Pet Proofing Your Shed

Most homeowners have various uses for their portable sheds and whether it’s a main use or not, many times pets find their way in. Some even convert their shed into a great pet home. See how you to do that here.

But, most use their shed for storage, as a workshop or hobby space, with some using this space as a pet shelter as well. Though Cook sheds are made to be versatile, sometimes what is inside your shed is not safe for your pets. Here’s a checklist for pet proofing your shed and ensuring it’s a safe space for them year round.

Add door protection plates

Does your dog or cat like scratching at the door? Add metal or plastic protective plates to the bottom of them so your door won’t see any long-term damage. You may not think a few scratches will hurt anything, and a few won’t. But, if your pets scratch on the door every time they are inside, it will eventually leave irreparable damage.

Put hazardous materials inside cabinets

If you have any of the following materials inside your shed, you need to make sure your pet does not have access to them. Putting them on a shelf is not enough. Pets tend to find ways to get into areas that seems to be unreachable. You want to ensure hazardous materials are tightly sealed inside a cabinet that cannot be opened by a nose or paw. If your pet will be inside the shed often, you may even want to install child safety locks on any cabinets that are not easily secured. Here is a list of materials you will want to keep secured and out of reach:

Engine Oil
Gas
Kerosene
Paint
Propane
Antifreeze
Ice Melt
Cleaning Supplies (bleach, car wash soap, etc.)
Fertilizer

Securely store sharp materials

You may think since your mower isn’t running that it’s not a hazard, but to your curious dog or cat it might be. Other sharp items to secure would be your tools such as saws, screwdrivers, knives, drills, etc. Even small items such as screws, nails and staples could become hazardous if your pet steps on them or decides they look tasty.

Enclose chewable materials

No one wants to go out to their shed to begin work only to find that their shed may look fine on the outside, but the items inside are in shambles. Take time to enclose items that your pet may see as being a toy or something chew worthy. Some of these items might include:

Fishing line
Trimmer line
Soil bags
Bags of seeds or potted seedlings
Garden gloves or shoes
Stored holiday decorations

You can’t prevent every potentially hazardous possibility, but this will help you pet proof your portable shed for the next time your dog or cat wanders inside after you.

Not always sure what is inside your shed? Download our free checklist below to help you find what you need, when you need it inside your storage shed.