5 Ways to Prioritize Pet Safety
If you’re reading this article, you’re probably in the large portion of Americans who consider their pets to be members of the family. In fact, in the National Association of Realtors 2022 Profile of Buyers and Sellers[1], 19% of all homebuyers factored their pet into their choice of neighborhood. Further, 2% of all homebuyers in 2022 listed a desire to give their pet a better place to live as the primary reason for wanting to purchase a new home.[2]
Knowing how much you value your pets, we suggest the following home improvement projects to ensure the safety of your furry family for years to come:
1. Install Fencing or Screened-In Catio
Fencing can boost your home’s sellability while ensuring your pet’s safety. Fencing can be an expensive investment, but worthwhile if safety is a priority. Consult with a local fencing company for a quote on fencing in your entire property or a smaller playpen area in the yard.
Catios (or screened-in patios) have been on the rise in popularity as well. While fencing can be the ideal outdoor safety measure for dogs, catios ensure that your cat(s) can get fresh air but not be at risk for running away, getting lost, or otherwise putting themselves in danger.
2. Remove Toxic Plants
House plants and outdoor plants can present a toxic danger to pets. Make sure to do your research on which plants are safe to bring in and safe to have around outside. Different animals are put in danger by different plants too – lilies are extremely toxic to cats, azaleas are toxic to dogs, and poison ivy can be more than just a nuisance for either animal. Check with your vet for clarification on what is and isn’t safe.
3. Secure Chemicals
A curious pet may accidentally spill, chew, or otherwise investigate any chemical bottles left within their reach. Lock away hazardous materials behind childproof locks – cleaners, paints, shampoos, medicines, etc. You can also choose to swap out cleaning supplies for pet-safe versions to ensure you don’t make your pet sick by merely using them.
4. Use climate control measures.
If you’re in the habit of leaving home from time to time, you need to ensure that your home is kept at a reasonable temperature. In the heat of summer, animals require cool air just like the rest of us, and in the winter, they also need heat. Choose safe heating and cooling measures – fans and space heaters are less safe than air conditioners and baseboard heaters. Check with your vet to ensure you’re setting the temperature correctly.
5. Head off boredom.
Dogs and cats alike really get into trouble when they’re bored. They may damage walls, burrow into carpets, and otherwise misbehave in dangerous ways. If you’re going to be gone for extended periods of time, keep a healthy rotation of toys in your pets’ reach to help them stay occupied. Using a treat-dispensing toy is a great way to ensure they’re getting enough healthy exercise during the day. Depending on your pet, you may find that leaving background music or animal videos on the television when you leave to help keep them occupied as well – just make sure your TV is firmly affixed and isn’t at risk of falling!
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