9 Essentials for Organized Pet Parents
Plus Two Dangerous Habits You’re Overlooking!
R.I.P Napoleon 7.13.24
Earlier this month, I lost Napoleon, my beloved companion of 13 years. Although it was expected as his health had quickly declined in a matter of weeks, the devastation was palpable. I’m opening my heart to finding another rescue and am sure I can love another one unconditionally as I did Napolean.
Although Napolean’s death was unrelated to an accident or emergency, I understand how prepared one must be for either. The reason they're called accidents and emergencies is because they are unplanned! If you’ve ever found yourself stressing when unplanned events happen, you probably know how important it is to have a plan.
Organizing for your pets can make life easier for you and your furry babies. Here are some top tips to keep your pet’s items neat and accessible:
1. Pet Records
Create a binder for each pet with medical records, vaccination history, and other important documents. You can order one on Amazon here.
Keep digital backups. Your vet can send you records electronically if you don’t want to keep up with scanning.
Know where your veterinary emergency room is and their hours.
Savor offers a beautiful and handy way to store your pet's memories and records here.
2. Pet Food
Air-tight containers keep food fresh and pests out with one caveat. Pet food contains animal fats that seep into the bottom of the bins. These are hard to clean out and the plastic will deteriorate over time. Keep the food in its original packaging inside the container. You’ll be able to keep up with the expiration date and have the lot number available in case of a recall.
What is that slime that ends up in your pet’s water bowl? That biofilm contains good and bad bacteria like Listeria, E. coli, and Legionella. This can result in UTIs and bladder infections. At a minimum, change your pet’s water and wipe the slime away daily with a paper towel, and wash their bowls weekly.
Keep treats handy using glass jars. Amazon has some cute options here!
Label containers with pets' names and feeding instructions. If someone has to fill in for feeding duties, this will help keep your pet on schedule.
Use a mat under their bowls to keep things contained and neat. I’ve even seen some pet owners teach their dogs to dry their mouths by putting a towel in a bowl near their water!
3. Designate a Pet Area
Use labeled bins and baskets for toys, grooming supplies, and clothing.
Rotate toys to keep your pet interested. Just like with children, having too many selections can be overwhelming. Store the rest in a bin out of their area.
Use a toy box or basket that your pet can easily access.
4. Leash and Accessory Storage
Hooks near the door will be your best friend for hanging leashes, collars, and harnesses.
Keep a grab-and-go basket by the door for essentials like poop bags, treats, etc.
Use a caddy to store tools like brushes, nail clippers, and shampoos.
5. Bed and Crates
Use beds with washable covers and clean them once a week. Just like you, your pet doesn’t want to sleep on dirty sheets. This will keep your pet healthier.
Store extra blankets for the crate nearby and change them weekly.
6. First Aid Kit
Keep a pet-specific first aid kit in an accessible location. Make sure all family members know where it is.
Periodically check for expiration dates and to restock.
7. Travel Essentials
Keep a grab-and-go bag with pet essentials like a collapsible bowl, leash, blanket, and travel-friendly toys.
Keep your grab-and-go bags near the door for spontaneous and stress-free trips.
8. Keep Toxic Foods Out of Reach
I’ve had horses, dogs, and cats and never considered any of them exceptionally bright unless it benefited them. They were all adept at getting something they wanted when they wanted it though. This list from The Humane Society details what foods and plants are toxic to pets.
9. Regular Decluttering
Regularly go through your pet’s items and donate or dispose of things they no longer use.
Rescues are always in need of bedding materials. Donate top sheets, towels, and blankets to shelters so pets aren’t sleeping on cold floors.
If you are lucky enough to be building a new home or remodeling an existing one, a professional organizer skilled in functional design can help incorporate custom solutions to seamlessly incorporate your pet's needs.
Jolene Monaco, CPO,® is a board-certified professional organizer. She is a professional member of NAPO - National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals and a former board member of NAPO-DFW. She holds an inactive real estate license in the State of Texas and is currently on the affiliate committee of MetroTex Association of Realtors. Before becoming a professional organizer, Jolene worked for 28 years in domestic and international aerospace sales and jet engine maintenance operations.