So, you?ve decided you?re ready to welcome a pet into your home for the first time. Congratulations! Roughly 85 million American families own at least one pet, so it is a rite of passage for most households. Many pet adoption centers require a home visit before the adoption can take place, so you should ask […]
The post 11-Point Checklist for Prepping Your Home for a First Pet appeared first on Freshome.com.

So, you?ve decided you?re ready to welcome a pet into your home for the first time. Congratulations! Roughly 85 million American families own at least one pet, so it is a rite of passage for most households. Many pet adoption centers require a home visit before the adoption can take place, so you should ask yourself these questions and view this checklist to ensure you and your home are ready. 
Depending on whether you?re adopting a playful pup or a purr-fect cat, there are different ways to prepare your home. Check out Freshome.com?s 11-point checklist to find out what you can do to prep for any pet. We also have specifics for cats and dogs. 
1. Pet-Proof Your Home 

Animals are naturally inquisitive and like to get into different things. You should invest in tightly-closing trash cans and pet food containers to help keep the pets out. Blind cords should be tied up higher to prevent entanglement and electrical cords should be hidden or moved, since puppies and kittens like to chew on them while they are going through the teething phase. 
 
2. Reconsider...