10 Smart Ways to Keep Your Pets Safe While You’re Not Home

Wish you could spend all day with your pet? Same. But real life says otherwise, and sometimes you have to leave your furry best friend home alone. The problem? Pets get bored, anxious—and sometimes into serious trouble.

Here are 10 simple ways to keep them safe, happy, and out of the ER while you’re gone.

Hide the Hazards

Trash cans, socks, leftover food on the counter—it’s all fair game when you’re not around. Keep cabinets latched, toys picked up, and anything chewable out of reach. If your dog’s a pro at opening things, consider childproof locks.

Control the Temperature

Free stock photo of analog, analog camera, analog film

Don’t let your house turn into a sauna or a freezer while you’re out. Use a smart thermostat or set your HVAC to keep things comfortable, especially in extreme weather.

Get a Pet Sitter or Walker

A small chihuahua being walked on a leash.

If you’ll be gone most of the day, having someone stop in can make a big difference. Pets crave routine, and a walk or play session midday can ease anxiety and prevent accidents.

Close the Windows

Warm sunlight streaming through fabric curtains in a wooden interior setting.

Yes, even if there’s a screen. Dogs and cats have been known to push right through them. Keep windows locked or open them just a crack if ventilation is a must.

Separate the Siblings

If your pets sometimes squabble, don’t risk leaving them alone together. Use gates, crates, or keep them in different rooms to avoid drama—or worse, injuries.

Know Your Neighbor

A peaceful autumnal street scene with a dog in a sunlit neighborhood.

Find someone nearby you trust—a retiree, remote worker, or fellow pet owner—who can help in a pinch. A camera is great, but it won’t walk your dog or put out a fire.

7. Prep the Essentials

A golden retriever not eating, laying on the floor next to a bowl of food.

Leave plenty of fresh water, enough food, and maybe a few puzzle toys to fight off boredom. A hungry, thirsty, or bored pet is a destructive pet.

Use Tech to Check In

A collection of smart home devices, including a camera, light bulb, and sensors, on display.

Pet cameras with treat dispensers and two-way audio let you peek in, say hi, or drop a snack while you’re out. GPS collars and smart alarms can alert you if your pet tries to make a break for it.

Crate Training Can Help

A cheerful woman poses with a golden retriever next to a premium dog crate in a stylish bedroom.

A crate isn’t a punishment—it’s a safe space. If your pet feels secure there, it’s the best way to avoid chewing disasters or stress-induced injuries. Not into crates? Use baby gates to limit access to safe zones only.

Upgrade Your Smoke Alarms

A classic red fire alarm box on a city street lit by car headlights at night.

A regular alarm won’t do much for your dog if there’s a fire and no one’s home. Invest in smart detectors that send alerts to your phone or emergency services so help can come even if you’re not there. Leaving pets alone is never easy, but with the right prep, it doesn’t have to be risky. Try these tips and keep tails wagging—even when you’re not around.