Pets are non-negotiable for many of us; they are family members. However, a home's interior may not be the safest for pets. With all the hazards that come with stock floorplans and various things we like to plug in and sit on top of things within it, there are many reasons why pet-proofing our homes is essential. That's why we've created this article! As a new cat owner, I had to learn the hard way, but as someone who lives with dogs, these tips are crucial if you like nice things.

My first instinct is to provide you with tips on how to keep your rooms clean. But let's face it, keeping our rooms too clean is the opposite of cozy. Instead, I'll provide some preventative tips along with some room tips for your go-to relaxing areas.

1.) Make sure you give your pet enough attention—messes like this sign that maybe your pet wants some affection or feels bored in their environment.

2.) Give your pet plenty of toys and activities to occupy themselves when you aren't around. They'll spend more time with their favorite chew toy than in your closet.

3.)Clean your cat's litter box daily and take your dog outside to poo and pee. If you forget to take care of your pet's toilet needs, they'll turn your favorite corner into a giant stinky mess.

For more ways to pet-proof every room in your home, check out the helpful tips below. We'll start with your pet's favorite place in the house...

The kitchen is one of the most common accident-prone rooms for everyone, not just your pet. There are sharp objects, appliances, heat sources, and slippery surfaces. It's no wonder we all have memories of hurting ourselves in the kitchen. So, how can we make our cooking and eating spaces safer for pets?

Chances are if you are in the kitchen, so is your cat or dog.

The kitchen is where most pets eat, and you can expect them to do their best to grab a quick nibble or two, even when it's not the time for dinner. We need to be mindful when preparing foods near our pets, especially when they are potentially harmful, like chocolate, grapes, onions, etc.

This tip mostly applies to dogs, but we pay attention to all potentially hazardous foods and keep them out of a pet's way. Small miscellaneous items like bread ties, bottle caps, and even pencils may harm a pet if they put these items inside their mouths. Consider unplugging appliances that your pet might chew on.

My cat, Kiki, loves chewing plastic bags. While I don't understand this behavior, anytime I see her about to chew, I rush to remove the bag, so she doesn't accidentally choke on it. Small dogs and cats (mainly puppies and kittens) accidentally suffocate by playing with plastic bags. It's heartbreaking to think about losing a loved one like this, so we should be ever-vigilant to prevent hazards like these from sitting idly in the kitchen.

If you're a busy person with little time or control over your curious pet, the best way to prevent accidents is to use a gate to block the kitchen entrance from your pet.

Bedrooms are a great safe place to relax and rejuvenate from a long day. However, living with pets may make it a little challenging to unwind from a stressful day. 

Have you ever come home to find your dog has gotten into something in your bedroom he shouldn't have, and now you have a big mess to clean in your bed? Ripped bedsheets, poop in places where it doesn't make sense, tattered curtains, and ripped up clothes. I've seen it all, my friends.

To prevent much of this from happening, make sure to move trash bins and other things away from where pets like to go. A good tip for trash bins is to place them in a closet or under the sink where you can shut a door to prevent smells and Fido from knocking it over. Consider blocking electrical outlets with a nightstand or other small furniture, where you may have a phone charger plugged in. Like I mentioned for the kitchen, sometimes pets love to chew on plastic. Putting heavy things or furniture in the way can save your pet from electrocution and you from having to buy replacement cables frequently. 

Now, I want to bring up more sage advice if you notice your pet loves to chew on plastic or shoes or watch your grandpa gave you. Generally, if your pet chews on things that it shouldn't, it's a good idea to take them to the vet for a checkup. Your cat or dog may have a tooth-ache or an issue with their gums. 

We should do our best to take preventative measures over always reacting to our pet's behaviors.

Still, there are sprays to deter pets from chewing on shoes and other things you can find on Chewy.com. Sprays leave a bad taste in your pet's mouth without harming them. 

If your pet sleeps next to you, but you don't want them to, then consider getting your pet a bed of their own. Chewy.com has plenty of options you can choose from as well. Doing so will protect your mattress and sheets and leaving your room fresh and pet-proof. 

Bathrooms are another place pets like to get into mischief. From getting into toxic cleaning chemicals to unrolling a roll of toilet paper into the toilet, then drinking from it, your naughty pets can do a number on your bathroom. 

So what do you do about cleaning chemicals?

Well, you can take my advice from earlier and keep any harmful items or cleaning products far away from their curiosity, but let's take this a step further.

Consider getting baby-proof latches for your under-sink compartments and drawers. These latches prevent a pet from quickly accessing areas they shouldn't go without more force than they're capable of.

What about toilet paper?

While we could drum up the age-old argument of which way to install the toilet paper roll, instead, try purchasing a toilet paper guard to go over your roll. You can also install one with a guard already attached. That way, if they paw at it, the roll won't catch.

Now about the toilet.

The toilet bowl looks like a giant water bowl to your dog. It sits at the right height and appears clean most of the time. It's no wonder your dog might gravitate toward the toilet after running around or playing hard. To prevent your dog from using the toilet as a watering hole, keep the lid down at all times, and make sure your house has at least one place where your dog can reliably drink water. If you keep your dog outside, place another bowl there as well.

The laundry room is also another area that you should pay attention to when you have pets. Laundry packs, detergents, softeners, and other laundry chemicals often find a home in the laundry room.

Keep your cleaning supplies high up out of reach, where pets can't get into them. If you have a cabinet above your washing machine and dryer, place the laundry items in there, and consider installing cabinets if you do not have them. At the very least, keep a shelf, but remember that cats love high places. So if you're stuck with a shelf, keep it full, so your cat won't feel tempted to explore up there.

Did you know that leaving a washer or dryer door open is dangerous for pets?

Leaving the washer/dryer door open is hazardous because pets (mostly cats) and are curious about the world around them and find these machines intriguing. They may end up climbing into them without anyone knowing, so take a look before piling your clothes in there if you accidentally left the washer or dryer door open.

The living room area is one of the spaces where most people congregate with loved ones, including pets. Gathering around to watch a movie or two or just to cozy up next to you is your pet's favorite pastime. This sentiment sounds great at first, but suppose your dog smells like, well, dog. Your living room will begin to also smell like dog. 

I could recommend using a spray aerosol, but why do that when you can install a MiracleSofa couch cover for your living room furniture?

1.) They're easy to install and take almost no time to put on and take off.

2.) Sofa covers are a breeze to clean.

3.) They protect your sofa from soaking up smells.

4.) They prevent age-wear on your couch or loveseat.

5.) You can quickly update your room's decor with our wide selection.

What's more, our MiracleSofa slipcovers help to prevent pet fur and dander from seeping in, potentially ruining your couch. Your nostrils will thank you for picking one up.

Now that we have your sofa taken care of, what about the remaining space?

Basements and lofts are the perfect places to hold anything we consider storage; many of these things are prime curiosity spots that your dog or cat might explore. Everything from chemicals to holiday storage items, there are all sorts of hazards you'll need to keep away from your furbabies.

If you haven't converted your loft or basement into an entertaining space, consider adding a door that locks. Preventing access to the area is the best way to keep them safe.

Still, curious pets are bound to find their way into places they don't belong. In the event they manage to get into your basement or loft areas, keep all paints, chemicals, and hardware supplies in elevated containers away from their mouths.

Whether you have a big house or a small apartment, there are reasons why it can be exhausting to pet proof your home, but we hope with these simple tips you'll be in great shape.

Remember that an essential piece to remember is to spend time with your pets and give them lots of love and affection. This one act will prevent most mischievous acts from ever occurring. I hope these tips and ideas will provide you insights into making all of your spaces pet-friendly.