Pet-proofing your home is more than just about pets. It also includes keeping humans happy and maintaining your home in peak condition to the satisfaction of everyone. To ensure a safe and harmonious living environment for both you and your pet, it’s essential to have a dog proof home or cat proof home.
With some planning, you can have a welcoming environment for your pet while maintaining your home in top condition for the best comfort and appearance for humans. Read on to learn how to pet proof your home to keep everyone happy–your pets, your family, and your home.
Summary
How to pet proof your home
Identify potential hazards
Start by identifying potential hazards in your home that could pose a risk to your pet’s safety. This includes electrical cords, toxic plants, household chemicals, and small objects that could be swallowed. Walk through each room, thinking like a pet, to uncover potential dangers. Make a list of these hazards, and prioritize addressing them based on the level of risk they pose.
Secure hazardous areas
Certain areas of your home may contain items that are harmful to your pet. Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms often house cleaning supplies, medications, and other toxic substances. Install childproof locks on cabinets and drawers to keep these items out of reach. Close off rooms that either contain hazzards or expensive items a pet could damage. Additionally, use gates to restrict access to rooms or areas where you cannot fully pet-proof. A great example of an inexpensive gate is illustrated below from Chewy that features easy walk-through and all-steel construction. (click link below)
Choose pet-safe plants
Many common houseplants are toxic to pets. Before bringing a new plant into your home, verify its safety for your specific type of pet. Popular pet-safe options include spider plants, Boston ferns, and bamboo palm. Place plants in areas that are difficult for your pet to access or consider hanging them to keep them out of reach.
Secure cords and wires–how to puppy proof your home
Pets, especially puppies and kittens, love to chew on things, and electrical cords are no exception. Exposed wires pose a serious danger, both in terms of electric shock and potential ingestion. Use cord organizers or protective coverings to conceal cords and wires, making them less tempting for your pet to explore.

Invest in sturdy trash bins
Dogs and cats are notorious for getting into trash bins, scavenging for leftovers or interesting smells. Invest in sturdy, lidded trash bins to prevent your pet from rummaging through the garbage. Consider placing bins in cabinets or under sinks, or choose models with pet-proof latches.
Provide safe retreats
Every pet needs a space where they can retreat and feel safe. Create designated areas for your pet by setting up cozy beds, blankets, or crates in quiet corners of your home. This gives them a secure retreat when they need a break or want some alone time. A dedicated pet bed works best, which provides a comfortable sleeping and napping bed they can have for their own. Chewy sells an inexpensive, highly rated pet bed that provides a secluded space for your pet (click image to link).

How to keep dogs off furniture
While both dogs and cats may jump up on your furniture, dogs are most likely to do not, while cats may avoid getting close to humans. An excellent article has been posted by Chewy on their PetMd site that covers the entire subject of dogs on furniture.
Choose pet-friendly furniture or coverings
If you decide to let your pet on the furniture, you will likely want to take some precautions in protecting expensive furnituree. Pets can be tough on furniture, especially with scratching or chewing habits. Opt for pet-friendly furniture materials, such as microfiber or leather, which are more resistant to damage. Use slipcovers that are easy to clean, and provide scratching posts or pads to redirect your cat’s natural urge to scratch.
Put away small objects
Small objects like rubber bands, hair ties, and small toys can be hazardous if swallowed. Keep these items stored in containers or drawers, and be diligent about picking up small objects that may be dropped or left lying around.
Install pet-proof screens
If you enjoy opening windows for fresh air, make sure your screens are secure. Cats, in particular, may try to climb or push through screens. Consider installing pet-proof screens that are more durable and resistant to scratching or tearing.
Safeguard against escape
Prevent your pet from escaping by checking for any potential escape routes. Ensure that fences are secure and have no gaps or openings that your pet could slip through. Keep doors closed, and consider using baby gates or pet barriers to limit access to certain areas.
Regularly inspect toys and accessories
Pets love to play, and their toys can quickly become worn or damaged. Regularly inspect your pet’s toys and accessories for signs of wear, such as loose pieces, frayed edges, or small parts that could be chewed off. Replace or repair items as needed to ensure they remain safe for play.
Skip the pet dander–how to pet proof your house for humans
There are more than a few people who are allergic to cats. With cat allergies, the culprit is dander. You can greatly reduce cat dander by “vacuuming them once-a-week. And it’s easy with a pet vacuum. The best pet vacuum has plenty of power, but is quiet enough not to bother pets and they quickly get used to it. It is the Neakasa P1 Pet Grooming and Vacuum kit shown below, which is currently selling for $109.99.

There are several advantages to buying direct like chat-bot and more seamless support, as well as special deals.
Should I declaw my cat? – Know the facts
The practice of declawing cats has been a highly controversial topic and cat owners should know the facts before subjecting their cats to the procedure. Many cat owners seek to eliminate the problem of a cat clawing at household fixtures, which can cause major damage and expense in a home.
Having claws removed by a veterinarian is a highly profitable business. As stated in a Wall Street Journal article, “Declawing Cats Provides a Billion-Dollar Debate” posted June 15, 2024, veterinarians bring in about a billion dollars annually from the procedure.
The declawing procedure, onychectomy, is highly invasive, painful, and causes a great deal of trauma to kitties. In actuality, a portion of the toes are removed in the procedure, which can cause long-term repercussions to a cat. In view of the foregoing, some states have banned the procedure. In additon, the largest provider of veterinary services in the U.S., Mars, Inc., has opted out of the procedure.
There are some viable options to declawing. One is the use of claw caps. Before deciding to try claw caps, reading reviews either on Chewy or Amazon may give some perspective.
On average, claw caps review about 4 out-of-5 stars on Chewy and about 4.1 on Amazon which provides a comprehensive rating that is similar on both sites. Below are two of the most popular claw caps provided by Chewy and Amazon respectivrely.


Establish a pet-friendly routine
Establishing a routine can help your pet feel more secure and reduce the likelihood of behavior issues. Set regular feeding times, create a consistent walking schedule, and dedicate time for play and interaction. Predictability in your pet’s daily life can contribute to a harmonious living environment.
Final thoughts on how to pet proof your home
With some planning and changes to your living space, you can easily have a dog proof home or cat proof home. And the benefits can be experienced by everyone in your household– pets and humans alike.
About the author
Arthur Frentzel is a generalist researcher and writer, researching and authoring hundreds of articles covering diverse topics such as automotive, genealogy, investing, economics, and pets. In recent years, he has published 56 articles on the Seeking Alpha international investment portal and remains as a contributor. For his love of pets, he has dedicated his research and writing to the pet category.
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