Congratulations! You’re about to welcome a new pet into your life! This exciting time can also feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first rodeo. But don’t worry, Humane Animal Partners has your back… Here are some essential considerations to ensure a smooth transition when welcoming a new cat or dog into your home.
Pet-proof Your Home
Creating a safe and secure environment is crucial. Here are some steps to pet-proof your home:
Remove Potential Hazards
- Toxic substances: Store chemicals, medicines, and certain foods out of your pet’s reach. Some houseplants, such as aloe vera and philodendron, are toxic to dogs. Garlic, onions, chocolate, and pitted fruits (such as peaches and plums) are dangerous for both cats and dogs.
- Secure your trash: Prevent unwanted snacking by ensuring garbage bags are secured.
- Other personal/household items to note include remote controls, laundry (socks), insect/rodent bait and remove access to litter boxes for dogs.
Set Boundaries
- Barriers: Use gates to keep pets out of certain areas.
- Exposed wires: Cover or secure electrical wires to prevent chewing.
- Fragile items: Keep breakable items out of reach.
Create Comfort
Designate a quiet, comfortable space for your pet to retreat to. Consider the following:
- Location: Choose a quiet spot away from busy areas.
- Comfort: Ensure the space is neither too hot nor too cold and is easily accessible.
- Enrichment: Provide toys, food, and water to keep your pet happy and engaged.
- Positive reinforcement: Give treats when your pet uses their designated space, so they build a positive association.
Stay Compliant: Delaware Pet Laws
Delaware has specific laws regarding pets, especially dogs. Make sure you’re familiar with these requirements to avoid any legal issues.
Licensing Your Dog
Delaware requires a license for dog ownership, and the good news is, if you adopted from HAP, we have the first year covered!
But what do you need at the time of renewal or if you’re applying for the first time?
The process is simple… The State of Delaware requires a proof of rabies vaccination (or a certificate of exemption) and a small fee. The license needs renewal every 1-2 years (depending on how much time remains before your dog’s rabies vaccine expires). Check out the State of Delaware’s Dog Licensing FAQ for more details. Cats do not require licensing.
Liability: Bite Law
Delaware holds dog owners liable for injuries or damage caused by their dog, unless the injured person was trespassing, committing a crime, or provoking the dog.
Safety First: Tether Law
We rarely recommend tethering a dog for more than a short period of time. But did you know?… It’s illegal to tether a dog:
- If the dog is less than four months old.
- If the dog is a nursing mother with puppies present.
- For more than nine consecutive hours while the owner is home.
- For more than two hours when the owner is not home.
- If the tether is attached to a choke, pinch, prong, or ill-fitting collar.
- If the tether is less than 10 feet in length.
- If the tether is entangled or prevents easy access to a doghouse, food, or water.
On the Move: Leash Law
Dogs must be on a leash unless they are in a car, on the owner’s property, on someone else’s property with permission, or in a designated leash-free area.
Enhance Your Experience: Useful Pet Apps
Here are some apps that might be helpful in your pet ownership journey:
- Pet First Aid: A free app by the Red Cross providing emergency information for pets. Download on Google or Apple or text: “GETPET” to 90999
- Puppr: An economical alternative for dog training with premium options.
Another great tool is Humane Animal Partner’s Adopter Resources page.
With these preparations, you’ll be ready to welcome your new pet into a safe, loving, and well-equipped home.
