Increasingly, with garages becoming modern spaces that are secure and roomy, folks are using them for other purposes than simply storing vehicles, tools and other items, in. Some people are even using their garages to keep their pets in, and while this can be a perfectly good place to put them for short or even extended periods of time, there are some safety aspects that should be accounted for:
Try to keep your pets away from garage door tracks and components:
Our pets, especially when left unattended and bored, can get into some weird spaces and perform some crazy stunts! When the garage door is raised, for example, your cat could be hiding or sleeping in the space above the door, or your dog could be busy chewing its’ way through the tracks or cables.
Wherever possible, try to keep your pets away from the garage door, which includes not tying them to the tracks or door, which can be incredibly dangerous for them. Not only that but if your pet has damaged the tracks or any of the components, then you’ll need to have those parts repaired to ensure safety for everyone.
Rethink your parking routine:
If keeping your pet(s) inside the garage is a new occurrence, then you may need to rethink your parking routine as your old habits may cause you to pull your car into the garage without knowing exactly where your pet is. Removing the pet before parking is naturally the safest solution, or have someone on hand to keep the pet away from harm while you park up.
Rethink where you keep your vehicle:
While it would be sensible to rethink your parking routine while pets are in your garage space, perhaps the ideal solution to avoiding your pet being hit by your car or crushed under its’ wheels, would be to park it elsewhere. Warm engines are the perfect snoozing spot for cats in the winter months, and dogs love to sleep under vehicles whether its winter or not.
Get your garage door serviced regularly:
The safety features of your garage door need to be functioning properly for the benefit of both you and your pet(s), so it’s always a good idea to get the service at least every 6 months to ensure that everything is in working order.
Remove hazardous chemicals:
Cats and dogs when left unsupervised will get their paws and their snouts into everywhere and any hazardous chemicals such as anti-freeze or petroleum (which are commonly found in garages) may be within their exploratory range.
Your garage may prove to be the ideal large, ventilated and secure space to keep your pets, but to protect them and ensure that they’re safe both when left alone in it, and when you return with your vehicle, you must follow the simple tips above.
