If you have a dog, you probably come home some days to find the contents of your trash all over the floor. Dogs seem to have radar for finding the smelliest, dirtiest things possible, so it is no wonder that they love to get into trash cans.

Your dog getting into your trash is not just an annoyance and mess to clean up, it can also be unhealthy for your pet. They could accidentally eat a dangerous substance like the remnants of cleaning supplies or hurt themselves on a sharp object like broken glass or pointy plastic.

Keeping your dog out of the kitchen is one way to keep them away from your trash, but that can be inconvenient or impossible based on the layout of your home. This can also cause issues if you keep their food and water in the kitchen. The simplest way to keep your dog out of the trash? A dog-proof trash can.

There are lots of options for dog-proof trash cans, and the one that is right for you depends on your dog. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Size

As a general rule, you want your trash can to be bigger than your dog, otherwise it will be easy for them to get into. If you have a very large dog, however, this might not be possible and you will have to seek out other options like restricting your dog’s access or hiding your trash.

Weight

A lightweight, plastic trash can will be easy for a dog to knock over. A heavy duty, stainless steel trash can will be able to stand up to most dogs. You can also weigh down your trash can by putting bricks in the bottom. Another option is to secure the can to the wall.

Closure

An essential feature of a dog-proof trash can is a secure, self-closing lid. Trash can lids not only make it harder for your dog to get to the trash, they also reduce odor, making your trash less tempting and harder to find.

Now that you know what to look for in a dog-proof trash can, you need to pick the right can for you. Luckily, we did the hard work for you. Here are our favorite dog-proof trash cans:

The Best Dog-Proof Trash Cans

8 Gallon Touchless Trash Can Stainless Steel

Prevent odors from spreading with the 8 Gallon Touchless Trash Can Stainless Steel. With a touchless lid that closes automatically every time, you’ll never have to worry about odor leakage or forgetting to close the lid. The infrared sensor also opens the lid automatically, making it hygienic and hard for a pet to operate.

15 Gallon Metal Push Door Dome Top Trash Can

You don’t need an infrared sensor to have an automatically closing trash can lid. The 15 Gallon Metal Push Door Dome Top Trash Can has a self-closing, dog-proof door that keeps pets out and odors in. With a strong steel shell and inner liner, this trash can is perfect for people with large dogs.

25 Gallon Outdoor Trash Receptacle Beige or Mocha Wicker

Don’t forget to pet-proof your outdoor trash cans as well as your indoor ones. The 25 Gallon Outdoor Trash Receptacle has a locking lid that keeps animals out and also sports a durable resin construction. This stylish trash can looks great on a deck or patio.

14 Gallon iTouchless Trash Can Stainless Steel

The 14 Gallon iTouchless Trash Can Stainless Steel is perfect for small kitchens that need to save space. Rather than flipping up, the lid slides open automatically and closes automatically. The lid opens whenever your hand is within six inches of the lid, so if you have a smaller dog you won’t have to worry about them gaining access.

Tilt Out Wooden Kitchen Trash Can Handmade in Pine

One great way to keep your trash can out of the reach of a dog is hiding it like in this Tilt Out Wooden Kitchen Trash Can. At first glance, it looks like an attractive wooden cabinet, but tilt out the door and discover a cleverly disguised trash can. Your dog won’t be able to get to the trash, and you’ll add a convenient prep table to your kitchen.

5 Gallon Semi Circle Steel Toe Tap Bathroom Trash Can

If your dog finds his way into your bathroom or bedroom trash as well as your kitchen one, you might want to invest in the 5 Gallon Semi Circle Steel Toe Tap Bathroom Trash Can. This small trash can fits in tight spaces but still has a secure, tight-fitting lid that opens with the tap of a foot at its base and closes automatically. Your dog will have a hard time figuring out how to get into this trash can!

12 Gallon Steel Toe Tap Dog Proof Kitchen Trash Can

If you like the toe tap feature of the 5 Gallon Semi Circle Steel Toe Tap Bathroom Trash Can but want something a little bigger and more appropriate for your kitchen, check out the 12 Gallon Steel Toe Tap Dog Proof Kitchen Trash Can. The automatic-closing lid keeps the odor out, and the toe tap feature makes it hard for a dog to open. Plus, the hands-free design is convenient and hygienic. This style is also available in black.

Double Tilt Out Wood Trash Can Recycle Bin

Keep your trash and recycling out of reach with the Double Tilt Out Wood Trash Can Recycle Bin. This trash can is available in 11 colors to match any decor and turns your trash and recycling bins into usable, beautiful space. The tilt-out door will make sure your dog can’t get near your trash or recycling.

Who Keeps the Dogs Out? Trashcans Unlimited!

Having a dog shouldn’t mean living in fear of them hurting themselves on dangerous items in your trash can or coming back to a dirty house. A dog-proof trash can makes your life as a pet owner much easier. Check out our full collection of dog-proof trash cans!