The first step is making sure your house is safe for your pet. If you have a highly mobile animal, like a dog or cat, this may take a little work. Just like with baby-proofing, you'll need to make sure your pet can't get to any toxic materials like antifreeze, household cleaners, or rat poison. You'll also need to watch out for heavy objects that are high up or unstable, like a lamp on top of an unstable end table, or an iron perched on an ironing board. Unlike babies, pets have teeth, so they can do a lot of damage to electrical cords, furniture, and woodwork, particularly pocket pets like guinea pigs and rabbits.

Your pet is going to need a little time to adjust to new surroundings. Try to ease him into his new situation as gently as possible

Talk to your children before you bring your new pet home, and explain that he may be a little scared for a while and that they'll have to be very quiet and gentle with him at first. You'll also want to supervise the kids as they interact with the pet at least in the beginning, to make sure they know how to treat the pet and vice versa.

If your new pet is a youngster, he may never have been alone overnight before, so his first few nights with you may be scary for him. Try leaving on a nightlight and a radio, turned down low - the background noise may reassure him.

One way to make your pet feel more secure is to teach him that he can rely on a regular routine. Start feeding him at the same times every day, and let him exercise at the same times daily.

One of the most important things you can do with your new pet is make an appointment with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help prevent health and behavioural problems, vaccinate your pet against diseases, and catch potential problems before they become serious.

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