How UK pet owners are creating safer happier homes

From scratched sofas to chewed table legs, new research reveals just how much havoc our beloved pets can wreak on our homes – and what we can do to stop it. Our homes are more than just spaces we live in – they can be sanctuaries for both humans and pets alike. However, striking a balance between creating a safe environment for our furry companions and maintaining a harmonious home can be challenging.

A recent survey by Petplan, the UK’s no.1 pet insurer, involving over 1,100 UK cat and dog owners, sheds light on these challenges and offers insights into how pet owners can better protect both their homes and their beloved pets.

The findings reveal that 41% of UK pet owners have replaced household items due to pet damage, with carpets and rugs being the most frequently replaced items. Beyond the wear and tear, our homes also pose hidden risks to pets. Petplan’s survey underlines the dual responsibility of protecting pets from hazards and preventing damage to the home.

Creating a safe home for pets

Our homes can harbour many hidden hazards for pets. Alarmingly, over one in ten (12%) of pet owners are unaware of the potential dangers posed by everyday items such as cleaning products, food related items such as chocolate, garden chemicals, and even certain plants.

Common household items can inadvertently become dangers include:

• Common houseplants including lantana, mistletoe, Easter lily and philodendrons.
• Vapes and e-cigarettes contain highly toxic nicotine, and their casings, batteries, and e-liquids can cause severe harm if ingested.
• Garden chemicals, such as weed killers and pesticides, are dangerous if pets come into contact with them.

“A failure to pet-proof our homes presents real risks to cats and dogs. And with the relative rise of pets that live indoors, it’s more important than ever that we learn how to create a pet-friendly home” says Dr. Brian Faulkner, Petplan vet expert.

Creating a safe and harmonious environment for pets involves taking proactive measures to prevent hazards and minimise damage. To keep your pet safe:

• Avoid poisonous plants like ivy and lilies. Move plants or flowers to a higher level if you’re unsure.
• Ensure cleaning products are out of reach and locked away.
• Safeguard outbuildings with cat flaps so they don’t get stuck.
• Keep bins covered and keep poisonous foods out of reach.
• For cats, keep rope and string-based toys out of reach when not playing.
• Use a child-gate or dog-gate to keep your pets away while you’re cooking.
• Keep vapes, medication and e-liquid bottles shut in a secure container, out of reach.

How to protect your home

Balancing a safe home for pets with minimising damage to furniture and household items is a shared challenge among pet owners. To reduce wear and tear, some owners are adopting proactive solutions:

• 21% use sofa covers to protect furniture.
• 20% close off certain rooms to limit pet access.
• Regular grooming helps reduce pet hair, cited as the biggest cleaning challenge for 52% of owners.