Moving into a new home is exciting, but it's important to ensure your space is safe and comfortable for your furry family members. Here's your essential guide to pet-proofing your new house.

Safety Tips:

Secure Hazardous Items: Don’t store cleaning supplies, medications, and chemicals out in the open. Remove toxic items like chocolate, grapes, onions, and dangerous houseplants from pet-accessible areas.

Remove Choking Hazards: Walk through your home at pet level and secure small objects like coins, jewelry, hair ties, and small toys that could pose choking risks.

Electrical Safety: Use cord protectors on exposed electrical cables and install outlet covers where needed. Keep loose cords behind furniture or in protective tubing.

Kitchen: Secure trash cans with tight lids and never leave food unattended.

Bathroom: Keep toilet lids closed, store medications and toiletries in closed cabinets, and secure sharp items like razors.

Living Areas: Secure breakable items and ensure furniture stability. Keep tv remotes out of reach if your pet is prone to chewing.

Garage/Utility: Lock away antifreeze, motor oil, and fertilizers. Clean spills immediately and consider restricting pet access.

Outdoors: Remove toxic plants and ensure your yard is free from harmful chemicals. Provide shaded areas and fresh water access. If you build a pool, consider installing proper safety barriers.

Emergency Preparedness: Create a pet emergency kit with medications, food, water, and important documents. Keep veterinary contact information accessible and ensure pets have proper ID tags. Consider microchipping for permanent identification.

Ongoing Maintenance: Conduct monthly safety checks to identify new hazards or wear and tear. Adapt your pet-proofing as your pets age or if you add new animals to your family.

Comfort Tips:

Designated Pet Spaces: Set up cozy sleeping areas with appropriate bedding in quiet parts of your home. Provide multiple levels for cats and dedicated spaces with beds, toys, and water bowls for dogs.

Climate Control: Maintain comfortable temperatures and ensure good ventilation.

Creating a pet-friendly home requires thoughtful preparation and ongoing attention, but the investment in your pet's safety and comfort strengthens your bond and ensures peace of mind. Every pet is unique, so observe your companion's behavior and adjust your approach accordingly. A well-prepared home helps your pet feel secure and truly become part of the family in your new space.

If you are searching for a new home, San Joaquin Valley Homes is building homes throughout the Central Valley. Our model homes are open daily with no appointments needed. Our website also offers virtual tours for your convenience. Visit www.sjvhomes.com for more information on all our neighborhoods.