Whether you’re welcoming a new furry friend into your home, or want to make your house stand out on the market, there is a whole range of design ideas to incorporate into your home to make it a pet haven.
Fence off the yard
The easiest way to make your house pet-friendly is by installing a fence both in the front and backyard. That way, if your new pooch escapes out of the house, you know they’ll be safe. Plus, if they need to go to the bathroom during the night, you won’t need to worry about them running off.
Fences are always a good idea, even if you don’t have a pet: They offer a little segregation and privacy from your neighbors, so that you can enjoy your outdoor space in peace.
Stair treads or runners
While watching your new pet navigate slippery stairs might seem funny at first, it could definitely lead to a few accidents. If your stairs are hardwood, tiled or laminate, add extra grip for paws and feet with stair treads or a runner. This will help protect the flooring, as well as reduce the chance of injury.
Stair treads and grips are reasonably priced and can add a sleek style to the property. Meanwhile a simple, neutral colored runner could create a timeless look.
Pet doors
Cat flaps and dog doors are a great way to make caring for your pet easier. Your furry friend will be able to explore the inside and outside without you having to open the door every time.
You can get collared-specific cat flaps that only open for your cat, rather than welcoming the neighborhood of cats into your home!
Another cool product you might not have thought about is an Autoslide pet door. These doors can detect when your pet wants to come in or go out, and slides open for them. The automatic door system can be fitted onto the standard door frame, so you don’t need to create extra room. It’s the perfect solution for restless pets.
Wooden floors
The best flooring for pets is usually hardwood flooring or laminate panels. You’ll be able to sweep up fur much quicker, and if there are any accidents during the potty-training phase, you won’t have to fork out money for a new carpet.
That said, hardwood floors everywhere could be slippery for excitable pets, so using area rugs will help to slow them down on their travels. It will also help to protect your floors!
If you do want to stick with carpet, opt for a low thread count or stain-resistant option. That way, you can feel a little more confident that your home will stay looking clean for longer.
Two more ideas for your pet-friendly home would be to ditch the bath and add a walk-in shower, to make bath time that little be easier for you and your pooch. Additionally, as we all know pets love to snoop, so adding a window seat can give them a sweet spot to sunbathe and bark at the postman.
With a little forward planning, your pet will absolutely love their new home.