Home Improvement Ideas to Make Your Home More Pet-Friendly

​If you're a pet owner, then you have an additional family member you love unconditionally. As you want what's best for them at all times, you'll probably need to adjust your home to their needs. Whether you think that dangers wait around every corner, or you just want to make your residence more comfortable to them, it will take some effort and imagination. We want to help you with that, so here are some home improvement ideas to make your home more pet-friendly.

Building a kitty highway in your home

If you want to earn genuine affection and respect from the little Egyptian goddesses, set them free. Make sure they have a way to go on their mandatory secret meeting with the moon, grass, and other cats at night (at least, we think that's what happens every night when they wander around).

Jumping and climbing are two of a cat's favorite activities. You can keep your cat active without giving up any valuable square footage by installing catwalks and perches in a few or all of your rooms. In reality, you install a cat highway that is higher than normal eye level, preserving considerable wall space open for windows, art, or pictures. When designing a cat freeway, you have many leeways. But there are a few features you should integrate to make it safe and enticing for kittens and older cats equally.
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Keep “in and out ramps” approximately two feet from the floor. In a small area, furniture like tables and cushioned chair backs are a must. There are also prefabricated cat structures like towers or scratching posts. Make sure the "entrance and exit ramps" won't tumble over under any circumstances.

Photo by Arina Krasnikova: www.pexels.com

"You can provide an exciting and modernly designed highway for your cat with a little imagination"

Built in dog beds are a neat space saver for your home

​Giving your dog a specific bedtime spot is recommended by many pet experts. Dog cages are used by some homeowners to provide your doggo with its own bedroom. Crates, however, aren't necessarily aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, they may be somewhat bulky. Instead, put pet beds inside:

• bookcases
• cupboards
• any other permanent furniture

Inside-the-bookcase beds for petsTaking this route has several positive effects. There is no need to install cages around the house to provide your pet with its place in many rooms. Doggy and feline companions alike benefit from permanent sleeping quarters. Also, you may express your individuality and freshen up your home design while also flaunting your pet-owning pride with these items.

"Give your furry friend a place to sleep and incorporate it into your design"

Mud rooms are useful additions for a home with pets 

Mudrooms are useful for both people and their household pets. Maintain a size that is appropriate for your household. A mudroom is a must if you have a large family or frequent visitors, such as children, grandchildren, or pets.

Back or side entrances were the traditional locations for mudrooms. However, if the front door is the most often used entry, a mudroom is still a good idea. A mudroom that is both stylish and functional and that leads directly into the entryway may be made with little effort. You may have a classier entryway and a handy spot to clean off dirty paws with this layout. So, if you're building your family home from scratch, make sure to consider it.
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Place a bench with drawers below in the mudroom, no matter its size. Don't cut corners if you want everything to work properly—incorporate hooks, which serve well for hanging things like jackets, hats, and damp towels. Put goodies, trash bags, and playthings on shelves for easy access.

A dog washing station is a handy addition in a pet-friendly house

When designing a mudroom, don't forget to provide a place to clean your shoes and other gear. However, one may be installed in a basement washing machine room as well. In both single-family homes and high-rise apartments, it's common practice to install a dog washing station in one of the units' bathrooms.

Dog washing stations are the most popular kind of pet-friendly home upgrade right now. Owners of dogs like the convenience of dog-specific washing stations since they no longer have to lift their dogs into bathtubs or laundry tubs.

A majority of them resemble miniature versions of standard shower cubicles. However, those who have tiny pets generally prefer a counter-height, tiled tub that gives the impression of being sunken.
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It doesn't have to be expensive but can pay offBoth hot and cold water, a spray nozzle, and a ledge or recess for shampoo and combs are standard features of washing stations. Including a dog washing station in your remodel doesn't have to break the bank. Realtor anecdotal data, though, suggests you'll more than get your money back if you sell to someone who already has a dog.

Photo by Rob Waller: www.pexels.com

"Your pet will be happier with a washing station, and you don’t have to spend much money on it."

Creating a safe place for pets to eat in your home

The vast majority of pet owners want their feline and canine companions to join the family at the dinner table. However, the kitchen is often the busiest part of the house, and pet bowls may be easily knocked over.  Kibble, water, and even wet food might be tracked around the kitchen if your pet is a sloppy eater.
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A built-in feeding station is a fantastic addition to any pet-friendly house since it helps maintain a tidy space and provides structure during feeding times. Make sure to keep it in style with the rest of the space and pick a suitable color for it.

Why is it important to make your home more pet-friendly?

​Your pet is another member of your family. Just like you would think about making your home appropriate and safe for your children, you need to take into account your pet's needs. After all, a little doggo or a kitty is just another child - curious, adventurous, and in need of additional care. So, make sure to consider all of these improvement ideas to make your home more pet-friendly. Your little furry friend will undoubtedly love it, and you'll enjoy having a happy pet in your household. 

Author

Jean Snow, a home renovation consultant at Next Stop Movers and a mother of two, dedicated her life to helping people get the homes of their dreams. 

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