Lincolnshire homebuilders and Rspca help owners create pet-friendly homes this National Pet Month

As part of National Pet Month this April, Barratt and David Wilson Homes are sharing tips from the UK’s leading animal welfare charity, the RSPCA, to offer practical advice to pet owners on creating a safe home environment and providing enrichment for their animals.

Kerry Mullen, Sales Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, said: “We know that for many of our customers, a home isn’t complete without their pets. That’s why it’s so important to consider how our living spaces can support their safety, comfort and wellbeing.

“With tips provided by the RSPCA, we are helping to share simple, effective ways homeowners can create pet-friendly environments where animals can feel secure, stimulated and truly at home.”

Lauren Bennett, Pet Expert at the RSPCA, said: “We know how much joy pets bring to our lives, and National Pet Month is a wonderful time to focus on their happiness and safety.

“Pets are naturally inquisitive and like to investigate their surroundings, and pet owners can take simple steps to make sure their homes and gardens are always safe, secure and ready for their furry friends.”

The RSPCA, which has a branch in Lincolnshire, is encouraging homeowners to take steps to create safe, enriching environments for their pets with the following top tips:

Creating Safe Havens and Resting Spaces

●       For Dogs – Every dog needs a safe haven within the home – a place they can go whenever they choose, where they feel secure and can rest undisturbed. This can be a comfortable bed or cosy crate (with the door always open), placed in a quiet area and filled with bedding, toys and safe chew items.

●       For Cats – When cats feel worried or scared, they tend to hide or climb up high to feel secure. Make sure your cat has access to a warm, cosy hiding place they can use whenever needed.

●       For Guinea Pigs – Provide an enclosed, darkened area for sleeping, resting and hiding, large enough for all guinea pigs to rest together comfortably.

●       For Rabbits (Indoor Housing) – Indoor areas must be fully rabbit-proofed. Cover or move electrical cables out of reach, block access to dangerous areas (such as near ovens), and ensure plants are non-toxic or kept well out of reach.

Pet-Proofing Your Home and Garden

●       General Household Safety – It’s important to be aware of common household hazards. Keep food and drink out of reach, lock away cleaning products and medicines, and take care with certain flowers and essential oils.

●       Garden Safety – Gardens form part of your pet’s territory, so ensure they can enjoy it safely. Regularly check for hazards, cover ponds and water butts, store chemicals securely and ensure fences have no sharp edges. Always check sheds before locking them in case a cat is inside.

●       Hamster Housing – Keep hamsters away from items that generate ultrasound, such as TVs, screens, vacuum cleaners or running water, as they are sensitive to high-frequency sounds. Ensure they have supervised time outside their enclosure to explore and exercise.

Lauren added: “Providing mental stimulation and enrichment is vital for the wellbeing of animals, and it’s not just dogs and cats who benefit.

“Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice and other small furries are naturally inquisitive and bring so much joy to owners, so there’s plenty you can do to keep their minds busy and happy.”

Enrichment and Hydration

●       Hydration – Keeping pets hydrated is essential. Place a bowl of water on each floor for easy access and wash and refill them daily.

●       “Sniffari” – Let your dog explore and sniff freely on walks, in the garden or indoors. You can also hide treats around the home. This mental stimulation can be just as tiring as physical exercise for dogs, cats and small furries.

●       Scatter Feeding – A simple way to keep pets engaged, provided it’s done safely and appropriately.

●       Puzzle Toys – Interactive toys filled with treats or kibble are great for mental stimulation.

●       Rabbit Enrichment – Provide plenty of space to explore, play, forage and ‘binky’, as it’s essential for happy, healthy rabbits.

●       Hamster Enrichment – Choose the largest cage possible, as hamsters need plenty of space, especially at night. Add enrichment such as boxes, tubes and chew blocks, along with suitable nesting materials like hay, wood wool or shredded paper.

Lauren continued: “This National Pet Month, we want to remind pet owners that enrichment doesn't have to be complicated. These small acts of care are what keep your pets healthy, happy and truly thrive - and are something all owners can do.”

To find out more about the RSPCA and its services, visit the website at RSPCA.