7 Ways to Make Your New Home Pet-Friendly

If you are a pet owner, then you'd probably do whatever you can to make your new home pet-friendly. Here are some tips! From little things like a new chew toy or a climbing tree to pricey daycares and “pawdicures”, pet parents will do just about anything to keep their furry, feathered, and finned friends healthy and happy. But in addition to these little luxuries, it also includes giving them a harmonious living space they’ll love and feel at home in. So, if you’re moving to a new home, here are some ways to accommodate your little family member’s needs and make your new home pet-friendly. 

 

One of the biggest concerns of pet owners is how their pets will behave around the furniture, particularly when they’re not around. Maybe your pup is not properly trained yet. Maybe your senior cat has litter box problems. Or perhaps your pet has a medical condition that causes vomiting. Even well-trained pets misbehave now and then, and your furniture and floors can quickly become a pet-damage catch-all. To ensure their longevity, choose fabrics and finishes that are durable, stain-resistant, easy to clean, and odor-proof.

 

For instance, ceramic and porcelain tiles are great choices. But, if stone isn’t your style, treated or faux hardwood can do the trick. Wall-to-wall carpets aren’t ideal when pets live with you, but if that’s what you have, go for synthetic materials rather than natural ones. Also, indoor-outdoor rugs are a good idea because you can clean them quickly and replace them once a year. As for upholstery, you will need something that pets can’t easily get their claws into. Ultrasuede, mohair, and even distressed leather could be reasonable choices for furniture. For a more laid-back look, you can choose canvas. Finally, consider washable slipcovers for chairs, headboards, and ottomans for better protection.

 

Walks and outdoor playtime are lovely, but you never know what those mischievous paws might later drag inside. In the best-case scenario, you are probably looking at dirt, mud, and backyard debris, though your pet might step on a dead bird or dog poop. Yuck! So, besides materials that are vulnerable to stains and scratches, you will want to avoid investing in light-colored furniture and fabrics. When living with pets, anything white or beige should not be your top choice, as stains will appear quite prominently on those.

 

A great way to make your new home pet-friendly is to designate a particular area in your home where your furry little friends can eat their meals and drink their water. To ensure they have full and healthy meals, choose a place that is calm, quiet, and not near children. And be consistent with where you feed your friend. It’s best to feed them in the same place every day to maintain rhythm and routine in their life.

 

Making sure that your home is safe by inspecting it for any potential dangers is crucial to creating a pet-friendly abode. For instance, a number of chemicals, medicines, anti-freeze, and any other hazardous items you have lying around your home should be safely tucked away in closed cabinets and out of their reach. Even certain plants, such as holly, mistletoe, aloe vera, mums, amaryllis, and poinsettia, can be toxic to cats. So, these are a big no-no.

 

Finally, by decluttering your home, you create a healthier and safer environment for your pets. For one thing, an organized home is easier to clean. Next, your little friend has more room to play and run. And finally, your pets are less likely to get in trouble. Reorganizing a small home is even more important because many challenges come with sharing small quarters with your four-footer. But, of course, if you declutter and tailor it to your needs, you can enjoy your tiny home with your pet.

 

Few things are better than a cuddle with your fluffy family member. Yet some owners may not want them in bed with them (or claim the armchair as their own). The king/queen must have their throne. So, give them one. Adding their very own comfy pet bed is a must if you want to make your new home pet-friendly. But make sure to look for high-quality materials and a style that ties in beautifully with the rest of your décor. By investing in some pet-specific furniture and accessories, you’re sure to distract your little family member from destroying your furniture. After all, scratches and claw marks all over the place scream anything but style. Therefore, make sure to throw in a scratching post or climbing tree. Finally, add a few rubber or fabric toys to create an ultimate play zone.

 

Picture this: You’ve just returned from a magnificent walk, enjoying quality time together. But your wellies are caked in mud, and your canine friend is full of it too. The front door opens, and the next thing you know, your energetic little pooch starts running riot around the whole house and drying off on the sides of your fabulous new sofa couch. Avoid allowing this nightmare to happen. Next time, make sure you’re prepared. By having an entryway door installed, you’ll have an entrance zone you can use to dry off and wash down your mutt before they can enter inside. Store pet wipes, doggy treats, and other essentials at arm’s reach in a cupboard in this area to keep everything harmonious and tidy. 

 

Have you heard of the so-called petscaping? It is this brilliant backyard design trend in the world of pet owners. In a nutshell, it is the same as landscaping, only with your pet in mind. But what exactly does it entail?

 

1. Determining the layout. The first step is to section off areas where your dog can play. You can add fences or hedges to ensure your pup steers clear of all areas they’re not allowed in.
2. Using pet-friendly plants. We’ve already discussed removing toxic plants indoors to create a pet-friendly home. Now, you will want to do the same thing in your backyard. Identify any poisonous plants in your landscape, and replace them with dog-safe alternatives. Finally, tie the look together with sturdy, pet-safe materials and décor items such as pebbles, concrete, non-toxic mulch, and stones.
3. Creating a dedicated activity space for your pet. Now comes the fun part. Those with sprawling backyards can build a full sensory garden to increase their pup’s sense of play, exploration, and relaxation. This could include everything from paddling pools and ornamental lawns to lounge on to digging pits and immersive obstacle courses.

This trend is about creating a safe environment for them to freely romp and soak up that vitamin D. During outdoor playtime, you are free to do whatever you like without worrying about them.

 

Our pets are not just animals. They’re our family members. Our best friends. That’s why we strive to do whatever’s in our power to give them a home they can love and enjoy. Hopefully, our tips to make your new home pet-friendly could help. Best of luck!