Pets underfoot are a real, documented fall risk factor — worth managing directly rather than avoiding pet ownership altogether.
Practical mitigations
- Training a pet to respond to a "stay" or "wait" command, particularly at doorways and stairs
- Using a bell on a cat's collar to increase awareness of their location
- Keeping walkways clear of pet toys and bowls
A brief consultation with a trainer can address specific underfoot behaviors without requiring major lifestyle changes.