Pets are more than companions—They’re family. Whether it’s a loyal dog curled up by your feet or a curious cat who rules the stairs, your home should be a safe and comfortable space for everyone—including your furry friends.
Acorn Stairlifts provide freedom, comfort, and confidence to those with limited mobility, but if you share your home with pets, it’s important to take a few extra safety steps. With a little planning and care, you can enjoy all the benefits of an Acorn stairlift while keeping your beloved animals safe and happy.
Can Pets Use a Stairlift?
One of the most common questions is: “Can pets use a stairlift?” While it may be tempting to let your dog ride up with you or let your cat hitch a lift, stairlifts are designed exclusively for people. They’re carefully engineered with weight limits, sensors, and safety mechanisms that aren’t suitable for animals.
Letting pets ride on a stairlift can be unsafe—for both them and the user. The better solution is to keep pets clear of the lift and make a few simple adjustments to ensure a smooth, safe experience for everyone in your household.
7 Pet-Safe Stairlift Tips for a Safer Home
1. Keep an Eye on Pets When Operating the Stairlift
Before using your stairlift, take a moment to check where your pets are. Dogs love to lie on the stairs, and cats love to sneak past unnoticed. Making sure the stairs are clear helps prevent any accidents.
2. Clear the Stairs Before Each Use
It’s easy for pet toys, bowls, or blankets to end up on the stairs. Take a moment to remove anything that could get in the way, helping your stairlift move smoothly and safely.
3. Trust the Sensors—But Stay Aware
All Acorn stairlifts are equipped with built-in safety sensors that automatically stop the lift if something is blocking the path. While this is a fantastic safety feature, it’s still important to supervise your pets and ensure the stairs are free of obstacles.
4. Train Pets to Avoid the Stairlift
Using gentle encouragement and positive reinforcement, teach your pets to keep a safe distance. You could also use a pet gate or barrier to block off access when the lift is in use or unattended.
5. Park the Lift at the Top or Bottom
After using your stairlift, always return it to a parked position. This keeps it out of the way and reduces the temptation for pets to jump or climb on it.
6. Fold Up the Seat, Footrest, and Armrests
If your Acorn stairlift includes foldable components, use them! Folding everything up when not in use makes the staircase safer and less appealing to curious pets.
7. Speak with Acorn About Pet Safety Options
Every home and pet is unique. If you have specific concerns about your animal’s behaviour or your home setup, Acorn’s expert team can offer guidance and support to help you create the safest possible environment.
Consider Your Pet’s Needs Too
As pets get older, they may also struggle with stairs, just like their humans. Help your furry companion stay comfortable by using pet ramps, adding cosy resting spots on each floor, or adjusting their routine to limit the number of times they need to climb.
Creating a Pet-Friendly Home with Acorn Stairlifts
Creating a safe and accessible living environment doesn’t mean leaving your pets out of the picture. With just a few simple adjustments, you can maintain the freedom your stairlift gives you while ensuring your furry companions stay happy and safe.
Because whether they’re curled up by your feet or waiting patiently for you at the top of the stairs, pets deserve the same level of care and consideration as every other family member in the home.