Moving to a new city with your pet? Though it can be an exciting experience, it involves a lot of hard work and preparation, particularly when your move involves a pet too. When moving into a new home, it’s important for pet parents to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of their pets in their living space. What may be a minor inconvenience for you could be detrimental to the health and safety of your pet, so be sure to take the time to fully identify and remove any potential hazards sooner rather than later.
To help make things easier for you and your pet, Worldwide Animal Travel has compiled a list of 5 steps you should consider when pet-proofing your new home.
1. Keep poisonous items out of reach
Just as you’d keep poisonous household products out of reach for babies, toddlers, and kids, the same should be done for your pet. Keep household cleaners and other toxic chemicals on higher shelves, and use latches to keep your cabinets closed. One special consideration to remember is that certain plants and foods can be uniquely poisonous for animals, so be mindful of where you locate these items in your kitchen and around the house.
2. Be mindful of small spaces
Pets love to explore, and we can’t blame them! But for smaller pets, they risk becoming injured if they find themselves in the wrong place that only they have access to. For this reason, take some time to inspect your house to check for and block any small spaces that they could potentially get stuck in, including inside cabinets and behind washer and dryer units.
3. Secure loose wires
Wires and cords can pose all sorts of problems for your pet, such as electrocution, strangulation, and choking. Ensure you keep cords and wires out of reach and securely tucked away so that your curious pet doesn’t accidentally injure themselves while you aren’t looking. If you aren’t using an appliance or electronic, consider storing it to limit the amount of open cords in your home. Your pet and hydro bill will thank you!
4. Remove choking hazards
Animals love to chew things, no matter what they are. The danger is when they chew something that can become a choking hazard or block their intestines if swallowed. Be sure to keep smaller items out of reach at all times. If your pet is known for chewing things it’s not supposed to, we recommend spending some time training them to chew their toys rather than household items. You can also dedicate a space specifically for their playtime that you know is hazard-free.
5. Secure heavier items into place
Moving into a new home can be a chaotic experience, and sometimes we do things absentmindedly. Be careful not to lean heavy materials or tools against walls or counters, such as ladders, as they could become falling hazards should you or your pet bump into them.
While you may be antsy to settle into your new home, it’s best to introduce your pet to their new environment once the laborious move-in process has been completed and the space has been assessed by you for any potential hazards listed above.
If you’re in the process of coordinating your move to a new city, consider using Worldwide Animal Travel as your trusted pet relocation company. With over 20 years in the industry, we know travel and we know pets. Contact us today!
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