PetCloud's Property Safety Checklist helps pet owners and sitters make every home pet stay safe, secure and escape-proof, by walking through the home and yard together before the stay begins.

Both sitters and pet owners share responsibility for making sure the entire property is safe, secure, hazard-free and escape-proof. Every property and every pet is different, so be alert for hazards that aren't listed.

Your number one priority is making sure visiting pets cannot escape.

Download the printable checklist (PDF)

Outside checks for dogs and puppies

Cats and kittens should never be outside.

  • Security check: Entry points to the backyard and front yard are securely blocked.
  • Fence is sturdy: Is the fence flimsy, poorly built or poorly maintained, or unsuitable for containing dogs, such as an electric containment system?
  • Fences are high enough with no gaps below, through or above: Check the gate as well as the fence. The height at the lowest point decides whether a pet can jump out.
  • No slopes that help pets jump over: Does the slope of the land or nearby furniture make it easier to escape over or under the fence?
  • No gaps between or under fence palings: Dogs can be very determined to squeeze through gaps between palings and wire mesh. Pay particular attention to gaps under fences.
  • Gate bolts and latches work: Are the latches easy to use, and do they keep the gates securely closed?
  • Water is fenced: Are there unfenced pools, fish ponds or dams? Many pool fences won't keep out a small dog or puppy, and they can drown if they fall in and can't get out.
  • Moving cars: Do cars back out through the dog's area? If so, how will the dog be kept safe?
  • Rocks, seeds, toxic plants and litter: Look for hazards like macadamia nuts, palm tree seeds, poisonous plants and garden rocks.
  • Lawn weed killer: When was the lawn last sprayed? “Weed and feed” can last up to 6 weeks, and pets absorb poison through their paws. Boiling water or cleaning vinegar is a safer way to kill weeds.
  • Shade and shelter: Is there shade all day long, and shelter from storms? Remember, shade moves during the day.
  • Access to food: Food is available through the day. To keep ants away, stand the bowl in a shallow tray of water.
  • Cosy sleeping spot: The pet has somewhere comfortable to sleep.
  • Toileting area: The pet can reach the yard, puppy pads, potty grass or kitty litter.
  • Enrichment toys: Toys where pets forage or work for a treat, fresh raw meaty beef or lamb bones, plus a soft comfort toy.
  • Drinking water: A full water bowl all day.
  • Escape-proof: You've walked the entire perimeter together and found no way out.

Indoor checks for pets

Cats and kittens must be kept indoors 100% of the time.

  • Security: Entry points to the pet's area are securely blocked at all times.
  • Cords: Electrical and curtain cords are out of reach.
  • Toxic food: Chocolate, garlic, onion, grapes, sorbitol and macadamia nuts are out of reach.
  • Toxic substances: Washing powders, cleaning products and alcohol are out of reach. Surface insect sprays can last 6 to 9 months, so ask when they were last used. Plant-based cleaners are safer for paws.
  • Latches: Window and door latches are secure, and a pet can't wiggle them open.
  • Screens: Any screens used as a barrier are in good repair.
  • Bars: Gaps between security bars are small enough that a pet can't squeeze through or get stuck.
  • Windows: High open windows can't be reached by a cat climbing furniture such as bookshelves.
  • Doors: Everyone in the home, including children, knows which doors must stay closed.
  • Dog flaps: Pet doors are taped shut with something heavy in front. Cats may try to escape through them.
  • Everyday household items: Sharp objects, candles and fish tanks are out of reach of bored, playful pets.
  • Ventilation: If doors and windows stay closed, the room won't get too hot or stuffy in summer.
  • Food, sleep, toileting, toys and water: The same basics as outside, with puppy pads, potty grass trays or kitty litter indoors, and squeaky and soft comfort toys.
  • Clean and hygienic: The home and waste disposal are kept to a standard suitable for people and pets.

This checklist has been created with the assistance of senior vets.