Designing a custom home usually starts with people in mind. But if you have a pet, you know they’re part of the daily rhythm of the house too. The muddy paws, the zoomies, and the food bowls that migrate across the floor like tiny furniture pieces.
A thoughtfully designed home can make life easier for both you and your dog! The best part? Many of the most helpful pet features are small design decisions that blend into your home instead of feeling like an afterthought. Here are life-changing pet-friendly features to consider when building or remodeling.
Built-In Pet Wash
One of the most popular pet-friendly features in homes is a built-in dog wash. Having a dedicated place to rinse your pet (and kids) off can save your floors, furniture, and sanity! The most functional spaces for a dog wash are in the mudroom, laundry room, or even the garage so you can clean up before your dog runs through the house.
Read our blog on How to Design a Dog Wash
A Pot Filler for Your Pet’s Water Bowl
A pot filler installed above your dog’s water bowl might sound like a luxury at first, but it quickly becomes one of those features your wonder how you once lived without! Instead of carrying a heavy water bowl back and forth, you can easily refill it right where it sits.
Also check out an Automatic Pet Food Feeder
Dedicated Storage for Pet Supplies
Dogs come with a surprising number of accessories including food bags, treats, leashes, grooming supplies, medications, and toys. Without a dedicated place for these items, they can easily clutter entryways and countertops. However, built-in storage helps keep everything organized and easy to access!
Tips for designing pet supply storage:
- Pull-out drawers can hold food containers
- Hooks and cubbies can store leashes and collars
- Baskets are great for toys and accessories
Smart Dog Doors
Traditional dog doors can sometimes allow unwanted visitors inside like raccoons or other animals – YIKES. However, new automatic dog doors use collar-sensing technology, which only unlock when your dog approaches! These doors allow them to come and go freely as well as while keeping other animals out.
Stair Runners for Better Traction
Hardwood stairs can be slippery for dogs, particularly for older pets or larger breeds. Adding carpet stair runners or carpeting the entire staircase provides traction and makes it much easier for dogs to safely move between floors. Additionally, runners also reduce noise and protect the stairs from scratches and wear over time.
Don’t know what carpet to look for? Here is Everything You Need to Know About Carpet
Built-In Pet Gates
Sometimes dogs need boundaries within the house, whether it’s keeping them out of certain rooms or separating spaces for guests. Built-in gates are a more permanent and attractive solution than temporary plastic gates. They can be integrated into hallways, mudrooms, laundry rooms, or at the top or bottom of stairs. When designed with matching materials and finishes, they blend in with the rest of the home!
Deck Gates for Outdoor Safety
If your home includes a deck, installing a gate at the deck stairs can be an extremely helpful feature. This allows you to let your dog outside while keeping them safely contained to the deck area. It’s especially useful if your yard isn’t fully fenced or if you live near water, woods, or a busy street!
Flooring That Hides Scratches
Flooring choice plays a major role in how well your home holds up to pets. Engineered hardwood with natural grain variation and character tends to perform better with dogs versus ultra-smooth flooring. The texture and variation help disguise small scratches that naturally occur over time! Think matte finishes, wire-brushed textures, and wood with visible grain patterns because they tend to age more gracefully. Highly smooth surfaces or uniform finishes can make scratches stand out more.
Engineered Hardwood vs LVP Flooring
Backyard Dog Runs
Not every home needs a fully fenced yard, especially for smaller dogs! A dedicated dog run can be a great alternative that still provides a safe outdoor area for pets. These small gated spaces allow dogs to go outside for quick bathroom breaks without requiring the entire yard to be enclosed. We suggest placing them along a side yard or near a garage or mudroom entrance so they are easily accessible!
Designing a Home That Works for Everyone
A pet-friendly home doesn’t have to look like it was designed around pets. With thoughtful planning, these features can blend into your home’s design while making everyday life much easier. Whether you are building or remodeling, considering how your dog moves through and uses the space can create a home that truly works for every member of the family!
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