What you need to do before introducing a new pet into your home when you have other pets

It’s always exciting to adopt a new pet, but things can get tricky if you have any other pets that may have already staked their claim in your home. If you want your furry friends to become best pals, or at least get along, you need to take things slow.

Dr. Evan Antin, voted the Sexiest Veterinarian Alive by PEOPLE magazine and star of Animal Planet’s show "Evan Goes Wild," suggests first introducing your pets in a neutral space.

"It depends on the individual animal, sometimes you can get away with throwing them right into the mix and they'll be fine with it, but I don't recommend it," he said. "What I recommend, to be on the safe side, is gradual progressive introductions."

By this he explained first introducing them outside of the home (like at a park), as some pets, especially dogs, can be territorial.

"Once they met each other on neutral ground, then you can bring them both home for more introductions. I'd start with [keeping] them on opposite sides of the house, maybe let them smell each other a little bit. Then, I'd have them a little bit closer—I'd have them separated by a door, where they can smell and be near each other under the bottom of the door. Then, maybe replace the door with a fence, where they can actually see each other," he said.

Dr. Antin further explained that this process could take anywhere from a few days to two weeks, depending on your pets. However, while doing this, you'll want to create positive associations with the new animal for both parties by giving each of them treats and positive reinforcement.

Once you can tell they're ready, curious about each other and being sweet to one another, you can let them fully live in the same space. Ideally, using this technique, they'll become best buddies, but Dr. Antin says that it doesn't always work out that way and not to be discouraged.

"My cats didn't like each other the first time they met to be quite honest, and now they're best friends," he said. "They have a total bromance—they groom each other and play all the time, it's adorable."

Aside from taking care of his cats (and dog, plus a couple reptiles) at home, as well as exotic animals on TV, Dr. Antin is working with Clorox to raise awareness on how bleach can help prevent the spread of nasty diseases like parvovirus and canine distemper virus between animals, particularly in dog adoption shelters. For safe cleaning around pets, he uses a half cup of regular Clorox bleach diluted with 3/4 gallon of water (with a contact time of 10 minutes), or Clorox's Clean-Up All-Purpose Cleaner spray.

You can catch more of Dr. Antin's tips and experiences with exotic animals on "Evan Goes Wild" on Animal Planet here.