Whether you adore or merely tolerate them, your family’s pet is now part of your household, and it’s only natural and necessary to make sure that they’re safe and sound, too. A pet-friendly home maintains the safety, comfort, and happiness of both you and your furry, feathered, or scaly companions. This guide will walk you through the process of transforming your living space into a pet-friendly haven, addressing common concerns, and providing practical solutions for various types of pets.
Assessing Your Home From a Pet’s Perspective
To truly understand the potential hazards and comfort issues your pet may face, it’s important to view your home from their perspective. This involves getting down to their level and considering their unique behaviors and needs. You don’t have to get on all-fours, but take a careful look around your home, as if you were baby-proofing.
Conducting an All-Fours Inspection
The experts at Purina suggest taking “a puppy’s eye-view” of your home to identify potential dangers. It may seem silly, but getting down on all fours and crawling through each room can reveal dangers you might not notice otherwise. As you crawl through each room, pay attention to areas your pet can access by climbing or jumping as well as wires, choking hazards, openings, and other dangers.
During your inspection, look for:
- Choking hazards like small objects or loose cords
- Potential strangulation risks from window treatment cords
- Exposed electrical outlets and wires that could lead to electrocution
- Holes, cracks, or tight spaces where pets could become trapped
- Cords, wires, strings, or other items your pet might try to play with, chew on, or eat
- Chemicals or cleaning products that are in easy reach and could be ingested
Many everyday items can pose serious risks to pets. Be aware of these common dangers:
- Human foods and medications that are toxic to pets
- Household plants that may be poisonous if ingested
- Cleaning products, pesticides, and other chemicals
- Open toilets, which can be drowning hazards for small pets
- Unsecured windows, especially for cats prone to “High-Rise Syndrome”
By identifying these hazards, you can take steps to eliminate or mitigate risks, creating a safer environment for your pets.
Creating a Safe and Comfortable Living Space for Your Pets
Once you’ve identified potential hazards, it’s time to take steps to eliminate the dangers, create dedicated spaces for your pets, and choose pet-friendly materials for your home.
Designating Pet-Specific Areas
Carving out a space specifically for your pet can prevent them from seeking refuge in dangerous areas. Consider creating a hazard-free zone with:
- A cozy bed
- Fresh water source
- Safe toys
- Adequate storage for pet supplies
For dogs, a mudroom with a dog door or access to a fenced yard can be ideal. This allows them to go outdoors at their leisure while keeping the rest of your home clean. For small animals like guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, and even medium to large lizards, consider setting up a small fenced-in “run” in a room where you and your family regularly spend time.
For cats who typically have the run of the whole house, it’s best to have several water bowls and litter boxes available throughout the house with plenty of safe toys they can access for enrichment. Birds should have a safe room or area where they can be let out of their cage and explore freely, but be sure to keep other rooms and outside doors closed to keep them safe from getting into another area where they might get stuck or be hard to access.
Choosing Pet-Safe Materials
Selecting the right materials can make your home more comfortable for pets and easier for you to maintain. Comfortable, high-performance materials can significantly reduce your cleaning workload and create a more harmonious living space for both you and your pets. Consider these options:
- Flooring: Ceramic tile or other nonporous hard surfaces are best for most pets. If you prefer carpet, choose a color that matches your pet’s fur and opt for a performance rating of 3. 5 or higher.
- Fabrics: Look for easy-care materials like leather or ultrasuede that can be wiped clean. Crypton Super Fabric is a synthetic option designed specifically for pet owners, offering stain and germ resistance.
- Pet beds: Consider the size of your pet and the color of their fur, if they have it. You’ll want something slightly larger than their body that can be easily washed. Look for beds that either have removable, washable covers, or can be thrown directly into the washing machine.
Pet-Proofing Your Home Room by Room
Each area of your home presents unique challenges and opportunities for pet-proofing. Let’s explore how to make each room safer and more comfortable for your furry friends.
Kitchen and Dining Areas
The kitchen can be a dangerous place for pets due to the presence of food, sharp objects, and potentially toxic substances. In the dining area, be mindful of tablecloths that pets might pull down, and avoid leaving food unattended on tables or counters. To pet-proof this area, follow these steps:
- Store human foods, especially those toxic to pets, in secure cabinets
- Use childproof latches on lower cabinets to prevent access to cleaning supplies
- Keep trash cans covered or in a latched cabinet
- Be cautious with hot surfaces and sharp utensils
Living Room and Bedrooms
These areas are where pets often spend most of their time, as they’re family gathering spaces where everyone spends time. Consider the following tips to make sure your pets can gather there safely too:
- Secure loose wires and cords from electronics and window treatments
- Choose sturdy, tip-resistant furniture
- Keep small objects that could be choking hazards out of reach
- If your pets are older and allowed to access furniture, add ramps or steps at the edge of your bed or couch so they can get up from the floor more easily
Bathrooms and Laundry Rooms
These rooms often contain chemicals and small spaces that can be hazardous to pets. Often, it’s best to keep pets out of these rooms entirely, but you should pet-proof them just in case, regardless. Here are some tips:
- Keep toilet lids closed, especially if you use automatic bowl cleaners
- Store cleaning products, medications, and personal care items in secure cabinets
- Keep laundry baskets closed and check washers and dryers before use
- Secure any exposed pipes or wires that pets might chew on
Adapting Your Outdoor Space for Pets
Creating a pet-friendly yard is just as important as indoor pet-proofing. A well-designed outdoor space can provide exercise, stimulation, and a safe environment for your pets.
Designing a Pet-Friendly Yard
When designing your yard for pets, consider the following elements:
- Fencing: Ensure your fence is secure and high enough to prevent escapes.
- Shade: Provide shaded areas for pets to rest and cool off, especially in hot climates.
- Water: Install a pet fountain or regularly refilled water bowl
- Play areas: Create designated spaces for play and exercise
- Ramps: For small or older dogs, you might want to build a dog ramp for easy access to elevated areas
- Beds: Consider building an outdoor dog bed for dogs who enjoy lounging outside
- Catio: For cats or other small animals that shouldn’t have unrestricted outdoor access, consider building a catio
Implementing Safe Landscaping Practices
Choose pet-safe plants and avoid toxic varieties. The ASPCA maintains a database of plants that are hazardous to dogs, cats, and horses. Some common toxic plants include:
- Azaleas
- Aloe vera
- Certain ferns and ivies
- Daffodils
- Daisies
- All varieties of lilies
- Tulips
- Sago palm
Pet-friendly alternatives include:
- Bamboo
- Catnip
- African violets
- Begonias
- Zinnias
- Boston ferns
- Camelias
- Marigolds
Always check the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database before adding new plants to your landscape. Also, consider organic gardening practices for your lawn and landscaping to avoid exposing your pets to harmful pesticides, which were among the ASPCA’s top 10 pet toxins in 2023.
Additional Outdoor Enrichment Ideas
To further enhance your yard for pets, create stimulating environments especially for them. These can include agility courses for dogs to play on and bird feeders for cats to watch from indoors. Planting a small herb garden with pet-safe herbs like parsley, basil, and mint can also provide a sensory-rich area for your furry friends to explore.
Addressing Special Considerations for Different Pets
Different types of pets have unique needs and potential hazards to consider when creating a pet-friendly home.
Dogs
Make sure your dog has enough toys to keep them stimulated and protect your furniture from chewing. Keep your trash closed and secure, so they aren’t tempted to go through it looking for scraps or investigating new smells. Dogs should be allowed outside at regular intervals to use the bathroom, and shouldn’t be left alone for extended periods without access to a bathroom area.
Be mindful of small objects that could be swallowed and block access to areas where they might chew on electrical cords or furniture. Install gates if necessary to keep dogs out of hazardous areas, and ensure your yard is securely fenced to prevent escapes.
Cats
Cats require different considerations, as they are adept climbers and curious explorers. Secure heavy objects on shelves that a cat might knock over, and be cautious with houseplants, as many common varieties can be toxic if ingested.
Use cord covers to protect against chewing and ensure windows and balconies are securely screened to prevent falls. Provide plenty of scratching posts and vertical spaces for climbing to keep them entertained and reduce the risk of them seeking out dangerous spots or scratching furniture.
Small Animals
Small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters also need a safe environment. For these pets, it’s crucial to block access to wires or other dangerous items they might chew and small spaces where they might get stuck. Ensure their cages or enclosures are escape-proof and that they have plenty of safe chew toys to prevent them from gnawing on household items. Additionally, be cautious with temperature control, as these animals can be sensitive to extreme heat or cold.
Birds
Birds require a different set of precautions. Choose cages that are well-constructed and can be locked securely to prevent escapes. Keep them away from kitchens, as the fumes from non-stick cookware can be lethal to birds. Avoid using aerosol sprays, candles, essential oils, or air fresheners near their cages, as birds have very sensitive respiratory systems. Provide plenty of perches and toys to keep them mentally stimulated and reduce stress.
Reptiles & Amphibians
Reptiles and amphibians should have a secure, escape-proof enclosure with appropriate heating, lighting, and humidity levels. Ensure that the enclosure has a secure lid and that any heat lamps or heating elements are properly guarded to prevent burns. Amphibians are particularly sensitive to water quality, so regular cleaning and maintenance of their habitat are crucial. Use dechlorinated water for their enclosures, and avoid using any chemicals or cleaning agents that could harm them.
Both reptiles and amphibians can be sensitive to sudden changes in their environment, so place their enclosures in a stable, quiet area away from direct sunlight, drafts, and high-traffic zones. Be mindful of the materials you use inside their habitats, avoiding anything that could be toxic if ingested or that could pose a risk of impaction. Additionally, ensure that any live plants or substrates used are safe for the specific species you are keeping.
Maintaining a Clean and Healthy Environment for Your Pets
A pet-friendly home is also a clean home. Regular maintenance keeps your space looking good and ensures a healthy environment for you and your pets.
Effective Cleaning Strategies for Pet Owners
To keep your home clean with pets:
- Vacuum frequently with a machine designed for pet hair and groom your pets regularly to reduce shedding
- Keep tanks, enclosures, cages, litter boxes, kennels, and yards clean and pick up waste as soon as possible
- Clean up accidents promptly to prevent staining and repeat incidents, and use enzyme-based cleaners to eliminate odors
- Wash pet bedding and other furniture coverings regularly
- Consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce odors and allergens
Our Conclusion
Creating a pet-friendly home is an ongoing process that requires attention to detail and a willingness to adapt your space to meet your pet’s needs. By following the guidelines in this article, you can create a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable environment for both you and your furry, feathered, or scaly companions.
Remember, the key to a successful pet-friendly home is balance. Strive to create a space that accommodates your pet’s needs while maintaining the functionality and aesthetics of your home. With some thoughtful planning and regular maintenance, you can enjoy a harmonious living arrangement with your beloved pets for years to come.