Welcoming a new pet requires preparation. Pet-proofing your home before arrival is a wise idea. Try these tips:

Have A Plan

Start by determining whether or not your pet is free to roam throughout the house. Look for small objects a pet could chew and choke on, or access to garbage containers that your pet could topple. Decide what rooms are off-limits.

Keep Your Pets Busy

If pets are left alone in the home all day, another way to keep them occupied is to scatter pet toys throughout the areas in which they frequently play. This way, they can move from one toy to another and keep themselves busy until you get home. Consider childproof latches for cabinets that house cleaners, especially if pets are left alone.

Furniture

If certain pieces of furniture are off-limits, use "childproof" gates or other barriers to keep pets away. If they jump on the furniture, immediately order them down. This helps train them.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.