Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Getting Started

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Good, better, best: Space heaters that are safe if you have pets

Safest options for homes with dogs or cats

Mary Johnson
By
A space heater in front of a woman cuddling a black and white cat on the sofa.
New Africa / Adobe Stock

Having an additional heat source in your home can make all the difference between staying toasty warm during the winter and feeling like you live in a walk-in refrigerator, but not all space heaters are created equally. Whether you share your home with a canine companion, a cuddly kitten, or both, safety is paramount when picking the right space heater for your home. Choosing space heaters for pets requires some research, but we’ve got you covered.

Let’s look closer at our top picks for the best pet-friendly space heaters on the market. 

A tabby cat stretched out on a rug in front of a space heater.
New Africa / Adobe Stock

Essential safety tips for using space heaters around pets

If we’re being completely transparent, there is no such thing as a truly pet-safe space heater. Heating sources can be dangerous for wandering paws, but with the proper supervision and safety-proofing measures, you can warm up your pet and your home without worrying about your pet’s wellbeing.

Recommended Videos

Firstly, make sure to supervise your pet any time they’re in the same room as a space heater. Because these small appliances can be fire hazards, you should only have them on when you’re nearby, anyway. Make sure there are no strings, tassels, or loose items that may get caught in the heat source. This means finding a safe and secure location to put your space heater where tails and noses can’t reach.

Lastly, make sure to choose a space heater with built-in pet-friendly features. Keep reading to find out what to look for!

A dog lies on a dog bed in front of a fireplace heater
mveldhuizen / Shutterstock

How to choose the best pet-friendly space heater

Some space heaters can be pricey — we understand — but you’ll want to prioritize finding the safest model for your fur babies. Here’s what to look for and what to avoid!

Some space heater models have exposed heating elements, which can pose a danger to animals. Instead, look for space heaters that remain cool to the touch. Most ceramic space heaters have a plethora of built-in safety features like a cool-touch design and tip-over protection that automatically shuts off your heater if it gets knocked over.

Space heaters that are close to the ground are also more difficult for athletic fur babies to knock over. If you choose a tower heater, be sure to get one with a heavy base. Never place your heater directly on top of a table or dresser, either. Curious cats love to knock things over, and the last thing you want is for your cat — or a powerful dog’s tail — to knock your heater off a table. 

A brown Chihuahua lying on a sofa next to a space heater.
New Africa / Adobe Stock

The best space heaters for homes with pets

Without further ado, let’s have a look at our top three picks for pet-friendly space heaters. 

Good: Lasko 755320 Ceramic Space Heater

Lasko’s space heater is 7.25 by 8.6 by 23 inches, which makes it the largest on our list. It features a high-heat mode, a low-heat mode, and an auto setting that makes warming your home quick and efficient. Lasko’s heater also uses oscillation to evenly distribute warm air, preventing uncomfortable hot spots. The digital thermostat and included remote control make adjusting your heat settings effortless, and the heater has a built-in timer that lets you cycle it to run at one-hour intervals. It offers overheat protection and cool-touch housing, so your frisky feline or curious pup won’t burn her nose if she gets too close. 

Pros:

  • Not too expensive.
  • Built-in safety features.
  • Has a digital display.
  • Comes with a remote control.

Cons:

  • Only two heat settings.
  • No tip-over protection. 
A brown Chihuahua lying on a gray sofa next to a space heater.
New Africa / Adobe Stock

Better: Pelonis NTH15-17BRA Portable 1500W Vertical and Horizontal Ceramic Tower Space Heater

Standing 7.4 by 7.4 by 22.5 inches, this tower heater from Pelonis uses a flame-resistant ABS UL94 VO housing (that’s the outside layer of the heater) that remains cool to the touch. One of its most distinctive features is that it can be used vertically or horizontally, ideal if you have a hyperactive fur baby zooming through your home. The heater has built-in overheating protection, and it can reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit in just three seconds. Pelonis’ option comes with three heat settings: high, low, and ECO Mode, so you can easily adjust the temperature. 

Pros:

  • Three heat settings.
  • Made with flame-resistant material.
  • Comes with a remote control.
  • Use vertically or horizontally.

Cons:

  • No tip-over protection.
  • No room temperature display.
  • Has to be reprogrammed after it’s unplugged.
A tabby cat stretched out on a faux fur rug near a space heater.
New Africa / Adobe Stock

Best: Honeywell HCE200W UberHeat Ceramic Heater

Measuring only 9.02 by 6.5 by 10.24 inches, this compact space heater looks more like a minimalistic speaker than a heat source. Despite its small, unassuming appearance, it boasts a multitude of safety features, including a cool-touch surface, overheating protection, and a tip-over switch. Offering 1,500 watts of heat, Honeywell’s model has two heat settings, and the lower setting is perfect if you worry about the potential impact on your electric bill.

Pros:

  • Affordable price point.
  • Several safety features.
  • Stays cool to the touch.
  • Compact size.

Cons:

  • No remote control.
  • Heats only small spaces.

Choosing the right space heater for your home can be daunting, but we hope our guide makes things a bit easier. Even if you choose one of the models on this list, remember to never leave your pet unattended with a space heater. Also, be mindful to plug it in directly to an outlet instead of an extension cord, and unplug it if you smell anything burning. With a bit of research and a little common sense, though, you can use a space heater safely around your fur babies. 

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mary Johnson
Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
These are the 8 most loyal large dog breeds that make loving companions
Big breeds that will never leave your side
Akita with brown fur standing outside

There are so many reasons why dogs are known for being man’s best friend. Our pups love us unconditionally -- even when we aren't being our best selves. No matter what's going on, your four-legged friend will be happy to see you. Bad day at the office? Does your boss think your work performance is lackluster? Your dog respectfully disagrees. They’ll wag their tail when they see you walk through the door and shower you with kisses. They’re loyal and loving until the end.
One of the best things about dogs is that they're just as diverse as people are. Small, large, energetic, lazy... there's a dog for anyone out there. Some people fall head over heels for larger dogs, like Labrador retrievers, because they make for great swimming, hiking, and running partners. Large breeds are also often great snuggle buddies — even if they feel like a ton of bricks in our laps and take up the entire bed. What’s more, some of the most loyal dog breeds are large ones.
If you're leaning toward adding a big dog to your home, consider these eight breeds when searching for a true-blue forever friend.

What are the most loyal large dog breeds?
Dogs tend to be loyal by nature. Some pets take it up a notch, though, including these large dog breeds:

Read more
Do puppies sleep a lot? These are the perfectly normal sleeping habits of a healthy pup
Puppies sleep a lot, but here's when it's normal and when to be concerned
Puppy sleeping on lap of human with mustard yellow sweater

Generally, puppies require abundant sleep — some will snooze up to 20 hours per day. Every pup is different, though and as they get older, the number of sleep hours decreases. By about 16 weeks of age, most dog breeds will be able to sleep through the night.

Sleep is an essential element of human and canine development. As anyone who has had a new puppy can tell you, it can be tough at first to get them into a good sleeping routine. Still, you'll want to make sure you and your new dog are rested and fit for all that life has to offer you. Here is everything you need to know about when your new puppy should be sleeping through the night and the answer to the question, "Do puppies sleep a lot?"

Read more
Best guard dogs: These 7 breeds will protect you with their life
These dog breeds are some of the best personal guards you'll find
An Akita sitting on the bed

Most dogs are loyal and loving animals. That’s why we know them as humans’ best friends. They’d do anything for us. For some dogs, “anything” means protecting us with their lives. And these breeds make the best guard dogs. For many of them, it’s instinctual. They’ve evolved to protect the family they love. You’ll notice these pups keeping a watchful eye on your property. They may bark to alert you when your company arrives or the mail gets delivered.
Remember, guard animals mean well. They aren’t trying to be vicious, but instead, they want to keep you and your home safe and sound. Some prospective pet parents want this quality in a dog. If that’s you, consider these breeds that make the best guard dogs.

What is the easiest guard dog to train?
There's a whole group of beasties that are often referred to as the guardian breeds — many of them make this list. Those animals with a predisposition toward defending and alerting will likely also learn their duties quickly. However, you'll also need a pup who has been properly socialized. Remember, you only want your guard to go into protection mode when there's a serious threat, not every time the mailman stops by.

Read more