Getting a family pet is so incredibly exciting, but it also can be incredibly stressful. The veterinary medicine and animal wellness experts at Waipio Pet Clinic in Waipahu, HI want to take the stress out of the situation so that you can enjoy this great family occasion.

If you are getting a pet, here are some tips from the experts on how to make your home pet-friendly for when the time comes:

• See Your House From A Pet’s Perspective: This may sound odd, but a good way to start is by getting down on all fours and looking at your house through a pet’s view. Remove any strangulation, suffocation, electrocution or choking hazards. Keep window treatment cords short, cut through any accessible cord loops, and unplug or cover wires and electrical cords.
• Keep Food Away: Don’t leave human food or medications where pets can get to them. Move everything to a higher, closed cabinet, and be sure to have a sealable, low-odor trash bin so that pets aren’t tempted to get into it.
• Remove Obstacles: Look for any “ladders,” or ways to get up onto counters and tables, and remove them. Try to keep chairs tucked under tables and unclutter your rooms to make them safer for your new pet.
• Remove Houseplants: Check to make sure that any houseplants you have are safe for pets to ingest because, most likely, they will try. Lilies can cause kidney failure in cats, and poinsettia, aloe, and mums can also be quite dangerous. If you have these in your home, it’s a good idea to move them outdoors.

For more information about welcoming a new pet into your home or to make your pet’s first appointment, call Waipio Pet Clinic at (808) 676-2205 today. You can also learn more about their caring and expert staff and services online .