You’re all settled into your Orlando apartment and it’s time to really turn it into your home. In your mind, the best way to do this is get a loveable puppy or a cuddly kitten. This is a fantastic idea for making sure a friendly face greets you at the end of the day. But, are there things you should do to pet proof your apartment before you select a new friend to call your own?
Absolutely! In fact, there are quite a few things you’re likely going to want to do before you pick out the perfect pooch or kitten. They include:
Making sure permission is in place – Not all Orlando apartments are pet friendly. It’s a very good idea to find out the rules before you dive into pet ownership. Check with your landlord and find out what is permitted and what isn’t. Chances are you’ll only have to pay a pet fee, but there might be other rules attached. Even pet friendly apartments can have unique rules you’ll need to follow.
Size up your complex – Before your puppy – in particular – comes home, make sure you know the lay of the land in regard to where puppies should “go” and where they should not. Many Orlando apartment complexes have pet walks and areas. Familiarize yourself with these. Using pet walks can increase pet safety outdoors and keep both you and your pooch out of trouble withy the neighbors.
Size up your apartment – Make sure your apartment is ready for a pet, too. You’ll want to make sure your kitten has plenty of toys and a litter box. Choosing to have claws removed is a personal decision, but many find it can help cut down on destroyed furniture and carpets. For a puppy, make sure chewable items are well out of reach. Remember, it is natural for a kitten to scratch and a puppy to chew. You’ll need to compensate for this as you do your pet proofing.
Other necessary adjustments - Since puppies like to chew things, make sure any plants in your apartment are not poisonous or place these plants on higher shelves so that the puppy does not have access to the fallen leaves or actual plant. You may also want to purchase baby gates to keep your puppy out of certain rooms where there may be possible poisons or things you don’t want it to chew on.
Consider training – If you are bringing home a puppy, one of the best ways to ensure animal safety is to go for training classes. Your puppy will need to be lead trained and other basic obedience lessons can go a long way.
Getting a puppy or kitten is a great way to make an Orlando apartment really feel like home. If this is your plan, don’t forget to do some pet proofing before introducing a new member of the family to your abode.
{ 0 comments… add one now }