Making your home a pet-friendly space.
Story by Tracy Dickinson
Featured in Autumn 2024
All sorts of lifestyle changes play into how we live in and design our homes. In recent years we’ve seen laundry rooms move from the lower level to the second floor to the main floor. Separate dining rooms have been replaced by open, dine-in kitchens and family rooms. And furry family members are influencing other changes.
Sales of pet-related products hit nearly $150 million in the United States last year, with dogs in nearly half the households. Because of that, custom pet features from the simple to the elaborate are a growing category for home builders these days.
Simple comforts
You don’t have to spend a fortune to add some simple comforts for your pet. And some of those comforts may be as welcome to you as they are to a pet.
Cabinet manufacturers are offering numerous options to customize your kitchen to suit your lifestyle, and addressing your pet’s needs is one of those. One of the simplest additions is a feeding station, which can be a pull-out below the cabinets. A simple drawer with cutouts for food and water dishes is one alternative. An open cabinet space at the end of a cabinet wall is another option, allowing the dishes to be accessible at any time while still somewhat out of sight.
Adding a water source, such as a pot-filling faucet, makes this even more convenient.
For cat owners, a hidden litter box area not only provides a simple way to keep the litter mess and odor private. It offers your pet a private space as well. A simple cupboard space with cat access in the door and perhaps some ventilation makes your custom cat space complete.
For cleaning your pet, a wash station near the garage, back entry, or laundry area is a sanity-saving convenience.
Little conveniences
Dog doors have been around for quite some time, but today’s version is much more sophisticated. Whether it’s a built-in gate or a Dutch door to give your pets a safe space when they’re home alone or a custom nook for the bed, you can design an indoor home away from the family traffic.
One popular location is a room under the stairs, taking advantage of space that often goes unused. This small area is ideal for creating a cozy home for your pet. It can serve as a more comfortable alternative to a kennel by extending flooring and finishing the walls. For a door, you can opt for a kennel-style door or a small sliding barn-style door. A lighted space with room enough for a bed and dishes for food and water is enough to make a home within your home.
If a private indoor space isn’t in the plans, consider creating a view for your pet by dedicating a space near a window. A low cushioned bench or a raised platform near the window will give your dog or cat a spot to enjoy watching wildlife or basking in the sun.
Serious considerations
When planning a new home or a remodel, there are a number of factors to consider if you already own or plan to own a pet.
First, consider your flooring choices. A scratch-resistant surface will make pet ownership less stressful and will simplify cleanup as well. Widely available are numerous man-made products that look like wood but are lower maintenance and are less likely to be scratched by your pet’s claws. Many carpet manufacturers offer stain-resistant product lines, some targeted specifically for pet owners by including resistance to common pet stains.
For cleaning your pet, a wash station near the garage, back entry, or laundry area is a sanity-saving convenience. A small tiled space with a handheld shower allows you to keep your pet clean and your home clean, too.
Finally, don’t forget to address outdoor features that benefit your pet. A fenced yard (or invisible fence) will prevent wandering pets and enable your dog to spend time outdoors without having to be leashed or constantly accompanied.
For cat owners, enclosed play areas are growing in popularity. You can create a small space for your feline family members by enclosing the area with screen or mesh fencing on all sides and above so that your kitty can watch the wildlife without getting into trouble.
Our pets are more than just pets. They’re members of the family. Everyone in the family deserves love and attention. •
