The majority of Americans have at least one pet.
Our animals are important members of our families, so we tend to go out of our way to make sure they’re comfortable and happy in our living spaces.
But most of us also want to protect our furnishings, floors, and other items from our furry friends’ claws, teeth, bathroom accidents, and hair.
With these two goals in mind, animal friendly home designs should incorporate durable materials and comfortable spaces for humans and their pets!
Keep reading to see our top pet-safe home upgrades that you can incorporate into a renovation.
Create an Indoor Pet Sanctuary
Every member of the family can benefit from having personal space to relax and play – and pets are no exception!
There are many ways to give our furry friends a unique place to call their own, from a grand cat tree to a cozy plush bed.
But some homes may not have space to accommodate a pet-specific area. That’s why built-in options can be a lifesaver!
Here are a few ways to create a pet sanctuary without sacrificing usable space:
- Carve out a small section in your wall to create a built-in cat bed.
- Convert an unused closet, basement, or space under a staircase into a personalized pet hideaway.
- Build an enclosed outdoor space for pets to safely enjoy the fresh air.
Install a Hidden Pet Door
Adding a pet door is a simple project that can have a huge impact when it comes to keeping your pets happy and protecting your floors from accidents.
However, many homeowners are concerned that installing a doggy door will be an eyesore or even pose a security risk, depending on the size of the opening.
You can mitigate these issues by hiding your pet door behind a shrub, shed, or dog house. You can even hide the dog door in a door panel so it’s not detectable from either side!
For the inside, you can build a custom doggy door that blends seamlessly with the rest of your home.
Build a Mudroom Addition
A mudroom, sunroom, or solarium acts as a transitional outdoor/indoor space.
These rooms can be a lifesaver when it comes to protecting your home from muddy paws. In these rooms, it’s best to select durable, easy-to-clean flooring like tile, concrete, or vinyl, and keep towels for wiping dirty paws.
These types of home additions also allow you to enjoy your backyard year-round!
Get a Kitchen Island With a Feeding Station
Finding a good place to feed your pets can be difficult in smaller spaces. Accidentally kicking or tripping over a dog bowl is a daily annoyance for many pet owners – not to mention it can be an eyesore.
Incorporating a kitchen island or cabinet with a floor-level feeding station into your kitchen remodel is the perfect way to save space and conveniently (and discreetly) store everything you need to keep your pets fed and hydrated.
Build a Dog House
Pet friendly home renovations aren’t just about indoor remodeling.
Building a dog house, outdoor aviary, or “catio” can add to your pet’s happiness and health by encouraging them to spend time outdoors!
These spaces can be small and simple or you can go big and create multi-room structures so your non-human family members can feel like homeowners themselves!
Add Furniture Ramps for Older or Disabled Pets
As beloved animal companions grow older, they may not be as spry or mobile as they once were.
If your pet loves to cuddle with you on the couch or bed and needs some extra help getting up, a furniture ramp or small set of stairs can help them maintain independence without discomfort or risk of injury.
Choose Scratch-Resistant Flooring
Choosing the right flooring is essential in any home renovation, but it’s especially important when your new floors are going to be exposed to claws, paws, or accidents.
Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice style for function. These days, there’s a wide range of highly durable flooring options that are also beautiful!
Our top pet-friendly flooring recommendations include:
- Vinyl
- Tile
- Water-resistant laminate
- Concrete
- Bamboo
- Engineered hardwood
Expand Your Outdoor Living Space
Most pets love to spend time outdoors to take in the smells, sights, and sounds of nature.
Expanding your yard’s usability with a spacious patio, deck, or living space can allow you to spend quality time with your pet (and all your loved ones) while outside.
If you have the space, you might even consider adding a special sitting area for your pet or creating a miniature agility course or play zone for exercise!
If your pet is at risk of wandering off, a stylish fence or dog-run is a great way to keep them safe and even add value to your home.
Transform Your Space with Beautiful Pet-Safe Home Upgrades!
At Kamanski Construction, we’re all about making people’s homes work better for them with elegant and long-lasting renovations.
Every family has unique needs, preferences, and lifestyles. We’ll take the time to get to know you and thoroughly understand your remodeling goals before we get started.
We’re proud to serve our community with unmatched design/build services in the Simpsonville. Pelham, and Five Forks area in South Carolina. Our expert craftsmen know exactly how to turn your dream home into your everyday reality!
Take a look at our portfolio for inspiration and contact us online or by phone at 864.800.9912 to get your questions answered!
<!–
Andray Shcherban is the owner of Kamanski Construction Inc., a second-generation family business that was passed down to Andray by his father, Vasiliy Shcherban. Andray began working at Kamanski Construction as a painter and handyman when he was 14 years old. Now Andray continues to work alongside his five brothers. Andray loves bringing value to his customers through renovating and building real estate for them. In his free time, he loves to spend time with his wife and kids on the farm or in ministry for the Lord.
–>