As a pet lover, a home that provides a wonderful environment for your pets is a top priority. This also means your new home will need durable and easy to maintain finishes able to withstand pet-related wear and tear. So, if you're looking to build a new home, here are a few suggestions to keep both the two and four-legged members of your family comfortable and happy.
Easy Maintenance Tips
Whether you have cats who like to claw carpeted surfaces or a puppy who has occasional potty accidents, pet-friendly flooring is a must. Custom tile or engineered flooring materials are an excellent choice for both durability and a timeless look for your home. Flooring that doesn’t show dirt is a great idea and durable stain resistant furniture are also practical.
Easy Outdoor or Litter Box Access for Your Pets
Doggy doors can be an asset for a busy family, as your dog can let themselves in and out as needed. Custom doggy doors can also include security options for safety and weatherproofing will prevent Calgary’s unpredictable weather from entering your home. For your cat, a dedicated space for the litter box will keep it out of sight and out of mind. A cat door leading to the garage can be a great way to allow your cat a safe space for their litter box without introducing unpleasant odours into your home.
Safe and Enjoyable Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor space is essential for your pet’s wellbeing and also provides a play area for you to interact. A fenced backyard with a variety of landscaping features and surfaces will give your pets plenty of room for potty areas, shady spots, and playtime fun. Designing your landscape to include plants that are non-toxic and safe for your pets will also ensure a safe place for them to explore.
Your neighbourhood should also be pet-friendly, with sidewalks and park spaces to exercise your dog and allow them to explore. Lush lawns and trees provide a nice area for walking and enjoying your time with your beloved pet. Walking your dog is also a wonderful way to get to know your neighbours and explore your new neighbourhood in the desirable community you’ve chosen to call home.
Convenient Indoor Grooming Features
Bathing and grooming your pets can be a hassle. Hair gets all over the house and a bath outside with cold hose water isn't practical most months. Adding a custom dog wash area with a hand-held sprayer means you can remove mud and odours from your dog before they enter your living area. The ability to tend to your pet's grooming needs comfortably in a designated area means you won’t make a mess throughout your home.
Naptime: Cozy Sleeping Areas
Pets spend much of the day taking naps, so a home with lots of cozy spaces and sunny windows will make your pets feel right at home. Window seats, wide windowsills, and pet beds aligned to take advantage of the warm mid-day sun will appeal to your pets as a wonderful place to spend time. Pets like quiet spaces for naps, so providing a dedicated space away from foot traffic in your busy home guarantees each of your pets a cozy place to rest.
Kitchen Design: Including Your Pet’s Needs
In addition to your kitchen's family friendly design, feeding areas are a great way to make your pets feel at home, too. A cubbyhole for storage can be adapted for your dog or cat’s dishes and provides a custom look that will appeal to your pet-loving family members and guests.
Your pets are an important part of your life and ensuring your new home has the right features to meet their needs is an important part of the home selection process. The tips and ideas listed above will help you create comfortable spaces, inside and out.
