Millions of families have dog(s) and/or cat(s) – and, collectively, these families spend billions of dollars a year on their fur companions. If you have a pet, have you considered doing any pet friendly home renovations around the house to improve their quality of life—as well as your own?
Built-In Feeding Stations
Are you tired of tripping over your pets’ water and food bowls? Or are you tired of looking at your pets’ bowls all day long and would like to keep the bowls hidden between feedings?
Consider adding a built-in pet feeding station in your kitchen (or whatever room you feed you pets in). The feeding station can be added into a base cabinet – either as an open area or as a shallow drawer that can be pulled out at feeding time and pushed back in to conceal the bowls between feedings. You can also dedicate a drawer(s) or cabinet(s) to pet food and supply storage.
Another option is to add an extra water line in the kitchen and install a drinking fountain for your pet(s).
Pet Washing Station
Instead of using your shower, bathtub, or sink – or taking your dog to the groomer – consider installing a pet washing station in your laundry room or mudroom. For large dogs (and pets of all sizes), you can install a low-walled shower with a handheld showerhead. For smaller dogs and cats, you can install a raised bathtub or oversized sink.
Also consider installing a cabinet next to the pet washing station in which you can store grooming supplies.
Built-In Beds
If you’re tired of tripping over your pets’ beds, consider adding built-in beds. These built-in beds can be installed in alcoves or under the stairs. Built-in beds are more attractive than crates. You can also incorporate shelfs, cabinets, and other built-in features for storage.
Entry Way/Mudroom Storage
To keep your dogs leashes, harnesses, and other frequently used outdoor items organized, consider installing hooks, cubbies, drawers, and shelves.
Catwalk
To provide your indoor cats with physical stimulation, consider installing walkways, ramps, and perches throughout your house to give your cats something to climb on other than furniture. Ramps can run diagonally up the walls, and walkways can be installed along the walls at six inches to a foot below ceiling height. Perches can be installed at various heights on a single wall or multiple walls. Think of the catwalk as a stationary, oversized cat tree.
Hidden Litter Box
Let’s face it, litter boxes are not attractive. And they can smell pretty bad, too. To keep your cats’ litter box out of site, considering hiding it in a cabinet in either the closet, bathroom, or laundry room. Just make sure that there is an small access door.
Also consider installing a cabinet to store the kitty litter and other items in.
Enclosed Patio or Deck
If you have either dogs or cats, consider enclosing your deck or patio so that your pet(s) can have access to the outdoors even if you’re not around to let them out. A doggie door can provide dogs and cats access to the enclosed space.
For indoor cats, an enclosed patio or deck will provide mental and physical stimulation. Add climbing posts and perches to provide the cat(s) with even more physical stimulation.
For dogs, consider installing a antimicrobial grass to provide a safer, cleaner environment for your pet(s).
If you are interested in making any pet friendly home renovations, contact us today for a free estimate.