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Guide To Keeping Animals Safe in The Home

It’s official; the UK is a nation of pet lovers. As of 2016, it was estimated that at least 40% of families within Britain play host to a furry friend or scaly companion. Fish, whether they live in an indoor bowl or garden pond, are the most popular, followed by dogs, cats and rabbits. The list goes on, encompassing rodents such as hamsters, mice and guinea pigs right through to snakes, tortoises and lizards.

Regardless of what critter shares your house, it’s safe to say that they will have set up home in our hearts. To this end, we’ll do whatever we can to keep our pets protected. This guide will help ensure that the most vulnerable member of your family is safe, no matter what circumstances life throws at them – and ensure that you are legally compliant with the Animal Welfare Act of 2006.

Severe Weather

Extreme weather is rarely much fun for humans, as freezing winters and scorching summers frequently leave us feeling uncomfortable. This goes double for animals, who are unable to adapt to varying temperatures by simply changing clothes.

Natural Disasters

We do everything we can to keep our pets safe, but sometimes things beyond human control happen, such as flooding. When such an event occurs, it pays to plan ahead and be sure that your beloved family member will not be affected any more than absolutely necessary. Your local government and council will have their own policies, but it never hurts to read up on what you can do to prepare.

  • Safer Pets is an invaluable source of information on all matters pet-related, with this guide talking us through natural disasters.
  • PETA have bags of helpful advice on safety-proofing your home in the event of an unexpected event.
  • Blue Cross, a pet care and rehoming charity, have a very useful guide to protecting your animal through a flood.
  • The RSPCA offers advice on flooding.

Reducing Risk of Theft or Loss

It’s a sad fact that domestic pets, particularly dogs, are often targeted for theft – reports of this particular crime have risen by over 20% in the previous two years. Throw in the possibility of an over-excitable animal running away to follow a particularly interesting scent and you have every reason in the world to ensure that your pet is microchipped. There are plenty of other steps that you can take, however, to keep your animal safe and secure in the home.

  • Blue Cross and NAWT offer comprehensive guides to keeping dogs safe from theft.
  • Dog Theft Awareness Day is an RSPCA initiative that ties in with Pet Theft Awareness Week.
  • Investigate the online presence of your local police force, who may also have their own policies and recommendations for combatting pet theft.

Electrical Appliances and Cables

Pets are adorable, but they can also be destructive. Small animals, in particular, are inquisitive and not too bright – rabbits, hamsters, gerbils and the like will not think twice about chewing through electrical cables, but larger pets such as dogs and cats can be just as much at risk.

  • Pet Safety, unsurprisingly, is the best place to start here.
  • Electrical Safety First has a page of advice that encompasses keeping your pets from harm.
  • Energy supplier OVO has been kind enough to produce a guide to keeping animals safe in the home.
  • American Humane is obviously based in the United States, but their advice on pet-proofing a home is universal.

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is an extremely advisable investment, especially if you have a dog or cat; veterinary bills can run into four figures for major surgery following illness or accidents, or even basic vaccinations and boosters. Shop around to find the best deal, and be sure to ensure the cover you choose is relevant to your pet’s needs.

  • Wood Green, an animal charity, offer some deeper advice on what you should look for in a pet insurance policy.

Fireworks

Fireworks may be dazzling and exciting to human eyes and ears, but they can be utterly terrifying for our poor pets, whose own senses are considerably more attuned than our own. With fireworks being used all year around in modern life as opposed to merely November 5th, it is worth looking into ways of making your pets as comfortable as possible.

  • Blue Cross and the RSPCA, as always, have some in-depth advice to share.
  • The Dogs Trust provides some MP3 files that may help desensitize your pooch to the sound of fireworks.
  • Safer Pets host an interesting article on soothing pet pheromones.
  • Wood Green can also offer advice on caring for your pets during firework displays.

Pets and Children

Pets can be invaluable companions for children, teaching them important responsibilities and acting as their very first – and best – friend. However, it’s important to think carefully before introducing a new addition to your family, and ensuring that is age- and temperament-appropriate.

  • The Pet Health Council offers advice on the benefits of introducing pets to children.
  • Kids Health provides a guide to choosing a pet to bring into the family home.
  • Safer Pets have a guide to … well, safe pets.
  • Allergy UK discusses how to handle sensitivity to domestic pets.

Summary of Useful Links