Welcoming Pets Into Your Virginia Home

According to The Humane Society, the key to helping your new pet make a successful adjustment to your home is being prepared and being patient. It can take a while for you and your pet to adjust to each other. The following tips can help ensure a smooth transition.

Gather your supplies. Prepare the things your pet will need in advance… a collar and leash, food and water bowls, food, and, of course, some toys. And don't forget to order an identification tag right away.

Plan your pet's arrival. Try to arrange the arrival of your new pet for a weekend or when you can be home for a few days. Get to know each other and spend some quality time together. Don't forget the jealousy factor—make sure you don't neglect other pets and people in your household!

Be patient. Be reasonable in your expectations. Life with you is a different experience for your new companion, so give him time to adjust.  A new cat may need up to 2 weeks to relax into her new environment.

Give your pet a safe quiet place. Cats appreciate the chance to observe their new family’s routine from a small, dark space or one high above the action. Dogs instinctively like a den, so a crate is the canine equivalent of a room of his own.

If a crate isn't an option, consider some sort of confinement to a dog-proofed part of your home.

Pet-proof your home before giving your new friend run of the house. Put away harsh cleaning products, human medications and household poisons. Re-home any poisonous houseplants. Lock away any breakables and remember to keep the toilet lid down.

Be prepared for housetraining. Assume your new dog is not housetrained. Check out housetraining tips for puppies. Be consistent, and maintain a routine. For cats, set up a litter box in a quiet, low-traffic area. Unsure of what litter to use? Non-clumping litter is recommended for kittens under ten weeks of age.

Make sure all your pets are healthy. If you already have dogs or cats at home, make sure they are up-to-date on their shots and in good general health before introducing your new pet. Take your new pet to the veterinarian within a week after adoption. There, he will receive a health check and any needed vaccinations. If your pet has not been spayed or neutered, make that appointment!

Once they’re settled in, let the games begin!  Dogs need an active life. That means you should plan plenty of exercise and game time. From jogging to playing fetch, or just going for a long walk together, your dog will love spending time with you. Young cats or kittens love to play. Stock up on interactive toys such as feather wands and kitty fishing poles to engage attention and direct energies toward a positive pursuit.

Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years.  Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.