How to Incorporate Pet-Specific Areas into Your Home Design

Being a pet parent is the most rewarding venture–kind of like your real-life Toy Story. With a new furry family member, your day will be filled with unconditional love, joy, and occasionally shredded pillows. 

From the loyal sidekick energy of your dog to the independent sass of your cat–pets have a unique way of bringing magic into our lives. No wonder their popularity is skyrocketing. About 86.9 million households own a pet in the US alone. Globally, there are likely over a billion pets–that’s a humongous number. 

But as you invite them into your home–it’s only fair that the little heroes of your own Secret Life of Pets saga get a house designed with their needs in mind. That’s where incorporating pet-specific areas comes into play.

So, here’s how you give your pet the VVIP treatment in their new homes: 

A Dedicated Pet Room/Zone

Starting big: give your pet their very own room and zones. It might sound over-the-top, but it’ll be the pet’s mini sanctuary where they can play, relax, and thrive (and contain the mischief) 

However, it’s more than just plopping down a bed. You are deciding the prime real estate for the pet. Do they get the VIP suite to monitor your every move? Or will they prefer a tucked-away nook to escape from prying eyes?

It all boils down to these key considerations:

• Proximity to the family because separation anxiety is no joke in dogs. Meanwhile, cats often prefer ghosting in quieter spots. 
• Traffic flow to ensure your pets can have little peace, even during the busiest hours.
• Temperature–choose a spot with good ventilation and minimal drafts

For open-floor-plan homes, modular room dividers can be perfect for creating ‘pet zones.’ Add built-in kennels for dogs. For bigger furry species, an outdoor dog kennel will provide the pets with a safe and secluded space. The kennel is necessary in case you have small puppies–giving them a place to grow before they find their new homes. 

A Cozy Resting Area

While the room or zone will be theirs, your pets still need quality family time. Carve out cozy resting areas in the family room–say, near your bed or near the living room couch. 

The plush resting nooks will be perfect for your pets to relax and recharge. Plus, the bed will keep all the furs in one place–and they’ll not take over your couch as their thrones. 

So, keeping their comfort at the center, pick a cushiony, cozy bed that matches your pet’s sleeping style–room to sprawl or curl up. Memory foam beds are a great option for older pets. Cooling mats and breathable fabrics, on the other hand, are ideal if your pets tend to overheat. 

Also, pick a style that blends in with your decor. Search, and you’ll find plenty of chic alternatives to compliment your family room. 

Feeding Stations

A dedicated dining spot will bring some order to the delightful chaos the pets will bring to your life. The feeding station will also add a routine for the pets, with a familiar place to enjoy their meals.

Pick a spot out of the busy walkways but still close for easy access–a corner in the kitchen or mudroom. If you have multiple pets at home, assign different dining spots to avoid ‘food politics‘ and keep mealtime civil. 

Add non-slip mats under the bowls to keep enthusiastic dogs from sharing their plates. For larger breeds and older pets, consider elevated bowls to add another layer of comfort (while reducing mess and spills).

If busy working hours keep you out for long, automatic feeders can be a game-changer that saves you from the “Did I feed them yet?” panic. 

Storage Solutions

Pet toys, clothes, and grooming tools can quickly take over your floors, couches, and every nook and cranny. The answer–is storage solutions to keep the pet’s essentials organized yet accessible. 

Therefore, add different storage solutions throughout your home. Go for:

• Toy bins and baskets
• Under-bed or under-sofa storage
• Built-in storage units
• Pet wardrobe
• Wall-mounted racks for leashes and bags

You’ll be amazed how clean and clutter-free your pet-friendly home will get by just these installations. 

Give Your Pets a Nice View

Similar to humans, most dogs and cats love peering through the windows at the outside. It’s their version of soaking in Netflix–minus the binge-watching!

So, set up the relaxing stations near the glass, offering your pets the window seat for endless entertainment. It’s also an excellent way to satisfy their natural curiosity while keeping them safe indoors. 

Bonus point–make the view even more exciting by installing a bird feeder or cat-safe outdoor enclosure. 

Contain the Chaos with Your Pet-Friendly Haven

With every little pet-specific addition to your home, the goal remains the same–creating a safe space that caters to your pet’s instincts. It’ll be your way of thanking them for the abundance of love, laughter (and a bit of entertaining chaos) they fuel into your home. 

Therefore, incorporate the above five key elements into your home design. Remember you are not only accommodating your pets–you are celebrating them!