Just as you would child-proof your home before a toddler comes to visit, you need to be sure your pet (and your stuff) is protected. Pick up all small items that could cause choking—I can guarantee, if it’s on the floor, it’s going in your pet’s mouth at some point. Remove or cover delicate or antique furniture, and put the breakables up high.
Remove any loose wires or electrical cords—kittens and puppies love to chew on warm cords. Okay, puppies love to chew on everything, so if it’s precious, put it away until your new pal has learned not to chew everything in sight.
Kittens will scratch furniture if you don’t provide an alternative. A cat-nip scented scratching post is a good idea.
Small animals like hamsters and ferrets will crawl into the smallest hidey-hole they can find. If there’s an escape that’s larger than two inches by two inches, secure or block it off. Be sure to check inside the cabinetry and behind appliances—small creatures can vanish quickly.
Provide a bed for your new pet so that he will have a secure spot when he needs to retreat. A few toys, leash, collar and litter-box will make the homecoming preparations complete.
How Much Will it Cost?
Forget the adoption fee, or price of the pet. That’s a one time cost that can range from nothing to hundreds of dollars. When thinking about cost, consider lifelong needs.
Any pet will require regular visits to the vet’s office, quality food and litter, and occasional medicines in times of illness or injury.
Calling local veterinary offices can give you an idea of what wellness check-ups and quality food will cost. Listings are usually in the yellow pages of the phone book, under veterinarians. Don’t forget to ask about grooming services, too.
These costs can vary widely from species to species. A small animal will eat much less than a large breed, and an indoor pet will be healthier and live longer than an outside pet.