Living With Pets: How To Make Your Home Safe, Clean & Pet-friendly

Welcoming a pet into your home is a joyful experience—but it also comes with a fair share of responsibility. Much like baby-proofing, pet-proofing ensures your space is safe for your furry companions while protecting your belongings from potential damage. From curious cats to mischievous puppies, animals have a way of exploring every corner, chewing unexpected items and getting into trouble when you least expect it. Whether you’re preparing for a new arrival or improving your current pet-friendly setup, the right precautions can make a world of difference. Here’s how to transform your home into a safe and stress-free haven for both you and your pet.

Secure Electrical Cords and Cables

Pets often chew or play with dangling wires, which can lead to electric shocks or even fires. To avoid this risk, use cord covers, cable organisers or run cords through tubing to hide them completely. Keep chargers unplugged when not in use and try to position electrical items on high shelves or inside cabinets.

You can also apply pet-safe bitter sprays on cords to discourage chewing. This small step can prevent injury and expensive replacements in the long run.

Keep Hazardous Items Out of Reach

Many everyday household items are dangerous for pets. Cleaners, pesticides, medicines, cosmetics, and certain human foods can be toxic. Store these products in high cupboards or cabinets with child-proof locks.

Be especially mindful in kitchens and bathrooms where these items are often kept. Avoid leaving food, chocolate, coffee, alcohol or bones unattended on tables or counters, as these can be harmful or even fatal to animals.

Protect Furniture and Flooring

Claws, fur and accidents can quickly take a toll on your furniture and floors. Use washable, durable covers on sofas, armchairs and beds—especially if your pet is allowed on them. Choose upholstery made of tightly woven fabric, leather, or synthetic blends that resist stains and are easier to clean.

For floors, rugs with low pile and non-slip backing work well. Consider using area rugs to protect wood or tile from scratches and muddy paw prints. Keep nail trimmers handy to reduce claw marks, and place mats at entrances to catch dirt.

Pet-Proof Your Plants

Many common houseplants can be toxic to pets, including lilies, pothos, aloe vera and philodendrons. Check each plant in your home and remove or place harmful varieties in rooms your pet can’t access. Alternatively, place them on high shelves where paws can’t reach.

Opt for pet-safe greenery like spider plants, areca palms, or parlour palms. Adding greenery to your home needn’t come at the cost of your pet’s health.

Block Off Restricted Areas

Not every part of your home needs to be accessible to your pet. Use baby gates, indoor fencing or closed doors to restrict access to certain rooms such as laundry areas, workshops or staircases. Crates or pet pens can provide a safe zone for younger animals when you’re not around to supervise.

Blocking access to areas with fragile items, cleaning supplies or other hazards will keep your pet safe and give you peace of mind.

Manage Waste Bins and Toilets

Bins filled with food scraps or hygiene products can be extremely tempting for pets. Use bins with secure lids or hide them inside cupboards to prevent rummaging. In bathrooms, always keep toilet lids closed—especially if you use toilet cleaners, which can make the water toxic.

Additionally, dispose of dental floss, cotton pads and sharp items responsibly. Pets often get into bathrooms out of curiosity, and even small objects can pose a choking hazard.

Set Up a Dedicated Pet Space

Create a corner or nook that your pet can call their own. Include their bed, favourite toys, food and water bowls, and some space for rest. This helps reduce anxiety and gives them a sense of belonging.

For cats, include scratching posts or climbing trees. For dogs, provide chew toys and interactive puzzles to keep them stimulated. This personal space not only enriches their environment but also reduces the chance they’ll cause trouble elsewhere in the house.

Use Pet-Safe Cleaning Products

Traditional cleaning products can leave harmful residues on floors, furniture and pet-accessible surfaces. Opt for pet-safe alternatives made with natural or non-toxic ingredients. Always read labels and avoid chemicals like ammonia, bleach or formaldehyde.

Wipe paws after walks to reduce the spread of outdoor pollutants and keep your home fresh and hygienic for all its inhabitants.

Pet-proofing your home isn’t just a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process that adapts as your pet grows and your living situation evolves. With a little planning and some thoughtful adjustments, you can create a home that’s safe, comfortable and enjoyable for both you and your animal companions. Remember, a pet-friendly home doesn’t mean compromising on aesthetics—it simply means blending design with smart safety choices and lots of love.