Security
Ensure your garden is securely enclosed so your pet cannot escape. This will also keep other animals out!

If necessary, fit chicken wire along the base of hedges to fill any gaps. If you have rabbits, bury the chicken wire about 150mm (6in) deep then turn inwards for about another 150mm (6in) to prevent them burrowing out.

Safety
Avoid using any herbicides in the garden. Paraquat, for example, causes kidney failure in animals if ingested. All pesticides are best avoided as your pets may lick it off any leaves. Avoid fresh farmyard manure or organic fertilizers such as Blood, Fish and Bone, or chicken pellets, all of which are attractive to animals. See Organic Gardening and Pest Control for more hints and tips. Garden compost should be safe provided no animal matter was added. Only use slug pellets where your pets cannot eat them.

Look around for small spaces where curious pets may get stuck - under decking or behind sheds, for example. Use chicken wire to fill any gaps.

If you have a pond, make sure your pet can climb out - even large dogs can drown when trapped in a pond. Remember, though, that cats will take advantage of the ease of entry to catch any fish.