Safety FIRST!
Make sure to walk your home with a child-proofing lens. Yes, we said "child-proofing"! Having a pet can be similar to having a child, when it comes to their curiosity, things they may reach for and try to play with, putting unsafe items in their mouth, etc. Loose wires should be properly secured and out of reach.
Proper Security
Piggy-backing (pun intended) off of our first point of "Safety First", properly securing your property is also very important for your pet's safety. You should make sure that all doors, windows, and even toilet lids have the necessary latches to prevent escape or harm to your pet. Especially when it comes to the ever-curious cats, your window screens need to have proper latches!
Identification
One of the most important points we will make here is for you to be prepared should your pet escape your home. There are many ways you can make sure your pet has the proper identification. The two main ways we will emphasize are by microchipping and by collar identification. Microchipping can typically be done through your veterinarian's office. As for collar identification, make sure your pet always has your updated contact information visible on his/her collar.
Clean, Clean, and Clean Some More!
Most pets lead lives of curiosity, especially those young in age. Your pet will be prone to putting items in his/her mouth. They will also most likely try to get in those hard-to-reach places to explore or hide. In this case, it's time to break out the cleaning gloves! Clean in the obvious places as well as under furniture and behind fixtures that you wouldn't normally reach behind.
Toys GALORE!
Remember...young animals will go through a teething stage. They will likely try to chew on anything and everything. To avoid Scruffy gnawing on your antique sofa's legs, make sure he has many chew toys! Boredom can also lead to unwanted behavior so an abundance of toys will help alleviate some of the stress for you and for him!
Time for an Adjustment!
Last but certainly not least, please don't forget that there will be an adjustment period for all parties. Whether this is a new pet in your existing home or a pet you've had for years in a brand new home, changes bring about adjustment periods. You may have times when you will feel frustrated. Your pet will also probably have times where he/she may act out due to stress and frustration. Be patient with your furry (or scaly) friend!