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Welcoming a Pet to the Family: 5 Must-Know Tips

There’s nothing as exciting as bringing home a new furry friend. Pets bring so much joy into life and are a great addition to any family. It’s a big commitment, and the choice to get a pet shouldn’t be rushed. There are many things to consider and preparations to be made before bringing your pet home for the first time.

If you’re considering getting a pet, here are some essential things to note and tips for welcoming them into your family.

1. Get the family on board

Before you decide to get a pet, you will need to have an open discussion with those that live in your household. Ensuring that everyone in the house is on the same page will avoid confusion or any issues down the line. Caring for a pet takes work, and each member of your family will need to agree on it. Make sure that everyone wants the pet and iron out the details of who will feed them, walk them and clean up after them.

2. Set some ground rules 

Though it’s easy to overlook, everyone has a different idea of what’s appropriate for a pet. Discuss any rules the pet will have so the family knows what’s allowed when you bring the pet home. It could include any rooms of the house that will be out of bounds and what furniture the pet will be allowed on. It will allow you to train the pet easier once it arrives.

3. Get supplies

You’ll need to stock up on all the supplies you need for your pet ahead of time. Everything should be set up where you want it to reduce the stress on the animal when you bring it home. Ideally, you should have all its necessities in the main room, such as your living room or kitchen. You don’t want to overwhelm them, and keeping them in one place, to begin with, will make moving in more relaxed. Here are some necessities you will want to stock up on:

  • Food
  • Treats
  • Pet bed
  • Collar with tags
  • Toys
  • Bowls
  • Crate (for dogs)
  • Leash/Harness (for dogs)

If you’re bringing home a highly anxious pet, it might be a good idea to ease their stress. Providing them with CBD treats, like those from ceebeedoo.com, will help keep them calm during the overwhelming transition.

4. Prepare your home

Tuck wires away and up off the ground, so your new pet is unable to reach them. Puppies love to chew on things, and you want to ensure they can’t get into anything that might danger them. Make sure that if there’s anything precious to you, that it is out of reach or put away in cabinets. If you have plants in your house, check if they are toxic to your pet. If so, place them on a high shelf and out of the way. If you have individual rooms that are out of bounds, it may be worth installing a barrier to keep your new arrival out ahead of time.

5. Make sure that someone’s at home

When you first welcome a new pet in the family, it’s essential to have someone home with them, especially at the beginning. Moving into a new home can be a stressful experience for pets and having someone to keep them company will help put them at ease. The first couple of weeks is when you can show your pet what’s ok and not ok to do in the house. It includes them chewing on furniture, jumping up on appliances and whining, or barking. If no one is home, then no one can train your pet during this pivotal time. If you are away from the house, make sure to arrange for at-home care.

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