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Dogs may be small, but their supplies pile up fast. Toys, leashes, food, treats, grooming tools—it all adds up, and without a plan, it turns into clutter. To cut through the chaos, we spoke with Diane Quintana, Certified Professional Organizer, founder of DNQ Solutions, and dog mom to Buddy. Her firsthand experience brings a practical, no-nonsense approach to organizing dog supplies.
“As a dog owner, and a Certified Professional Organizer, I can honestly say that dogs have lots of stuff which can quickly become disorganized unless you have a plan,” Diane told us. “Of course, you know they have toys. Lots and lots of toys.”
Buddy has a basket of toys in Diane’s office and another in the family room. “He’s very funny about his toys and will often select a toy to bring downstairs with him to the office. He hasn’t learned, yet, to bring toys back upstairs. Just as you clean out and organize a child’s toy box from time to time, it’s important to clean and organize your dog’s toys.”
Tips for organizing dog toys:
Diane’s rule of thumb is simple: “Keep things as simple as possible and try to store dog supplies near where they are used.” If grooming happens in the mud room, laundry, or bathroom, stash brushes, nail clippers, and shampoos there.
Two smart strategies:
Medications are another category that quickly becomes messy without a plan. “Buddy takes a monthly heartworm preventative medication. I put a reminder in my phone of the monthly medication date, so I will remember to give it to him. I store his medication in a basket in the pantry.”
If you have multiple dogs, create a basket or container for each one and label it clearly with the dog’s name. That way, meds never get mixed up.
Food storage is a challenge for many owners. Diane remembers, “His food was a problem at first. I wasn’t sure what to do with a big bag of kibble. I found a cute bin for dog food at The Container Store. It’s white with black paw prints all over it. I keep it tucked under the kitchen island counter.”
Best practices for dog food storage:
Not every dog has a wardrobe, but for those that do, keeping clothes and shoes organized matters. Diane doesn’t have outfits for Buddy yet, but she admits she’s considering a raincoat.
Her advice: “If your dog has shoes and coats keep them in separate labeled bins. Be sure to air them out after the dog has worn them. You can hang them in a bathroom, spray them with a freshener like Febreze, or hang them over a rail outside. This is so the container doesn’t smell.”
Store these bins on a shelf in your coat closet or mudroom so they’re right where you need them before heading out.
Walking supplies are daily-use items, so keep them within arm’s reach. Diane explained, “I have a cupboard near my door where I store towels to dry Buddy off after walking in the rain. It’s easy to prevent them from smelling because I wash them after I use them.”
She also keeps a basket inside the same cupboard for Buddy’s harness and leash. “Since it’s near the front door, it’s easy for me to get him ready to go for a walk.”
Treats deserve their own container—not only for freshness but for fun. “I keep treats in a glass container on my kitchen counter. It’s sort of like a cookie jar but for dogs. Once again it has cute little paw prints on it. Buddy knows where it is and that he’s likely to get a treat for good behavior.”
For on-the-go items like collapsible water bowls, Diane keeps things simple: “Because I like to keep things simple, I keep this bowl in the cupboard with my water bottles.” That way, it’s easy to grab both your bottle and your dog’s before heading out the door.
Owning a dog is a joy, but it comes with responsibility. Diane sums it up best: “Having a dog is a rewarding responsibility. Taking care of them and their needs is similar in many ways to caring for a child. Keeping their things organized and easy to find makes your life and theirs less stressful.”
By setting up baskets, bins, and routines, you’ll make caring for your dog simpler and more enjoyable. Organization isn’t about perfection—it’s about making daily life smoother for both you and your four-legged friend.
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