Handy Tips for Transforming Your Home into a Pet-Friendly Residence

For many Americans, pets are beloved family members.

Rather than banishing their furry friends to the backyard, today’s pet owners are decorating and remodeling their living spaces with their animals’ needs in mind.

Here are seven design ideas for creating a pet-friendly home that everyone can enjoy.

Accommodate your feline’s instincts.

Although experts agree that it’s safer for cats to remain indoors, many don’t get enough exercise and suffer from boredom. Some simple tweaks in your home design can alleviate this problem. For example, cats instinctively seek out higher ground, so you can encourage your feline pal to be more active by arranging your furniture in a way that allows them access to the taller pieces. A word of caution: don’t store or display heavy or breakable items in these areas, as cats can and will knock them over. Cat shelves, trees, and towers are another fun way to help your kitties get the height they crave. There are many pre-assembled products on the market, or if you’re handy, you can install simple shelves yourself.

Create a ‘mud room’ for your pooch.

What’s better than watching your dog enjoying a romp in the great outdoors? Unfortunately, returning home afterward without tracking dirt and mud throughout can be a challenge. Incorporating a mud room or designated space into your house can make a clean re-entry easier. Use your existing laundry room, covered porch, or mud room near the entrance to keep dog supplies and cleaning tools like towels, wipes, and soap that are just for your canine friend. You might even consider outfitting it with custom features such as a pet shower, tub, or oversized sink.

Choose pet-friendly flooring.

Flooring represents a large home investment and choosing the wrong kind can be costly. Ceramic tile or laminate floor provides longevity and resilience. It also comes in beautiful simulated wood designs that offer timeless elegance as well as increased durability and ease of maintenance. If you prefer carpet, choose a darker color or patterned style to help hide those inevitable pet stains. Opt for a low-pile carpet to enhance the ease of cleaning, and avoid continuous loops that can cause claws and nails to snag on them. Carpet tiles and area rugs allow for irreparably damaged areas to be easily removed and replaced as needed.

Select colors that match your pet’s fur.

Your dog or cat can be a source of inspiration when choosing colors throughout your home. Cover your sofa in a honey-colored material that matches your golden retriever or paint the concrete floor the same shade of gray as your cat. These are practical choices because the hair your pets leave behind will be far less visible.

Opt for stain stain-resistant upholstery fabrics.

Forget silk and velvet. Instead, discover the joys of Crypton, a synthetic fabric that’s resistant to stains, bacteria, and even muddy paws. It’s available from many furniture manufacturers and interior designers. Find it online at www.cryptonfabric.com.

Install a magnetic or electronic doggie door.

If you’re concerned about other animals or intruders getting in, or small children getting out, these doors are the way to go. They work in conjunction with your pet’s collar and only unlock and open when he or she approaches the door. They’re more expensive than a standard doggie door, but the peace of mind that comes with the added security is worth the cost.

Give them a comfy place to rest.

An essential part of pet-friendly interior design is the addition of their very own cozy bed. Choose bedding that’s of the appropriate size and crafted from high-quality materials so Kitty or Fido can relax and unwind after a busy day. Be sure to consider the overall style of your residence, too. For example, a traditional tartan pet bed will stand out like a sore thumb in a chic minimalist apartment. Instead, select a simpler, more contemporary design that will enhance the rest of your home.

Put your imagination to work to create a cozy, livable place that you and your four-legged friend can enjoy together. If you need more inspiration, the professionals at Certified Title are here to help. Please reach out to us anytime.

About Certified Title Corporation: Since 1994, attorney-owned Certified Title Corporation has been furnishing residential and commercial real estate stakeholders across the nation with robust title insurance, settlement, and escrow services. Renowned for industry-leading reliability and an exemplary level of service and quality, the Maryland-based company helps clients from all walks of life achieve their asset goals. To learn more, call (888)486-5511 or visit https://www.certifiedtitlecorp.com/.