How to Keep Your New Pet Safe and Happy While You’re Starting a New Business
Welcoming a new pet into your family is an exciting time. However, it can also be a stressful time if your pet is joining the family while you are making some major change such as moving or starting a business. Most pets do better with routine and consistency, so the move into a new residence can be upsetting enough for them. Add to that the disruption of a major life event and you will have to put extra effort into keeping your pet calm and happy. If you have decided to add a pet to your family while you are also starting a business, here are some ways you can help your new animal friend settle in, even amid the hustle.
Spend some time with your pet before bringing them home.
Ideally, your new pet will already recognize you as a familiar and comforting person before you bring them home. Try to spend time with them in a relaxed environment before you move them. Ask their owner, trainer, or caregiver what you need to know about how your new pet will behave, as well as how to keep them comfortable if things are chaotic. If they have any toys, treats, or comfort items, be sure to have them on hand when you bring your pet home.
Create a special place for your pet in their new home.
Having a place that belongs just to them will help your pet grow accustomed to a new routine more rapidly. Your pet’s living area should be apart from your business work area if you anticipate a lot of noise or people passing through. If yours is a smaller startup without much overhead, have your pet situated near your work area so you can keep an eye on them while tending to business — and let them know you are there, for their own sense of security.
Pet-proof your home.
Before you can safely let your pet explore your residence and any fenced-in outdoor areas, make sure everything is safe, and all exits and entrances secure. Different pets have different safety needs, but be aware of things like potentially toxic plants or home supplies they might chew on, wires they could pull out or bite through, and heavy objects they might pull down on themselves. Be sure latches on gates are in good condition and there are no holes where a pet could wriggle past fences.
Check out apps for pet-owners.
Starting a business means multitasking, which means you could easily become distracted or disorganized — and that can be hard on your pet’s schedule. It’s important to stay on top of feeding, exercise, grooming, and health care that is needed for your pet’s routine wellness. Use scheduling apps to balance work duties with family life and pet care. Locator apps can give you peace of mind if you’re worried about a pet wandering off. If you’re busy completing a task or meeting with a client, remote monitoring apps can help you observe your pet from the other room or even if you’re out of the house.
Make sure your insurance covers both your business and your pet.
If your business is in your home, it’s especially important to be sure that you’ve upgraded your insurance to cover small business needs. You should also consider getting pet insurance, in case your pet becomes sick or injured. Additionally, make sure you are protected from any liability in case of a pet-related accident. One way to protect yourself is to make your business a limited liability company, which also can provide you with tax benefits. The regulations regarding LLCs may be specific to your state so do a little research to see if it is right for you — and contact a formation service to assist you with registering an LLC in Iowa.
Having a pet can be deeply rewarding and good for your mental and physical wellness, but it’s important for you to tend to your pet’s wellness also, and make sure you have a good relationship with them. For more helpful information on pet care or if you’re interested in adopting a new pet, check out Doodles Are Our Family.
Written by
Cindy Aldridge
Comments