Pet Lockouts: What to Do When Your Pet Locks You Out

Imagine this: It's a typical Tuesday afternoon, and you're just about to settle down with your favorite book and a cup of tea. Suddenly, you hear a faint "click" from the front door. You look over and see your dog, Fluffy, wagging her tail innocently. Fluffy has somehow managed to lock the door, and now both of you are on the wrong side of it. Oh, the joys of pet ownership! If you’ve ever found yourself in this predicament, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Pet lockouts are more common than you think. Here's how to handle it with grace and a bit of humor.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

First things first, take a deep breath. Panicking won't help you or your furry friend. Check if any other doors or windows are open. Sometimes, pets are masters of creating a problem but also provide an unintentional solution. If Fluffy managed to lock one door, maybe another path is still accessible. Just make sure your neighbor doesn’t catch you climbing through the window—they might start to question your life choices.

Step 2: Call for Backup

If you’re well and truly locked out, it’s time to call in reinforcements. Contact a family member, friend, or neighbor who might have a spare key. This is a good reminder to always leave a spare key with someone trustworthy. If that’s not an option, you might need to call a locksmith. They’re professionals and have probably seen stranger things than a pet locking their owner out—like that one time Mr. Whiskers somehow activated the house alarm and the fire department showed up.

Step 3: Distract Your Pet

While waiting for help, keep your pet calm. Talk to them through the door, play a game of “find the treat” under the door crack, or just sit and keep them company. Pets can sense when something’s wrong, and your calm demeanor will help soothe them. Besides, it’s a good time to bond—just think of it as an unplanned adventure.

Step 4: Learn from the Experience

Once you're back inside, it's time to pet-proof your home. Consider installing pet-proof locks or placing locking mechanisms out of paw’s reach. For tech-savvy pet parents, smart locks that you can control via your phone might be a worthy investment. That way, even if Fluffy decides to play locksmith again, you’ll have a backup plan.

Step 5: Share the Story

Every pet owner has a funny story or two. Sharing your lockout story can provide some good laughs and helpful tips for other pet parents. Plus, it's a great way to remind everyone that, as much as we love our pets, they can be a handful sometimes. And who knows? Maybe your tale of Fluffy’s lockout adventure will become legendary in the pet community.

Pet lockouts might seem like a disaster at the moment, but they’re just another part of the delightful chaos that comes with having a pet. Remember to stay calm, call for help, and learn from the experience. With these steps, you'll be back inside cuddling with Fluffy in no time. And next time you hear that ominous "click," you’ll know exactly what to do.

Pets are a source of endless love, laughter, and yes, occasional mischief. Embrace it all, and remember—every pet parent has a lockout story. What's yours?

Let us know here at NWI LOCKSMITHS.