5 Essential Tips for Creating a Pet-Friendly Home

Our homes are our safe places. They’re where we sleep, live, relax, and recharge. Having a comfortable and safe home is so important for our mental health and physical wellbeing – and it’s the same for our pets, too. Our furry friends give us so much love and happiness, and they deserve to feel safe and content.

Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or you’re thinking about bringing your very first pet into your home, the following tips will help you improve your house, apartment, or room so it’s safe and comfortable for both you and your pet.

Ask Yourself What Your Pet Needs

Any pet owner knows that every single pet is different. No two animals are the same, and they all have different needs. 

Dogs

Dogs have lots of energy and need plenty of space to play and burn it off. However, their needs will still vary based on the breed of dog you own. Large breeds, such as Labradors, Dalmatians, and Great Danes, will naturally need a lot more space than smaller dogs like Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and Yorkshire Terriers, so it’s important to take that into consideration.

Access to a garden or another type of outdoor space is also so important for a dog. Life gets in the way, and you may not always be able to take them on long walks, so it’s important that they have a space to do their business and stretch their legs.

Cats

Any cat owner knows that cats love their space. They often need lots of cozy hiding places to retreat to when they start to feel overwhelmed.

Some cats like to go outside and play, whereas others might prefer to stay inside or may need to due to medical issues. If you have an indoor cat, make sure there’s plenty of space for them to play, as this will stop them from feeling bored or lonely.

Small Animals

Smaller animals, such as rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs, have an entirely different set of needs. They may be suited for smaller apartments, but your space still needs to be big enough to house an enclosure. 

Rabbits might need outdoor space for a hutch, but you can also own indoor rabbits, too. 

1. Make Your Home Comfortable

Your home isn’t just a safe space for you – it also needs to be a safe and cozy space for your furry friend, too. There are lots of things you can do to make your space comfortable for your beloved pet.

Choose The Right Bedding

A big, fluffy bed or a crate are great choices for a dog. Make sure to line the crate with blankets, bedding, and their favorite toys, creating a comfortable space for them to relax in. You can even pick up orthopedic dog beds for older dogs to make them more comfortable.

Cats, on the other hand, sleep where they choose. We recommend buying them a cat bed or a nest for them to hide in, but we can’t promise they won’t go for a cardboard box or the corner of your wardrobe instead. 

Our tiny pets need little beds, too. You can buy specific rabbit beds and hideaways to place in their hutches. Hamsters are nocturnal and like to burrow, so make sure to provide plenty of cotton wool and fluffy bedding for them to hide in during the daytime.

2. Make Sure to Pet-Proof Your Home

Our pets are just like children, and they don’t always know what’s best for them. Here are some top tips for pet-proofing your home.

Hide Electricals

Pets love to sink their sharp teeth into things – and that includes dangerous materials like electrical cords. Whether it’s your phone charger or TV cords, make sure to hide all loose wires.

Keep Cleaning Supplies Out of Reach

That includes bleach, toilet cleaner, surface wipes, or anything else they might get their paws on.

Secure Trash

Curious pets love to eat things they’re not supposed to. And if you happen to be a little bit late with dinner, they might be tempted to see what you have lying around the kitchen.

Invest in Pet-Safe Fabrics

Choose heftier fabrics that are more likely to withstand wear and tear – or sharp teeth. Pick throws and blankets that are easy to wash, and go for stain-resistant mats. Slipcovers are a fantastic way to protect any important items or furniture against dirt, fur, and inevitable accidents.

Get Clever With Storage

Ottomans that double as seats are a great place to hide away pet toys and supplies, keeping your apartment clean and tidy.

3. Set Up Your Feeding Area

Find a clear spot in your house to set up your cat or dog’s water and food bowls – usually the kitchen or a hallway. Non-slip mats are great for catching spills and protecting your floor. 

Store your pet food in airtight containers to keep it fresh – and to stop curious noses from getting to them!

Top Tip – If you have a cat, you might need to keep their water and food bowls separate. A water fountain is also another great way to ensure your cat always has fresh water.

4.  Secure Your Outside Space

Whether you have a dog or a cat, it’s important to make sure your outdoor space is secure. Check for gaps and holes in fences – you’d be surprised what our furry friends can fit through.

If your garden has plants, make sure to check whether they’re safe for pets, as some are toxic and can cause stomach upsets.

A garden is a great place to play with your dog. You can set up toys and even agility equipment. But this shouldn’t be an alternative to walks! It’s important to take your dog on walks, too, so they get all the exercise they need.

5. Keep Your Home Clean

A messy home doesn’t just impact our own health and mood – it can cause problems for your pet, too, making them feel uncomfortable.

Make sure to clean regularly. Invest in a pet-friendly vacuum that’s specially designed to pick up pet hair. 

If you have a cat, manage the litterbox every few days to keep it clean and odor-free. It’s good to set up the litterbox in a quiet location where your cat can do their business without being bothered. Make sure to set it up away from any cat food.

How to Find a Pet-Friendly Apartment 

If your home isn’t suitable for your pet, it might be time to move. Whether you want to invite your first pet into your home or you need a better space for yourself and your furry friend, here are some tips on how to find the best apartment for you.

• Filter Out Specific Properties – Some apartments, houses, and rooms don’t allow pets at all. Websites like SpareRoom let you filter properties based on certain requirements, helping you find a new home that welcomes pets. You can also filter on location, so if you’re looking to rent a pet-friendly home in Chicago, SpareRoom can help you find the perfect place.
• Find Out About Fees – Some places might welcome pets, but they may want an extra pet-specific security deposit or more rent.
• Visit Apartments in Person – This is a sure way to check if your new apartment is safe for your pet. Consider all the things we mentioned above.
• Be Honest With Your Landlord – Some landlords may only accept pets of a certain age, breed, or size. Make sure to be honest with them about your pet, even if it means you don’t get the apartment.

Conclusion

Your home is your sanctuary, where you retreat to in order to relax, recharge, and feel safe. But it’s also the same for your pet too. It’s important that your furry friend feels safe and happy, no matter where you live. The above tips will help you find and create a pet-friendly apartment where you both can feel at home.

Check out our other Home Design articles.