Pet-Proofing Your Home

Why Pet-Proofing Is Essential

Every year, the ASPCA Poison Control Center receives over 400,000 calls about pets exposed to household toxins. Puppies and kittens are especially curious and will chew, swallow, and explore everything within reach. A few simple changes can prevent costly emergency vet visits — or worse.

Kitchen Safety

Use childproof latches on cabinets with cleaning products

Keep trash cans locked or in a latched cabinet

Store chocolate, grapes, onions, and xylitol products out of reach

Secure oven knobs to prevent accidental activation

Pick up dropped food immediately — especially bones and small pieces

Living Room & Common Areas

Hide or protect electrical cords with cord covers

Remove or elevate toxic houseplants (lilies, pothos, philodendron, sago palm)

Secure bookshelves and heavy furniture to walls

Keep small objects (coins, batteries, rubber bands) out of reach

Use bitter apple spray on furniture legs to discourage chewing

💡 Tip: Get down on your hands and knees and look at your home from your pet's perspective. You'll spot hazards you never noticed standing up.

Bathroom Hazards

Keep toilet lids closed (chemicals and drowning risk)

Store medications in a closed cabinet (even "pet-safe" human medications can be toxic)

Remove razors and dental floss from accessible areas

Keep laundry detergent pods locked away (extremely toxic)

Close the bathroom door when using cleaning products

Bedroom & Closets

Bedrooms may seem safe, but they contain surprising hazards. Keep shoes and socks put away (dogs love to swallow them, requiring emergency surgery). Store jewelry and hair ties where pets can't reach them. Check under beds regularly for dropped items.

Outdoor Spaces

Fence the yard securely — check for gaps and dig-out spots

Remove or fence off toxic plants (azaleas, oleander, tulip bulbs)

Store pesticides, fertilizers, and antifreeze in locked storage

Check for sharp objects, broken glass, or rusty nails

Provide shade and fresh water for outdoor time

Supervise pool and pond access

"The best time to pet-proof your home is before you bring your pet home. The second best time is right now." — American Kennel Club