If you’re a pet owner and a renter, you know that finding a place where both you and your pet(s) can feel at home isn’t necessarily a walk in the park. But don’t worry — there are plenty of ways that you can make moving and living with pets a little easier on both you and your furry companion. To help you get started, here are five important things to keep in mind.

Find the right spot.

Before you can move into a new place, you have to find one that accepts pets. Not all places are keen on letting pets through their doors, so make sure to filter your search by ‘pet-friendly’ when you’re apartment hunting online.

But when you browse, don’t just take the listing at face value. The search phrase ‘pet-friendly’ can mean different things to different property owners. For example, some places are happy with just small pets like hamsters or bunnies, others are okay with cats and dogs.

As a renter and pet owner, it’s your responsibility to do thorough research about the policy on pets before signing any lease agreement. So don’t be afraid to reach out to management directly and ask about their pet policy.

Pet-proof your new place.

Before you move your furry friend in, you’ll need to make sure it’s safe. Pet-proofing your place is kind of like baby-proofing — the goal is to eliminate potential hazards that cause harm. You can do this by adding cord protectors for any dangling wires, making sure that your windows have secure screens, and keeping any dangerous household items — i.e. toxic houseplants, cleaning products, etc. — out of their reach. This not only protects your pet but your security deposit, too.

Plan for a smooth move-in.

Moving can be really stressful for pets, so it’s important to keep their comfort in mind when the big day comes. If it helps, it might be a good idea to have them stay with a friend or in a pet daycare during the actual move.

And when you’re ready to introduce them to the new place, make sure you’ve already set up their bed, favorite toys, and other comforting items to make the home feel more cozy. Not only does this make the transition a lot easier for them, but it also gives you better peace of mind, too.

Explore pet-friendly neighborhood amenities.

Like humans, pets need exercise and social interaction to live a healthy, happy life. To make sure your furry friend is comfortable in their new space, look for nearby parks or trails where the both of you can take in some nature. This boosts your mental health, plus it can be yet another way to bond with your pet.

And don’t forget to check out the local pet scene, too. Walking past veterinary clinics, pet supply stores, and even pet-friendly cafes can be really helpful in alleviating boredom for your pets. And if nothing else, exploring the city is a fabulous way to get you and your pet friend moving.

This guarantees that your pet is comfortable in the new place. Plus, it can help familiarize them with the area so that they know their way around the city.

Keep it up.

When it comes to maintenance, you should keep your place clean and well-maintained not just for you, but for your pet too. Regular cleaning helps minimize pet odors and excess hair, which is better for everyone’s health and wellness, and especially if you enjoy hosting frequently.

And if that wasn’t enough, staying on top of things like flea prevention is an absolute must. That way, if something does happen, addressing it quickly can help ensure you maintain a good relationship with your landlord.