Pets are generally curious, hyperactive, and like to explore their surroundings, especially if you moved to a new area or place. While it keeps them busy and allows you to settle down, often, it leads to chaos.

Therefore, it is essential that you pay attention to your furry friend’s behavior. And make your home pet-friendly to keep them safe.

However, pet-proofing is easier said than done. To create the utmost safe and healthy environment for your four-legged friend, you need to begin from the beginning.

Here’s how!

  • Learn About The Pet Policy Of The HOAs

Although 70% of U.S. households own a pet, not every society allows them. If your society or community allows them, it is essential to learn everything about their pet policy. In particular, don’t neglect your pet waste removal policy, as it plays a very significant role in keeping the area clean. Do you have to pick up the waste yourself? Does the community hire professional clean-ups? What about pet spaying/neutering?

Learning about all these things will help you learn about your responsibilities.

  • Invest In Pet-Friendly Furniture

When purchasing furniture, you must invest in stain-resistant fabric- especially if your cat or dog loves to stay over the couch, chair, or other furniture. Understand that the pet hair and dander, foul smell, and stains can damage your furniture. Not to mention, it might also affect the overall appearance and vibe of your house.

Also, when purchasing furniture, try to avoid silk, tweed, and velvet materials as these are more prone to getting scratches and stains. Instead, prefer synthetic microfiber, sunbrella, and leather. Likewise, avoid light colors as stains are more visible and challenging to remove.

  • Keep All The Dangerous Items At A Safe Place

Food items such as medications, vitamins, avocados, nuts, etc., and household items such as knives, wires, pins, and others are dangerous for pets. Therefore, you must store these items somewhere safe and out of the reach of pets.

Likewise, make sure your garbage can is high and heavy enough so that your furry friends can’t knock it over.

  • Avoid Using Carpets

Carpets often look very pretty and add an aesthetic appeal to the place. However, most carpet materials are not durable enough to withstand pet stains, scratches, and other types of damage. Plus, they can easily absorb the bad odor. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using carpets. Instead, you can use ceramic tile or porcelain flooring. These are more durable and highly resistant to scratches and stains.

  • Install Window Screen

Did you know that according to recent data, numerous cats (and other pets) have fallen victim to “high-rise syndrome?” In simple terms, cats fall out of high-rise buildings, getting injured or even dying.

Thus, to keep your pets safe, you must install window screens. This will ensure that your house gets enough sunlight while your furry friend is safe.

In a nutshell!

As a pet parent, it is your responsibility to keep your little furball healthy, happy, and safe. So, you must follow the above-written measures to make your place pet-friendly. Not to mention, learning about the community policy will also ensure that you are balancing community needs and pet freedom.