House & Home

Design your home with pets in mind

Home owners love their pets - and they also love great design with modern function. So it's no surprise that home builders and designers increasingly are being asked to consider pets when developing floor plans and custom amenities.

Posted Updated
1
By
Chad D. Collins, AMB, MCGP, CAPS, Accredited Master Builder
and
writer/contributor for New Homes & Ideas

Home owners love their pets – and they also love great design with modern function. So it’s no surprise that home builders and designers increasingly are being asked to consider pets when developing floor plans and custom amenities.

Builders are responding to this demand by offering homes with pet-friendly design in the kitchen, laundry room/mud room and even outdoor spaces. Condos and apartment buildings now feature amenities like rooftop dog parks and self-serve grooming stations.

Whether you’re in the market for a new home, will soon be remodeling or just need some inspiration for how to use your current space, here are a few ideas to get started.

Kitchen:

If you have a small or medium-sized pet, consider finding a spot in your kitchen to create a built-in eating area. It can be as simple as using free floor space under the island to create a stylish spot for the food and water bowls. Or, declutter a large lower cabinet, remove the door and create a convenient feeding spot. You also can add a comfortable cushion instead for a cozy pet bed.

If a bottom drawer is all you can spare, put a built-in food bowl that easily slides in and out. The water bowl should be accessible to your pet all the time, however.

If your pet is a messy eater, keep the feeding station away from most of the foot traffic. Water spills can be especially hazardous in the kitchen. That’s why feeding bowls for larger pets may be better suited for the laundry room or mud room.

Short on space? Take a tour of your house with fresh eyes and look for otherwise wasted space that you can transform. Turn an alcove or space under the stairs into a nook just for Fluffy.

Laundry Room/Mud Room:

If you have a separate laundry room and/or mud room, there are many ways to utilize this space for your pets. A feeding station for your larger pet can be conveniently located beneath a boot bench. This also makes a great spot for a pet bed.

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