Pets bring endless hours of amusement and affection, but they usually make a mess in the process. There's an old adage that says to take a picture of the yard before getting a dog, then take another one about a year later. The difference between the two images will be shocking. Dogs are messier than cats, so owning a feline is a better choice for really neat people. Either one will shed all over the place; if that's a problem, consider a goldfish.

Owning a pet doesn't have a turn a home into a pig sty. Leave the dog outdoors while no one's home to protect vulnerable items, such as shoes and pillows. Getting animals spayed or neutered also cuts down on aggressive behavior and spraying in males. Baking soda eliminates orders from accidents pretty well, and can be stored in the refrigerator for a long time without needing replacement. Lots of dogs love to dig in the yard, which leaves unsightly and potentially dangerous holes. Nip this behavior in the bud by sprinkling cayenne pepper at the bottom of the holes and over random spots. Animals don't like smelling something that spicy and will probably leave the yard alone for a while.

Puppies and kittens demand extra precautions. Remove as many wires as possible because they will get chewed up. These can be dangerous for the animal, too, because they can choke or get an electrical shock. Regularly vacuum and remove small things from the floor, including crumbs. Pets will eat almost anything on the ground and that can be a choking hazard or interfere with their digestion. Plan for the future and purchase pet health insurance. Vet bills are almost as expensive as human medical treatments and having insurance lowers the risks associated with inevitable illnesses.