How to build a pet-friendly home

At Mr Enthusiast, we’re big animal lovers. We proudly support the Animal Protection Society of WA and have fur babies of our own, two dogs named Mishka & Shadow, and a cat named Faith. So, we’re no strangers to the difficulties that can arise if your house isn’t optimally designed for pets. If you’re in the planning stages of the building process and you have pets (or plan to add to the family once you move in), then we recommend taking some time to think about how to make your home more pet friendly. Read on for our suggestions on things to consider when designing a pet-friendly home.

Flooring

Choosing the right flooring is important in any home, but especially so when you have pets. You’ll want to choose a durable and scratch resistant option, so your floors will be protected from the damage that can occur when your pets wander around scratching the surface with their claws. Slip-resistant flooring will help to protect your pets from sliding, falling or feeling unsteady on their feet. If you’re planning to have carpeted areas, then choose a stain resistant, low-pile option – the more loops your carpet has, the more probable it is that they’ll be snagged by tiny claws.

Pet Door

Pet doors remain a popular feature in pet-friendly homes. They allow your pet to be active and move freely between your backyard and home. Most importantly, they allow your pet to head outside when they need to relieve themselves, preventing messy accidents. There are many pet doors available on the market in a range of materials and in different shapes and sizes. Before installing, have a proper think about where to position your pet door. For example, if you don’t want your pet to have the run of the house when you’re not home, then perhaps install the door between the backyard and laundry, where your pet can access their food and bed.

Wash Area

Pet wash stations are becoming more and more popular in modern homes. Some people install a shower outdoors or in the laundry or bathroom, where they can wash their pets’ muddy or sandy claws before letting them run around clean floors. There are different options available for a pet wash area and whichever you choose will depend on your budget, the space available, and, of course, your pet.

Feeding Station

You can get creative with your pet feeding station, with some people installing a custom drawer in their home that can be pulled out at feeding time and neatly tucked back in when not in use. Due to the height of the drawer, this solution may suit dogs better than cats, but cat-parents can still consider adding a nook for food and water bowls, for example, as part of your kitchen island. Check out Houzz Magazine for some inspiration.

Play & Rest Areas

Before proceeding to the construction stage, make sure there is enough space for your pet to feel comfortable and at ease. Eat animal has different needs, so ideally, you’ll consider these before building. For example, if you have a large dog, then they’ll need considerable space outside to run and play. Alternatively, if you have a small dog, an alfresco area may suffice. Naturally, taking your pets’ needs into account is significantly more challenging if you don’t have pets yet, so it’s best if you take some time to consider which pet you’d like to adopt. You should also have a designated area within your home to house things like toys, a scratch post and a cosy bed.

There are plenty of clever additions you can make to the design of your home in order to create a safe, pet-friendly, space that’s easy to keep clean and tidy. If you’d like further suggestions before commencing your home building journey, reach out to our team now.