Whether it has four legs, two legs, or fins, according the American Pet Products Association, 62% of American households include at least one pet. Factor in food, squeaky toys, bedding, crates, and grooming tools, and it becomes clear that Fido comes with about as much stuff as you do. So what to do with all the accessories for your beloved pal? Here are some tips to make sure your home doesn’t get taken over by your pet.
Eat:
There are hundreds of various pet food containers in every size, color and for every budget. Some are even made specifically for traveling or hiking! The one thing all good pet food containers have in common is they are airtight. This will keep bugs and bacteria out of your pet’s food, especially if it is kept in a cool, dry location like a pantry or laundry room. Vittles Vault is a popular brand of airtight containers and come in a variety of sizes.
Sleep:
All pets should have a place to call their own – including fish! If space is a challenge, invest in products that double as storage. For example, fish tanks and bird cages can come freestanding with cabinets and if you want to hide your cat’s litter box or dog’s kennel, you can purchase one that doubles as an end table.
Exercise:
Can you say w-a-l-k in front of your four legged best friend and not get a reaction? You don’t want to be caught saying that very exciting word without having the leash nearby. Add a hook next to the door so you can quickly grab the leash, attach it and go without 
being trampled. A good rule of thumb is if the pet product goes outside, it should be kept near the door for quick access. This includes season accessories like jackets and towels, as well as toys like Frisbees and ball throwers, and certainly anything to do with scooping Fifi’s waste.
Clean:
Have you ever accidently sprayed pet stain remover on your windows thinking it was glass cleaner? Avoid this by keeping all pet specific cleaning supplies in the same place and close for emergencies. The same goes for grooming supplies; you don’t want to wrestle Fido into the bathtub and suddenly remember you left his shampoo in the kitchen. Caddys with handles are a great option to keep everything in one place.
Play:
Much like children’s toys, pet toys end up everywhere on a daily basis. The only difference is Fluffy doesn’t know to pick up at the end of the day. Pick a safe, shallow, sturdy toy bin that can’t be shredded or chewed. Depending on your pet’s personality, consider using a metal bucket, wooden chest, or wicker basket that compliments the room’s decor.
Animal professionals recommend only leaving out only a few toys for pets, while hiding the others away. So instead of constantly purchasing new ones to keep your pet entertained, you can just rotate toys every few weeks. If you find you have an over abundance of pet supplies, drop them off at your nearest animal shelter where they can be put to good use. Do you really need four Washington Redskin leashes?
Having a furry, feathery or scaly roommate doesn’t mean having to give into their clutter. Are you looking to adopt a new friend? Check PetFinder to find the perfect pet who is looking for a forever home.
