Welcoming Fido to the Family

Welcoming a new four-legged friend to the family is an exciting event! If you're opening up your home to Fido or a feline friend this spring, take a look at today's blog for a few handy ways to simplify the process.

Before he gets there...

Before you bring your new dog or cat into your home, there are a few things you can do to make sure your space is as prepared as possible. For starters, if you're renting a home or apartment, be sure to check in with your landlord and see what kind of deposit you might have to make. Whether you rent or own a home, now is a great time to check your backyard for potential issues (like a broken section of fence, for example) that can be rectified in time for the big arrival.

Allow for adjustment

While puppies may have the reputation of being noisy sleepers their first few nights at home, older dogs and cats can also take some time to adjust. Don't feel the need to get everything just perfect the first night--as time goes on, you, your family, and your new four-legged friend will be able to work out sleep solutions that make sense for you.

Plan for plenty of washes

To keep your home free of excess fur on your floors and furniture (or to cut down on the allergenic effects of pet dander), plan to take your new pet to the groomer regularly for fresh trims and a good wash, the latter which you might easily be able to do at home.

Get social

If your dog or cat is especially young, their vet may recommend keeping them away from other animals until a requisite time. Once they're old enough, however, help them socialize! Explore your local dog parks and keep an eye out for fellow pet owners in the neighborhood who can help you find a great vet, groomer, pet shop, and other recommendations.

Find a home for Fido while you're away

Even if you don't have any immediate travel plans, it can definitely be helpful to figure out a boarding situation for your new pet early on. Whether you plan to take him to the kennel during weekends away, or have a friend or family member who could pet-sit for you, it's smart to have that plan in place now so that you never have to worry about last-minute travel plans.

Once you've taken care of the practical steps, you're ready to enjoy time with your new family member! We hope that today's blog helps you craft a space that's safe and fun for your new furry friend.