If you own a beloved pet you know: your furry friends are part of the family. Pets bring so much joy, fun, and love to their families’ days; it’s only right to think of their needs when the time comes to remodel. Today’s homeowners want their homes to work for their pets too. They’re thinking about ways to make their homes safer, cleaner, and more comfortable for their beloved four-legged friends. And we can help! Read on for practical and stylish ways to remodel your home into a more pet-friendly place, from flooring to feeding stations.
When it comes to flooring for your pet-friendly home design, there are a few things to consider. You want it to be easy to clean (in case of accidents or muddy paws) and scratch-resistant, and comfortable underfoot (under paw?). You also need it to be great for high-traffic areas. Durable flooring for pets is a must.
One of the best options is luxury vinyl plank or tile. This water-resistant, scratch-resistant flooring looks like wood or tile, and it comes in a variety of styles. It’s also comfortable to stand and walk on, and will look great for years—even if your dog or cat gets the zoomies every night.
Another good option is tile. While not as forgiving as LVP or LVT, it’s still easy to clean and will last no matter how many wet pawprints you get. Porcelain, ceramic, or natural stone tile looks great (and the variety of options means they can work with any home style). Tile is also great if you have a furry friend who sheds a lot. While fur might be caught up in carpet or harder to clean off wood floors, it’s easy to wipe up or sweep up with tile.
It can be hard to keep your dog or cat’s feeding station neat (if you’ve ever tripped over a bowl of pet food and sent it all over the floor, you know this is true!). Built-in feeling stations, in a kitchen island, a mudroom, or a cabinet nook, keep things tidy and contained, which is good for your pet and for you.
One great option is to install a pull-out drawer to hold the food and water bowls. As an added plus, these can be raised to accommodate a big dog. And including a cabinet or drawer nearby to hold food and treats ensures that everything is right where you need it.
For even more pet-inspired luxury, consider installing a water spout near the feeding station for easy bowl refills. It’s a small upgrade that you’ll end up loving.
Integrated litter box spaces can be a game-changer for cat owners. Ideally, the litter box will be out of sight yet easily accessible for the cat, and easy for you to clean. A cat-friendly home upgrade might include a built-in litter box space inside a cabinet, under the stairs, or in the laundry room or mud room.
For dogs, consider a doggy door with access to a securely fenced area outside, so your pup can go out whenever she needs to. Some people even like a small patch of turf in the mudroom or laundry room for bad weather days.
For both of these types of pets, easy-to-clean flooring is a must, as is good ventilation. This will keep your home neat and fresh and your pets comfortable and well cared for.
A dog washing station can be a game-changer. When you’re able to stop worrying about muddy paws or wet fur, you will enjoy watching your dog romping and playing in the great outdoors. Most people install a dog washing station in the mudroom, laundry room, or garage. They usually have a raised platform where the dog can stand, making it easier for you to wash them without having to bend over. A ramp or steps lead to the platform, and there’s usually non-slip flooring to keep your beloved pet safe.
Many dog washing stations have a handheld sprayer and tiled walls, keeping the mess exactly where you want it. There is storage nearby for shampoo, towels, and other grooming supplies. A large drain allows water, mud, and fur to disappear without clogging the pipe. You can add a curb to keep water inside, or a gate-style door that is easy to reach over.
Dog washing stations are a great dog-friendly home feature. They also come in handy in rinsing off muddy boots, giving potted plants a good soak, and even washing kids’ feet after a day spent splashing in mud puddles.
Your home should be the safest place on earth for your four-footed family members. Make sure they’re okay even when you’re not home with some safety-forward features:
Pet supplies, toys, leashes, bowls—somehow they seem to multiply when you’re not looking. A well-designed pet-friendly Lancaster remodel will include storage constructed with your pets in mind. Consider putting hooks near the entryway for leashes and collars. Toys and treats can live in built-in drawers or cubbies in the foyer, living room, kitchen, or mudroom. Closed cabinetry in the mudroom is perfect for large bags of food and grooming supplies. Think through where you typically use each pet-related item and add specialized storage in that area.
It’s so satisfying to see your beloved pet curled up in their bed, lazing on the rug, or playing with their favorite toy. It’s their home too, and you want them to be comfortable and happy. Consider the following luxury features for your home remodel that add a little something special for your pet:
You want your pets to be comfortable and feel at home. And you want your people to have the same! A great pet-friendly home remodel blends design features perfectly, making it pleasant for both people and animals. By using built-in stations for feeding and washing your pets, designated storage solutions, hidden litter boxes, and flooring that’s safe and durable, you can enjoy worry-free time with your pets in a home that looks great.
Designing a home with pets in mind leads to more content pets—and happier owners. You don’t have to compromise on style to take advantage of these great features. In fact, thinking about your pet’s needs during the remodel process will make your home better, for them and for you. At McLennan Contracting, we understand firsthand that pets are part of the family—they’re part of ours, too (scroll to the bottom of that link to see our Team Mascots!). Reach out today and let’s talk about how to integrate a pet-friendly design with a stylish home remodel.