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betty@logicalplacement.com • www.LogicalPlacement.com

April 2023 – Bringing Home a New Pet

Would you like some help in preparing for a new pet in your house?

It's not as big an adjustment as bringing home a human baby, but there are many similarities!

Here are some helpful tips to prepare for a new pet, especially aimed at cats and dogs:

A. Get anything chewable above their height;

B. Buy toys to distract them and keep them occupied. Remember, this is all new for them, too;

C. Buy appropriate food, but purchase small containers at first, so you know if the food agrees with your pet;

D. Provide adequate water containers, and keep them filled;

E. Be sure you have all the basic stuff: at least one leash, reflective items plus poop & scoop bags, kitty litter items plus containers and a carrier case for trips to the vet;

F. More helpful items include brushes, combs, shampoo, nail clippers, dental products, stain/odor remover, ID tags, beds and carrier, crates or dog houses, puppy pads, gates and pet doors;

Veterinarians will add a few more items to your list.

G. Decide who a good animal doctor will be. You might want to take your pet there to be familiar with those sights and smells. Your vet's ideas might include first aid kits for puppies, plus flea - tick products;

H. Be sure to get your house ready by removing any harmful chemicals you may have stored in low areas. Try to put them — and everything breakable — out of reach, because accidents can happen.

What are the house rules?

I. Who is responsible for walking the pet and picking up the poop? Everyone needs to be on board and be consistent in animal care;

J. Consider attending obedience or socialization classes, which can be good for the pet and the masters;

K. Decide how the pet's name will be chosen. Research different names and perhaps have a family vote;

L. If this is going to be a gift for the children, really think about this purchase. This animal will affect your life for many years to come and it brings lots of family responsibility. Many people got pets when Covid hit and thought again when it was time to return back to the office. Some changed their minds, since pets change adult habits;

M. One more thought: Pets can live 10+ years — so again this is a big responsibility with a possible long timeline.

Final thoughts about a new pet

N. As quickly as possible, get the animal on your family's schedule. You don’t want to feed the cat or dog at 3 a.m.;

O. Decide who will take care of the pet when you go on vacation. Plans need to be made!

P. What will be the house rules? Are the new pets allowed on furniture, allowed to sleep in bedrooms, and should they be fed scraps from the table or not?

Q. Where will the home be for the pet’s food and toys?

R. Remember, you'll need stain and carpet removers, so you're prepared for those little accidents that will happen. Having a few old towels available will also come in handy.

Overall, enjoy this new family member! It will bring special memories to everyone in your family!

Follow me on Instagram @logical_placement or find me on Facebook at "Logical Placement Organizing" for weekly organizing tips posted every Friday.

Your local professional organizer,

Betty Huotari

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