Pet-Proofing Your Apartment
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Quick answer: Get down to pet level and remove what they can chew, swallow or knock over: cover or block cords, lock up medications and cleaners, use a lidded trash can, keep the toilet lid closed, and check every houseplant against the ASPCA toxic plants list. Human medications are among the top causes of reported pet poisonings (AVMA). This is general guidance, not legal advice. Check your lease and your local and state rules.
⚠ Safety first:
- Store cleaners, medications and anything toxic up high or in a closed cabinet (AVMA).
- If you think your pet ate something toxic, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) (ASPCA; AVMA).
- Read and follow product labels, and keep pets out of a cleaned area until it’s dry (AVMA; ASPCA).
Steps: easiest & free first
- Crawl the floor at pet heightFREE
Pick up small things a pet could swallow: coins, hair ties, batteries, jewelry, nails and screws (AVMA). - Block or cover cordsSHOP
Chewed, plugged-in cords can cause burns or electrocution. Use cord covers and block access (AVMA). Use adhesive cord clips, not nails, in a rental. - Lock up meds, cleaners and nicotineFREE
Keep all medications, including pet meds, sealed and out of reach. Nicotine products, mothballs, essential oils and liquid potpourri are hazards too (AVMA). - Secure the trash and the kitchenSHOP
Garbage can cause blockages or pancreatitis (AVMA). Keep chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic and anything with xylitol out of reach (AVMA). - Close the toilet lidFREE
Toilet bowl cleaners can irritate a pet’s stomach (AVMA). - Check your houseplantsFREE
Look each one up on the ASPCA list. Certain lilies are highly toxic to cats, even in small amounts (AVMA). See pet-safe cleaners & plants. - Use no-drill gates and latchesSHOP
Pressure-mounted gates and adhesive cabinet latches come off clean at move-out. Read the lease first; see no-drill tips.
⚠ When to call a pro: your pet ate something toxic, is hurt, or has sudden accidents or behavior changes (see a vet first; AVMA and Humane World both say to rule out medical causes); urine soaked into carpet padding or drywall; deep gouges in floors, doors or trim; and anything that needs drilling, replacing or refinishing in a rental. Tell your landlord in writing before you try a repair that changes the unit. Renting? See what you can fix vs. call your landlord.
💡 Prevent it: Pets also chew window-blind cords and dig at doors when bored or anxious. If yours is destructive only when you leave, see barking or destructive while you’re out.
Helpful supplies
| Item | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Cord covers or cord protectors | Stop chewing on plugged-in cords | Check price [PLACEHOLDER – no affiliate link] |
| Trash can with a locking lid | Keep pets out of garbage | Check price [PLACEHOLDER – no affiliate link] |
| Adhesive cabinet latches | Lock up cleaners without drilling | Check price [PLACEHOLDER – no affiliate link] |
Generic categories only; check the product label and your home’s needs before buying.