniques appropriate for your pet type
When my niece and nephew visit, they know exactly how to interact with our pets because we’ve established clear guidelines, no chasing Luna, gentle petting for the guinea pigs, and Max gets his space during meals.
Prepare Children
If you have children, help them understand:
- How to handle and approach the new pet safely
- Appropriate play behaviors
- The importance of respecting the pet’s space
- Their role in caring for the pet
Children make wonderful pet companions when they understand boundaries. Those Sunday family gatherings taught me early on that gentle hands and quiet voices make for happy pets.
Planning for Health and Wellness
Find a Veterinarian
Before bringing your pet home:
- Research veterinarians in your area
- Schedule an initial check-up shortly after bringing your pet home
- Prepare for initial vaccinations and preventative care
- Ask about microchipping for identification
- Discuss spaying/neutering if applicable
When I first brought Max home, having a vet already selected made that first worried phone call (when he ate part of a sock) much less stressful.
Pet-Proof Your Yard
For pets that will spend time outdoors:
- Check fencing for gaps or weak spots
- Remove toxic plants from your yard
- Secure pools or water features with barriers
- Store garden tools and chemicals in locked sheds
- Create shaded areas for hot days
Luna may be an indoor cat, but Max enjoys our backyard, only after I removed all foxglove and lily plants that could harm him if ingested.
The First Days Home: Transition with Care
Take Time Off If Possible
Those first few days with your new pet are crucial for bonding and establishing routines. If you can:
- Arrange for time off work to help your pet adjust
- Keep the environment calm and quiet initially
- Limit visitors during the adjustment period
- Introduce household members gradually if needed
When Peanut and Butter joined our family, I spent the weekend sitting near their habitat, speaking softly, and offering treats. This patience helped them adjust to their new home without unnecessary stress.
Practice Patience
Remember that your new pet is experiencing a significant change:
- Expect some anxiety or behavior issues initially
- Maintain consistent routines to build security
- Use positive reinforcement liberally
- Give your pet time and space to adjust at their own pace
Beyond the Basics: Setting Up for Success
Plan for Exercise Needs
Different pets have different exercise requirements:
- Dogs need regular walks and play sessions
- Cats benefit from climbing spaces and interactive play
- Small animals need safe exploration time outside their habitat
- Birds need flight time in a safe, enclosed area
Max’s daily walks aren’t just exercise—they’re training opportunities, bonding time, and mental stimulation all wrapped into one.
Consider Mental Stimulation
Physical exercise isn’t enough. Plan for mental enrichment:
- Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing gadgets
- Training sessions appropriate for your pet
- Rotating toys to maintain interest
- Interactive play that engages natural instincts
Luna’s favorite toy is a simple cardboard box with holes cut in it, proving that entertainment doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective!
The Emotional Side of Pet Preparation
Bringing home a new pet isn’t just about physical preparation, it’s an emotional journey too. As someone who’s grown up with animals as my “siblings,” I understand that:
- Adjusting takes time for both pets and people
- Building bonds happens gradually through consistent, positive interactions
- Patience with yourself is as important as patience with your pet
When Charlie, our family parrot, first arrived, it took weeks before he stopped seeing hands as threats. Today, he happily steps up on outstretched fingers, a reminder that trust develops at its own pace.
Final Preparations Before the Big Day
As the day approaches to welcome your new family member:
- Double-check your pet-proofing efforts
- Prepare your pet’s space with all essentials
- Shop for food, treats, and supplies
- Review care instructions from the breeder, shelter, or previous owner
- Clear your schedule for quality time together
- Take photos of your home “before” to remember this special time
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Prepare Your Home for a New Pet
How long should I take off work when bringing home a new pet?
Ideally, try to take at least 3-5 days off when bringing home a new pet, especially a puppy or kitten. This gives you time to establish routines, begin house training, and help your pet adjust to their new environment. When I brought Max home, I took a full week off, which made a tremendous difference in his adjustment period and our bonding.
What are the most commonly overlooked hazards when preparing your home for a new pet?
The most commonly overlooked hazards include:
Houseplants (many are toxic to pets)
Small objects that can be choking hazards
Cords and wires
Certain foods left on counters (like chocolate, grapes, or onions for dogs)
Gaps in fencing or under furniture where small pets can get stuck
I learned about the plant hazard the hard way with Luna, but tha
How should I introduce my new pet to existing pets in the home?
When preparing your home for a new pet that will join existing pets:
Create separate spaces initially
Exchange scents before physical introductions (swap bedding or toys)
Conduct first meetings in neutral territory when possible
Keep initial interactions brief and positive
Supervise all interactions until you’re confident they’re getting along
With Peanut and Butter, I kept them in sepa
What’s the minimum amount of supplies I need before bringing my new pet home?
At minimum, prepare your home for a new pet with:
Appropriate food and water containers
A comfortable bed/sleeping area
Waste management supplies (litter box for cats, pee pads for puppies, etc.)
Secure containment (crate, carrier, habitat)
Basic toys
ID tag with your contact information
Appropriate grooming tools
Everything else can be purchased as you learn your pet’s preferences.
How do I pet-proof a rental property without making permanent changes?
To prepare a rental home for a new pet:
Use free-standing baby gates instead of installed ones
Place cord covers that don’t require wall mounting
Use furniture covers to protect from hair and scratches
Place plastic mats under food and water bowls
Use double-sided tape on furniture as a temporary deterrent for cats
Place pet-safe houseplants in hanging baskets out of reach
When I moved into an apartment with Max, removable pet gates were lifesavers for keeping him contained without damaging the property.
If you are a beginner in parenthood, here is a related guide that may be helpful for you, How to Crate Train a Puppy Without Tears and 10 Pet Care Tips Every Beginner Should Know
