How to Prepare Your Home for a Visiting Pet

Make your space safe, calm, and welcoming

Welcoming a visiting pet into your home is an exciting experience — and a little preparation goes a long way. While the pet owner will provide everything your guest needs, creating a safe and comfortable environment helps the animal settle in more easily and makes the experience enjoyable for everyone.

Preparing your home isn’t about perfection — it’s about care, awareness, and readiness to adapt to another living being’s needs.

Before the pet arrives, take a moment to prepare

Remove potential hazards

Walk through your space with curious paws in mind. Put away fragile objects, secure loose cables, and remove or block access to anything that could be harmful — including toxic plants, cleaning supplies, medications, or small objects that could be swallowed.

Designate a calm resting area

The pet will arrive with their own familiar items, such as a bed, blanket, bowls, and toys. Choose a quiet, comfortable spot where these can be placed — a space where the pet can rest, feel safe, and take breaks from stimulation when needed.

Secure windows, balconies, and doors

Make sure all windows, balconies, and exits are properly secured. Even calm or indoor-only pets can act unpredictably in a new environment, so extra caution helps prevent accidents.

Keep human food safely stored

Many everyday foods can be dangerous for pets. Store food out of reach and avoid leaving items like chocolate, grapes, cooked bones, or leftovers unattended.

Align with everyone in the household

Make sure all household members are aware of the visiting pet and understand the basic rules — where the pet is allowed, how to interact with them, and when to give them space. Consistency helps the pet feel secure.

Why preparation matters

A thoughtfully prepared home reduces stress for the pet, prevents accidents, and builds trust between you and the pet owner. Most importantly, it shows respect and care for your four-legged visitor — helping create a calm, positive experience for everyone involved.