Pet Proofing Your Home: What Professional Pet Sitters (Should) Always Check For & How Pet Pawrents Can Prepare

Because it’s not just about safety — it’s about setting your pets up to thrive.

If you’ve ever spent 20 minutes searching for your cat under the bed while holding a syringe of medication & whisper-swearing under your breath... this post is for you.

At Fairy Dogmothers, we’ve seen it all. Pets with lock-picking skills. Sneaky snack stash discoveries. Trash pandas (your dog) who fancy themselves interior decorators. And while we’re always prepared to adapt in the moment, the best visits happen when the home is prepped with pets in mind - especially when you’re not there.

Whether you're welcoming a new pet sitter, prepping for a trip, or just want to make life easier for your pet & their pet care provider, here’s what we actually look for when we walk through the door - & what you can do to set your home (and your fur baby) up for safe, seamless visits.

Getting up &/or Down at their Level

First things first. Get on your pet’s level, whether it's down on all fours, up on top of the refrigerator, or on top of cabinets that your cat climbs on. Anywhere in & outside that your pet has access to. You need to view the world from their perspective.

When you have a fur baby just remember you have a furry toddler for life. And it is your responsibility to protect them!

Things change throughout the year, with the different holidays. It’s ever evolving! You have to stay vigilant throughout the year.

We always scan for unsecured garbage cans, especially in accessible areas like:

• Every room

• Yard

• Garage

• Pool

• Anywhere your pet may have access to

  
  

Pawrent Pet-Proofing Tips:  Kitties seek out warm places – if those are windowsills, you want to ensure the screens are tight. Never leave the oven open with your back turned, & always check the dryer before throwing in a load.

Maybe establishing that pets are not permitted in the kitchen might be a good idea for your family because counter surfers can turn the stove knobs on. I’ve arrived at a couple of pet sits where dogs were known counter surfers – one turned on the gas stove & one the electric. Both pose their own unique dangers.

Curtain & blind cords are a pet safety hazard – cords can get caught around the neck or another extremity like a leg and cut off circulation.

Trash Talk (Literally)

Let’s just say this: if your trash can doesn’t have a secure lid or if it's not placed somewhere where your fur babies cannot access it, your pets thinks it’s a buffet.

Overflowing bathroom bin full of tissues? Cat toy. Kitchen trash with chicken bones? Vet visit waiting to happen. Pet food can from breakfast that wasn't rinsed out? Sliced tongue imminent.

We always scan for unsecured garbage cans, especially in accessible areas like:

• Kitchen

• Bathroom

• Bedrooms with doors that don’t latch

• Basement stairs (yes, we’ve seen it happen)

  
  

Pawrent Pet-Proofing Tip: Use lidded, locking trash cans or place them behind a closed cabinet or door. If your pet has a history of dumpster diving, let us know - we’ll be extra watchful.

Cords, Chargers, & Chew Zones

Puppies, kittens, & even some spicy adult pets love a good power cord. Unfortunately, so does electricity.

We check for:

• Dangling blind cords

• Phone chargers left plugged in on the floor

• Lamp or computer cords near crates or beds

• Cords tucked under rugs that could still be chewed

  
  

Pawrent Pet-Proofing Tip: Use cord covers or secure cords high & out of reach. And if you have a notorious chewer, leave a few of their approved toys in their favorite hangout spots for distraction & enrichment.

Pet + Product = Problem

It’s wild how many pet parents leave medications, cleaning sprays, essential oils, or even chocolate right at nose level.

We’re not judging - we get it. Life is busy. But our team always does a quick check of:

• Countertops (especially kitchen & bathroom)

• End tables with open snack bowls

• Pet treat drawers that are too easy to open

• Low cabinets with household cleaners or meds

  
  

Pawrent Pet-Proofing Tip: Keep anything that would have a poison control operator sweating safely tucked away. Not sure what’s toxic? If you wouldn’t give it to a toddler, it shouldn’t be within paw’s reach.

Doors, Gates & Great Escapes

Some pets are little Houdinis. Others just wait for one moment of “oops” to take off down the street.

We double-check:

• That doors close & latch behind us. We prefer a "double-door" method over anything. Whether that's us coming through the garage, making sure that's closed before entering the house. If we must use a man door, a gate or mudroom with another door to keep pets from being able to directly access the outside.

• Any baby gates are secure & not wobbly

• Screen doors aren’t torn or loose

• Fencing, if we’re doing yard time (we will check the perimeter)

  
  

Pawrent Pet-Proofing Tip: If your pet is an escape artist, let us know. We may suggest using a double-leash system or entry/exit through specific doors to avoid flight risks.

Hidden Dangers in “Safe” Spaces

It might surprise you to know the most accidents don’t happen in the backyard or on a walk - they happen inside the home, when no one thinks to look twice.

We check:

• That pets don’t have access to laundry (dryer sheets & socks are common culprits)

• That crates or pens are properly latched

• That favorite hiding spots are safe (under beds, closets, etc.)

• For chew marks on wood furniture or baseboards (could indicate boredom, anxiety, or dental pain)

  
  

Pawrent Pet-Proofing Tip: Do a quick walk-through from your pet’s perspective. If it’s within reach & smells remotely edible or interesting... assume it’s fair game.

Set Them Up to Succeed (Not Just Survive)

Safety is our first priority. But comfort? That’s what takes care to the next level.

Before we even clip on a leash, we’re checking:

• Where the leash & harness are stored (bonus points if it’s in the same spot each time)

• If the pet’s water is fresh

• That their bedding is clean & cozy

• That enrichment toys are available (we love a good snuffle mat or lick mat)

• That any special instructions are in Time to Pet

  
  

Pet-Proofing Tip: Consistency makes pets feel secure. That includes their gear, routines, & spaces. You don’t need to have a perfect setup — just a thoughtful one.

Pet-Proofing Isn’t About Purrfection — It’s About Partnership

You don’t need to scrub your baseboards or alphabetize your treat jars (unless that brings you joy, in which case - go for it). But taking a few simple steps to prep your home shows your sitter - & more importantly, your pet - that you’ve thought about their experience, even when you’re not there.

And if you're ever unsure whether something is a hazard? Just ask. We’re here to be more than your pet’s midday buddy or vacation fill-in. We’re here to be part of your pet’s care team - eyes, ears, & paws on the ground when you can’t be.

Together, we’ll keep your pets not just safe - but happy, relaxed, & thriving.

Because that’s what real pet care looks like.

With love (& lots of treats),

Kaley Reinhart ✨🐾

CPPS & Fear Free Certified Professional

Owner, Fairy Dogmothers LLC

fairydogmothersllc.com | @fairydogmothersllc