How to Create a Pet Friendly Home

Having a home that is both pet and people friendly may seem like a challenge, but with a little knowledge and the right items in place, you can create a comfortable, visually appealing, and easier-to-clean home.

The first thing to keep in mind is that creating a safe home for your pets is actually very similar to child-proofing.  For example, you wouldn’t display a family heirloom like a standing lamp in the most active room of your home if you have little ones for the same reason you shouldn’t if you have pets.

That being said, here’s a few tips for creating a pet friendly home:

Opt for hardwood or laminate instead of wall-to-wall carpeting
Carpet is difficult to keep clean because it acts like a magnet for pet hair and dander, allergens, and the “accident” your pets may have from time to time.  While the surface appears clean, not even the best vacuum can rid carpet of what pets leave behind.

Area rugs
If you absolutely must have a rug, choose inexpensive area rugs that can ultimately be thrown out instead of being cleaned.  Of course you can toss them in the washing machine a few times first, but depending on the quality, they will probably end up falling apart.

A good tip to keep in mind is to try to match the area rug to the color of your pets fur!

Keep fragile out of the equation
Just as you wouldn’t decorate with expensive items if you had children, the same goes for pets.  If you have items that are expensive or irreplaceable, keep them limited to high shelves that wagging tails can’t get to.  If you have a larger dog that stands on his hind legs to do the happy dance, keep that in mind when deciding how high a shelf is high enough!

Cabinets with glass doors are not considered pet friendly.  Instead, choose to display decorative items in rooms that are off limits to pets.

Prevent drool spots with the right paint
Using semi-gloss paint on your walls will help keep the drool spots to a minimum because it is easier to clean.  Just use a wet sponge and dry with a towel!

Having a pet friendly home will allow for a happier, less stressful life for both pets and owner.  What additional tips do you have?