Preparing Your Home for a New Pet

Welcoming a new pet into your home is a huge milestone and an exciting time for every member of the family—but it’s also a huge responsibility. To help make the introduction of a furry friend easier on both the animal and its new owners, it’s best to be as prepared as possible. Whether you’re getting a puppy or dog, kitten or cat, or a less common type of house pet, Homes by Taber has a few tips on preparing your home and family members for your new companion.  

Frankie Lewis, New Home Specialist, and Beans N'Rice Lewis. Beans N'Rice Lewis is a male Shorkie who's hobbies include running, barking with the neighbor's dogs, going for walks and chewing up Frankie's stuff. 

Pet-proof where necessary

No matter what type of animal you’re bringing into your home, pet-proofing is absolutely essential to keeping your pet and your belongings safe. Many common household items pose a threat to animals, so you should do a sweep of every room in the house. Get the wires for electronics out of reach, move cleaning supplies into a cabinet or utility room, rearrange the pantry to get pet-toxic foods onto higher shelves and—if you didn’t select the trash can pullout option when personalizing your Homes by Taber kitchen—invest in lidded trash cans in the kitchen and bathrooms. 

If you have any houseplants, a quick internet search can let you know if they’re safe for pets to be around. Plants that aren't pet-friendly should be given away to a pet-less friend or family member, or relocated to your office—this might seem drastic, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Rachel Taron, Community Sales Manager, Hakuna and Winston. Hakuna, the bigger boy, is a German Shepherd/Golden mix who loves lounging around, going on walks and cuddling. Winston, the little boy is a Mini Australian Shepherd who loves playing with all toys, any toys, anywhere, nonstop! 

Designate some space

Just like human family members, your pet should have designated spaces throughout the home. Make food and water easily accessible by placing bowls in the kitchen or utility room. If you plan on crating your new pet, find the best spot in the house for this. Many people use a utility room, spare room or bedroom. Once you trust your new pet to roam freely, make sure there’s a bed for them in a sunny spot of the house where people tend to gather—your Homes by Taber family room offers plenty of natural light and a cozy spot by the fireplace during winter months. 

Luckily, you won’t have to worry about keeping your pet out of certain areas of the home over fear of scratched floors. The wood-look tile floors, which come standard in the common spaces of Homes by Taber floor plans, are much more durable than traditional wood flooring—meaning you won’t see scratches. It’s also much easier to clean if your pet has an accident, especially during those early months of house training. 

Kendall Quinn, Field Assistant, Veigar, Lulu and Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck. Veigar "Tiny Master of My Heart" is a four year old Miniature Australian Shepherd who's favorite activities are tug of war and begging. Lulu "World-Licker" is a three year old German Shepherd who's favorite activity is licking! Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck "The Abominable Marshmallow" is a one and half year old Great Pyrenees who's favorite activity is just being still and feeling the wind, if Lulu will let her. 

Research area resources

Before your pet comes home, it’s important to research pet-related resources close to your neighborhood. Know where the closest pet supply store is, find a trusted veterinarian and keep the information for a 24/7 emergency vet where everyone in the family can access it. 

While this might cover the necessities, it’s also a great time to find fun places to take your new pet. Dog owners, in particular, will benefit from knowing about nearby dog parks, so your pup can be socialized, get lots of exercise and exert all of their energy outside of your home. 

Oklahoma City residents will enjoy a variety of dog parks in their area, some with unique offerings. Standard parks include the Deep Deuce Dog Park, Myriad Botanical Gardens Dog Park and Midtown Mutts Dog Park. OKC PawPark features a pond for dogs that love to swim. Solo’s Park & Pub is a combined dog park, bar and restaurant concept that allows pet owners to eat and drink while their pooch explores the off-leash park, while their Bark Rangers chaperone the pups. 

Popular dog parks in surrounding OKC suburbs include the Edmond Dog Park, Mustang Dog Park, Norman Community Dog Park at Griffin Park, Happy Tails Dog Park in Moore and Pets & People Dog Park in Yukon. 

Tulsa area pet owners can check out Biscuit Acres Dog Park, Joe Station Dog Park, Route 55 Dog Park, Waggin Trail Dog Park in Owasso and Rose West Dog Park in Broken Arrow. 

With so many pet lovers in the state, it’s easy to find the perfect fit for your pets to get out and explore.

Cayce Bryan, New Home Specialist, Scottie and Pepper. Scottie is a two year old Black Lab mix and a shelter dog. Scottie loves to snuggle, eat trash, and sit on the porch. Pepper is a nine month old German Shepherd who loves digging in the dirt, chasing her dad on his skateboard and giving kisses. Both Scottie and Pepper love car rides, special treats and their big brother Boston. 

Inspect your yard

Taking your pup to a dog park every day might be the dream, but it probably won’t be reality. That’s why it’s important to take a quick survey of your backyard before letting your pup out there to do its business. If your yard isn’t fenced in, always keep your dog on a leash when letting him or her outside. If you do have a fence, ensure it’s secure (and the right height based on whatever breed you choose), pick up any debris and be prepared to fill any holes they dig. Remember—even with a fenced yard, walks are the best way to expel energy in young puppies and more active breeds. Finding a neighborhood with sidewalks and street lights helps make those outdoor walks more enjoyable for all.

Hannah Blakely, Development Coordinator, and Moose. Moose is a Texas Heeler who's hobbies include road trips and exploring.  

Stock and organize supplies

Get the essentials together before your furry friend comes home, so you don’t have to leave them for multiple trips to the pet supply store. A collar and ID tag with the pet’s name and your phone number should be taken with you to pick up the animal, as well as a leash. At home, add a hook near the front door, near the mud bench or in the utility room to hang leashes and potty bags for easy access before walks. Food, treats and medicine should be stored in a secure spot, and toys can be scattered throughout the house for the pet to enjoy. Don’t forget a litter box for cats and kittens—which is easy to tuck out of sight in the utility room. 

Upon returning home from the dog park or after a muddy romp in the backyard, there’s nothing more inconvenient than giving your dog a bath inside. Homes by Tabers’ tankless water heaters that are included with every home make it easy for pet owners to clean your dog outside with water from the hose. The units are in the garage with easy-to-access connections for a water hose to attach. This warm water also comes in handy for washing out the garage when your pet makes a mess in this space.

A smiling Golden named Lexi that's being washed in a Homes by Taber garage by owner Joel Filomeno, one of Taber's Digital Media Specialists, using the easy to use water hose attachment on the tankless water heater for warm water outside. 

Clean and declutter

Take the opportunity to clean your house and rearrange any items that may cause issues with a new pet. Clean under beds and dressers, place any valuables out of reach or in storage until you’re confident it won’t be a problem and get all laundry and kids’ toys picked up before their arrival. 

Haley Reaves, North Team Sales Manager, and Bear. Bear is a German Shepherd who loves, loves, LOVES playing fetch, going to the dog park and gets so excited to go on walks. He enjoys sleeping in the bed and car rides to visit our friends at the fire station!

Practice patience

Owning a pet is one of the most rewarding experiences. While there may be some mishaps and accidents in the beginning, it’s important to practice patience with your new family member. It’ll take a minute to get used to their surroundings, but loving owners help make the transition so much easier. 

If you’re looking for a new-construction home to welcome a furry friend into, Homes by Taber has welcoming communities in the most sought-after locations throughout Oklahoma City and now, Tulsa. Browse our floor plans and quick-move-in inventory to find a home that’s right for your family (and pets). To learn more or schedule a tour, give us a call at (405) 285-5105 or contact us online today.