Pet owners know that your pet’s comfort is just as important as yours. If you’re in the process of remodeling your house, now is a good time to consider adding features that will make your pet happy and protect your home at the same time. From feeding stations to built-in beds, here are a few pet-friendly home-design ideas you can consider for your home remodeling project.
Fencing
This is one of the most common additions pet owners usually get for their outdoor-loving companions. Since some pets love spending their time outside, it’s only right to give them space to run around and play.
Adding a fence to your backyard not only protects your house but it keeps your pets safe from running onto the road or being stolen. This way, you can worry less about leaving them unsupervised.
Pet-Friendly Furniture
When you have pets at home, you have a lot to worry about when it comes to furniture: stains, scratches, odors, pet hair, etc. They’re all pretty much unavoidable unless you’re prepared. Choosing the wrong material for your furniture or upholstery can also allow unwanted odors to seep into fabrics. Invest in pet-friendly furniture that will keep any stain, odor, or scratches away.
Consider using synthetic microfiber, leather, or other stain-resistant fabrics. Also, avoid light-colored furniture that can make stains more visible even after cleaning.
Ramps
Older dogs might struggle with climbing up the stairs or trying to get onto higher ground. If you don’t have the strength to physically lift your dog, consider getting a ramp. Ramps also help bigger breeds, dogs with chronic joint conditions, and younger dogs from getting any injuries.
Feeding Area
Making sure your kitchen area stays tidy is one thing, but when it’s feeding time, you can’t avoid scattered food and water on the floor. To avoid constantly cleaning up the mess and avoid any accidents, create a feeding station for your pets while remodeling your kitchen. This can be built-in into the side of a kitchen island or the laundry room.
To avoid any stains on your kitchen floor, use water-resistant flooring. The area will become easier to clean, and you’re less likely to trip or knock over your pet’s dishes.
Built-in Beds
Pets need a dedicated space to sleep in, which is why pet owners usually consider buying crates for their beloved companions. While this is a good option, crates are bulky. They take up a lot of space and probably won’t blend in well with your home aesthetic.
If you live in a small space and want a place for your dog to have some alone time before sleeping, consider building a bed into shelves or cabinets. They can be built pretty much anywhere with the right amount of space, light, and ventilation for your pet. This will not only save space but can also show off your creativity.
Mudrooms
Mudrooms are a great addition to your house and can benefit the entire household, pets included. They’re more commonly found at the back or side of a house, but you can build them just as easily for the front door. With this kind of home setup, you’ll have a better place to wipe dirt and mud off your shoes and your pet’s paws.
When building a mudroom, it’s important to have hooks to hang coats, leashes, and towels; shelves to place any pet items like treats and toys; and a bench with storage drawers for anything you might need quick access to.
Flooring
Flooring is important for the comfort of your pets, but keeping your house looking tidy is just as important. Avoid hard or smooth flooring to keep your house looking pristine while making your pets comfortable. Laminated floors can become slippery for pets, making them lose their balance. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, can get scratches by pets who aren’t housebroken.
Many types of flooring can accommodate both pet and owner. The two things you need to consider when choosing your flooring are making sure that they’re water and scratch-resistant. Cork, vinyl, or bamboo flooring are good choices for this purpose.
Window Screens
Window screens are a great way for your pets to get a taste of the outdoors without having to go outdoors. These are especially important for cat owners who live in two-story houses or high-rise apartments and condominiums. If you open your windows often, install a screen to keep your pets safe and avoid injuries.
Like with any home improvement project, it’s important to properly plan what you want out of it. Keep your pet’s well-being and comfort in mind so you can create a home that works for you and your beloved companions.