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Animal Proofing Your Home
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Kitchens/Bathrooms/Utility Rooms
- Use childproof latches to keep little paws from prying open cabinets
- Keep medications, cleaners, chemicals and laundry supplies on high shelves
- Keep trashcans covered or inside a latched cabinet
- Check for/block small spaces, nooks or holes (inside cabinetry , behind washer/dryer)
- Make sure kitties haven’t jumped inside the dryer before you turn it on
- Keep food out of reach (even if the food isn’t harmful, the wrapper could be!)
- Keep toilet lids closed
Living/Family Room
- Place dangling wires (lamps, TV, VCR, CD/DVD player, stereo, phones, etc.) out of reach
- Keep children’s toys put away
- Put away knick knacks until the animal has the coordination or understanding not to knock them over
- Block all spaces where your vacuum cleaner doesn’t fit but a puppy or kitten could
- Remove dangerous items
- Move houseplants/hanging plants (some of which can be poisonous) out of reach
- Put away all sewing and craft notions (thread, pins, etc.)
- Secure aquariums/cages that house small animals (fish, birds, hamsters, etc.)
- Make sure all heating and air vents have a cover
- Keep blinds and blind cords secured and out of reach
Garage
- Most garages contain dangerous chemical/items. Prevent foster animals access to areas that have electrical wires, chemical pesticides, gas, fertilizer, and other toxic materials.
- Move all chemicals to high shelves or behind secured doors
- Clean up all antifreeze from the floor/driveway. Just one taste can be lethal!
Bedrooms
- Keep laundry and shoes behind closed doors
- Keep any medications, lotions or cosmetics off accessible surfaces (like nightstands)
- Move electrical and phone wires out of reach
Potentially Dangerous Situations
- Closet and bedroom doors
- Open doors to the outdoors
- Open dryer doors
- Open cabinet drawers
- Computer wires (electrocution or strangulation)
- Folding chairs
- Potted plants
Never underestimate the abilities of your foster animal!
They are smarter than we are!
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