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CREATIVE IDEAS FOR A PET-FRIENDLY HOME

In recent decades, pet ownership in the US has grown like never before. Just since the
beginning of the Covid pandemic, approximately 23 million households have acquired a
dog or cat. That’s nearly 1 in 5 households! Many of these pet-owning homeowners
have become interested in creating a home that is friendly and safe for their beloved
furry friends, as well as stylish and comfortable for the humans.

Floors and upholstery
It’s best to stay away from carpet, which will be a haven for dander and shedding hair,
not to mention fleas and ticks. Plus, carpets stain, and once soiled, it’s very hard to get
rid of the odor. If you absolutely must have an area rug, opt for darker colors, which will
hide stains, and be sure to vacuum very often. Essential oils, like geranium, citrus and
lemongrass, when sprinkled on a rug, will help with odors.

Install floors that will not scratch easily, are waterproof and stain-resistant, like tile, vinyl
or hardwood with a durable finish.

For your upholstery, stay away from fabrics that can be damaged by claws or will absorb
spills. You want materials that are resistant to stains, scratches and pet hair. Some
examples of these materials are microfiber, faux leather and crypton. All of these are
known for their exceptional resistance to stains, moisture and odor. You can also try
leather, but it will get scratched up a bit. Another option is to use slipcovers for your
furniture that can be removed and frequently washed.

Walls and furniture
You want walls that are easily washable, so stay away from flat-finish paints and instead
use semi-gloss or satin paints.
When thinking about furniture and pets, especially if you have a large dog, you will want
sturdy pieces that won’t topple easily if a pet bumps into them. Glass is probably not a
good option; instead think of side and coffee tables that have heavy stone or metal
pieces incorporated into the design, making it sturdy and tip resistant.

Safety and other practical tips

Just as you would prepare your home for the arrival of a toddler, in terms of safety, do
the same for your pets. Tuck away loose cords and wires and remove all small objects
that could be choking hazards. Put up baby gates that prohibit access to spaces where
you don’t want your pet to be or that wouldn’t be safe for them. Make sure all your
houseplants are safe for pets – some common houseplants are poisonous to animals.

Some other useful tips that will help make your home a pet-friendly environment is to
ensure there is good ventilation to offset odors. Provide lots of natural light, good for
animals and humans alike. Have a close and handy space to store cleaning supplies,
easily reachable for those mishaps that are bound to happen.

Create some pet-friendly zones
Animals instinctively love spots where they can lie and feel safe and protected. Create
a bed for them in a cozy corner or perhaps in that dead space under a staircase. They
like to have a barrier at their backs, with a clear view of their humans. If you have the
resources, consider building them a furniture-style dog crate. If you have a small breed,
you can build a small kennel right into the wall, like a fireplace. Most animals love a
perch near a window, where cats can bird watch, and a protective dog can survey the
neighborhood.

If you have the space and resources, build a dedicated mudroom for dogs, with a
shower right there that they can walk into, a large utility sink and enough storage for all
your supplies. This way, they can easily and quickly be cleaned before ever entering
the house.

Make sure your pets have a quiet and clean space to eat and a comfortable and safe
sleeping area.

If you’ve ever been a pet owner, you understand how much we love our pets. They truly
become part of the family. So have fun making your home a place where all of you can
hang out together, enjoying each other in a comfortable and safe space for all!