How Do I Pet-Proof My Home For a New Pet?
Aug 28, 2026 / Public Storage
How Do You Pet-Proof Your Home for a New Pet?
Bringing home a new pet is exciting, but puppies, kittens, and other young animals can be curious, energetic, and destructive. A little preparation can help protect your pet, home, and belongings.
What Should You Pet-Proof in the Kitchen?
Keep hazards secured and out of reach:
- Toxic foods: Store chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and xylitol-containing products in closed cabinets.
- Trash: Use a locking-lid trash can or keep it in a latched cabinet.
- Cleaning products: Store chemicals, detergents, and sprays in high or locked cabinets.
- Small or sharp items: Put away twist ties, plastic wrap, knives, and utensils.
What Are Common Living Room Hazards for Pets?
Remove or secure items your pet may chew, swallow, or knock over:
- Cover electrical cords and unplug unused chargers.
- Replace toxic houseplants with pet-safe alternatives.
- Pick up batteries, coins, small toys, and other choking hazards.
- Move fragile décor and valuables to higher shelves—or store them temporarily.
How Can You Make Your Bathroom Safer for Pets?
Bathrooms often contain medications and chemicals that can be dangerous to pets.
- Keep medications in closed, high, or locked cabinets.
- Secure toilet bowl cleaners, drain products, and cosmetics.
- Keep toilet lids closed, especially around smaller pets.
- Put away razors, cotton swabs, and small toiletry items.
What Should You Secure in the Garage and Laundry Room?
Keep detergent pods, tools, automotive supplies, fertilizers, and cleaning chemicals in secure cabinets or on high shelves. Store sharp yard tools safely after use, and check washers, dryers, and vehicles before closing them.
Pro tip: Get down to your pet’s level for a quick “pet’s-eye view” of each room. You may notice hazards that are easy to miss from standing height.
How Can You Protect Furniture During the Puppy or Kitten Phase?
Young pets may chew furniture, scratch rugs, or have accidents while learning household routines. Consider temporarily storing items that are difficult to replace, including:
- Area rugs and runners
- Extra upholstered furniture
- Delicate décor and collectibles
- Seasonal decorations
- Keepsakes and boxed belongings
A Public Storage unit can give you extra room to protect these items while your pet is training and adjusting to its new home.
Which Public Storage Features Can Help Pet Owners?
Public Storage can help you create a more pet-friendly home with:
- Multiple unit sizes for a few boxes, pet supplies, or larger furniture
- Climate-controlled storage at select locations for furniture, décor, and other temperature-sensitive belongings
- Month-to-month rentals for temporary storage needs during training or home reorganization
- Convenient locations that make accessing stored items easier
- Online reservations and account management for added convenience
Features and availability vary by location.
What Pet Supplies Can You Store for Later?
Storage is useful well beyond the early training stage. Consider storing:
- Crates, gates, and playpens
- Seasonal pet clothing and costumes
- Backup leashes, harnesses, bowls, and beds
- Travel carriers and grooming supplies
- Bulk pet supplies and extra toys
Rotate toys every few weeks to reduce clutter and help keep your pet interested.
How Can You Make Room for Both Your Pet and Your Belongings?
Pet-proofing does not mean sacrificing your home’s comfort or style. By securing hazards, clearing vulnerable belongings, and using storage for items you do not need every day, you can create a safer, more organized home for your new pet.
et-proof kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms, garages, and laundry areas by putting away chemicals, medications, cords, small objects, sharp items, and toxic foods. Check each room from your pet’s eye level to find hazards within reach.
Pet-Proofing FAQs
How Can I Protect Furniture From a New Puppy or Kitten?
Move rugs, extra upholstered furniture, décor, and other household items out of areas where a new pet will play or train. Use self storage for items you do not need at home during the training period.
Can I Use Storage While Pet-Proofing My Home?
Yes. Use a Public Storage unit for furniture, décor, seasonal items, crates, carriers, gates, and other non-food pet gear that crowds your home. Public Storage rentals are month to month, so you can use storage while your pet adjusts to its new routine.
What Pet Supplies Should Stay at Home?
Keep food, medications, daily-use bowls, leashes, bedding, and favorite toys at home. Store extra crates, carriers, playpens, seasonal accessories, and unused pet gear that takes up space.
Does Public Storage Offer Climate-Controlled Storage for Pet Owners?
Public Storage offers climate-controlled storage at more than 4,300 locations. Use the Climate Controlled filter to find available units for furniture, décor, and other household items affected by temperature or humidity changes.
