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Prepare the welcome
Before They
Come Home
A practical checklist
Before They Come Home
A calm welcome starts with a prepared home. Gather the essentials, remove common hazards, and create one quiet place where your new pet can begin to settle.
- Appropriate food
- Baby gates if needed
- Bedding
- Check gates and fencing
- Check houseplants for pet safety
- Cleaning supplies
- Collar or harness
- Crate or safe sleeping area
- Create a quiet decompression area
- Food and water bowls
- ID tag
- Leash
- Litter box and litter for cats
- Pet-proof electrical cords
- Schedule an initial veterinary appointment
- Secure food
- Secure household chemicals
- Secure medications
- Secure trash cans
- Toys and chews
Your next thoughtful step