Whether you already have a beloved pet, are getting ready to welcome one into your life or are relocating to a new house, there are many ways to make sure your furry friend feels happy and safe in your home.

"Puppy- or dog-proofing a home is an important part of being a pet parent," says Debi McKee of Rescue Dogs 101. "I recommend going through your house on your hands and knees to see it at your dog's level." Remember, everything they see is fair game to exploring pets.

"Try to identify any toys, objects, medications, rubbish your new pet may accidentally or even purposely try to eat," says Dr. Ivan Duong, a veterinarian. "Chewing on electrical cords can cause burns in the mouth, shock or even death by electrocution. It is important to tie up any loose electrical cords and wrap them in spiral cable wrap or plastic casings to prevent chewing."

Another veterinarian, Dr. Rolan Tripp, says houseplants invite messes from cat and dog digging. "Cats prefer dirt to what's in the litterbox. Some dogs dig for fun," he says. "Chewing on house plants makes pets sick or worse. Azaleas, some lily flowers, tulip and hyacinth bulbs, sago palms, common philodendrons, named from a long list, are toxic to pets."

Cats are also notorious for their curious nature, he adds. "Keep dryer doors closed to prevent cats from seeking warmth and escaping your sight when tossing in a new load. Tiny kittens can drown in some toilets, so keep the lids down."

On the other hand, laundry rooms are good areas to set up pet feeding and washing gear, especially if you can include organizers for their supplies and a bathing station designed for them, says Jamie Gold, a wellness design consultant and author. She adds that whatever the room, open and easily tipped trash cans can be a danger to both cats and dogs. "Consider getting a pullout model that you can easily close behind a cabinet drawer."

Tripp says you should consider a dog kennel when you are unable to supervise. "There are attractive wooden kennels that can be placed by your bed as a nightstand. Put a comfortable bed inside unless a dog chews it. Keep on hand an enzymatic neutralizer ... to clean the kennel. Chemical smells make kennels unpleasant for dogs."

Companion animal veterinarian Heather Venkat also recommends a sturdy dog crate, as well as designating specific quiet eating and resting areas. "Designate their eating space with a floor mat away from high traffic areas," she says. "Cats like a cat tree with plenty of comfy platforms to sleep on. For dogs, a soft bed will do best."

Real estate agent Kathryn Landow of Warburg Realty has advice for keeping your home pet-friendly and clean, too. "Try to avoid shaggy carpets and keep carpeting to a minimum. If your dog is crate trained, a crate can be kept in a corner and custom crate covers can be made to match your apartment."

"For people looking for dog-friendly apartments, know your walk-up limit," says another Warburg agent, Rebecca Brooksher. "I've warned dog owners that a fifth-floor walk-up is one thing as a human and quite another as a dog, having to climb up and down those stairs every time you need to go to the bathroom. And, of course, the owner would be making those treks, too."

Nicole Ellis, a well-known certified professional dog trainer, concludes dogs especially just need time to adjust to a home, whether it is new just to them or the whole family is moving. "A new home is like a foreign country -- new sights, new sounds, new smells, (and with a new pet) a new routine with new people and often other fur and feather friends. Understanding how your dog processes and adjusts to all these novel stimuli will help ease the transition for everyone."