Pets are wonderful companions to have in one's home. That said, there are a number of simple precautions to be kept in mind to keep your pet safe.

Whether you are thinking about getting a pet - or already have one - take the time to implement some safety precautions in and around the house or apartment.

What follows are ten steps to follow in order to protect your pet.

• Plants and pets do not mix:  Many common houseplants are poisonous to pets when chewed or ingested.  For example, all lilies are toxic to cats.  Remove or eliminate all toxic house and garden plants.  Because houseplants usually are easy to knock over, place them where they will not fall over on the pet.

• Secure your toiletries:  Keep medications, lotions and cosmetics off accessible surfaces and out of the dog's reach.  The chemicals, dyes and drugs in these items can prove fatal if ingested.

• Lock the cabinets:  Like the cabinet locking devices use to keep young children from opening doors, do the same to keep pets from getting into food or household items such as dishwasher detergent or cleaning chemicals.  Make sure all lower cabinet shelves are free of unsafe items.

• Set boundaries:  Keep doors closed or install safety gates to prevent pets from going where they should not. If you install a gate, make sure it meets the challenge of keeping your pet (like a big dog) contained.

• Hide trashcans:  This is a no-brainer.  Unless you want garbage scattered all over your home, it is a smart idea to place the trashcan where your pet(s) cannot get to it.  Also, while most food is not harmful, wrappers can be.  And while most pet-owners know that chocolate and anti-freeze are harmful to pets, many are not aware that grapes and raisins can be deadly to dogs.

• Check the curtains:  To prevent Fido from strangling himself, make sure the cords for the blinds and curtains are well out of your pet's reach.

• Beware of wires:  You can imagine the result if your Siamese cat decides to chew on the cord to your DVD player, television or stereo and manages to make contact with the wires? Think the movie Christmas Vacation.  Installing electric cord shorteners and outlet covers.

• Protect the knick-knacks:  Have you ever watched a dog wag her tail - only to see it knock a valuable item off an end table like a Tiger Wood's tee shot?  It is smart to move valuables to higher levels.

• Clear the floor:  Easier said than done when there are children in the house, but it is a good idea to keep toys and clothes off the floor.  Rin Tin Tin might decide to make a day of it by destroying such items.

• Eliminate temptation: If you want to be extra careful, you might want to consider putting your pet in a specially designed crate when you leave the house.

For more tips on safeguarding your pet at home, contact your veterinarian or visit www.aspca.org.