For pet owners, their animal companions are like family. So, designing a home that welcomes pets with open arms (if your imagination permits buildings having human appendages) means thinking beyond the most superficial aesthetics; it requires creating a safe and practical space equally enjoyable for people & their pets. With the right pet friendly house plans, you can now build a home that reduces stress as well as simplifies daily routines for pet parents.
Whether you’re planning your dream home or creating a rental home, we’ll walk you through lots of smart features that’ll make life easier for human and non-human occupants. From durable flooring to dedicated pet spaces, here’s what you need:
Why Design Matters When You Live with Pets?
Pet-friendly homes are in demand right now. 9 in 10 pet owners refuse to give up their pets because of housing restrictions. If you own a rental home, your house plan must accommodate renters with dogs & cats (or other animals, we don't judge). The design of your property matters a lot for these reasons:
- Creates a Pet-Friendly Environment: A pet-friendly home considers the safety and comfort of all under its roof. Properly designed spaces can prevent accidents, reduce stress for your pets, and make your home a welcoming place for visitors who may not be pet owners.
- Reduces Wear & Tear: Pets can be tough on homes, for sure. Muddy paws and claw marks seem to be commonplace in rental homes. So, you should choose materials and finishes that stand up to daily wear & tear. So, you won't have to spend a fortune on repairs, cleaning, and wallpaper.
- Makes Daily Routines Easier: Your house plan must also accommodate routines like feeding and grooming. For this purpose, you can add smart design features, such as built-in feeding stations, mudrooms with wash areas, and easy access to outdoor spaces. This way, you can reduce mess and make pet care a lot easier.
Flooring and Materials That Stand Up to Paws
New home pet-friendly properties have a major investment potential. They have longer tenancies & lower turnover rates. In fact, 86% of homeowners have very positive relationships with tenants who are pet owners. An important aspect of a pet-friendly home is the choice of flooring and materials. Pets can be tough on the floor, so you should choose easy-to-clean materials.
Choose Durable, Scratch-Resistant Flooring Like Tile, Vinyl, or Sealed Concrete
You should go with hard surface flooring, such as ceramic or porcelain tiles. Luxury vinyl planks (LVPs) and sealed concrete are also fine options. These materials resist scratches from claws and are easy to clean if your pet has an accident. They also don’t trap pet hair, making them more hygienic.
Avoid Carpet in High-Traffic Pet Areas for Easier Cleanup
Carpets sure can feel cozy. But they also trap dirt and hair. Carpets do smell when left unwashed. If your pet spends a lot of time in a certain area (e.g., near feeding stations or doorways), it’s better to choose hard surfaces instead. Avoid carpeting, if possible. If you love carpet, you should place rugs that can be washed or replaced easily.
Use Washable, Stain-Resistant Paints and Finishes on Walls and Cabinetry
Pets can leave marks on walls or cabinetry, whether from rubbing, scratching, or accidental splashes. Choosing washable, stain-resistant paints and finishes means you can easily wipe away dirt or paw prints without damaging your walls or furniture.
Dedicated Pet Spaces and Built-In Features
Did you know that two-thirds of American households have pets? That’s why pet-friendly home design has become the next big trend in the housing market today. Designing a specific pet area for your friends within your home can make a big difference in their comfort and your convenience. You should consider adding these features:
- A built-in feeding station helps you organize your pet’s food and water bowls. Also, these things stay off the floor, reducing annoying & hard-to-clean spills. You can also place these stations in a mudroom (or the kitchen). This way, you can keep your pets out of the main living area.
- How about giving pets their own cozy spots? It’ll help them feel secure and quite relaxed. Create built-in pet nooks or sleeping areas integrated into the design, such as under the stairs or in one of the many quiet corners in the house. Customize these pet retreats with soft bedding as well.
- Controlling where your pets can go is also super-important. Built-in gates or sliding doors let you “section off” areas when required instead of adding freestanding barriers. These features can be integrated seamlessly into your floor plan and décor as well.
Outdoor Access and Fenced Areas
Pets love the outdoors. So, you have to make sure that pets can access outdoor spaces safely. Here's what to do in this regard:
Include Pet Doors for Easy Yard Access
Pet friendly house plans include pet doors, so cats/dogs can go outside freely whenever they want. It'll reduce the need to constantly open the door for them. You should look for models with secure locks to keep your home safe from burglars.
Design Secure, Shaded, and Fully Fenced Outdoor Zones
A fenced yard keeps your pets safe, providing you with 100% peace of mind. But here's the catch: Your fence needs to be sufficiently tall and secure enough to keep your pets in while wild animals stay out. It is smart to add trees, pergolas, awnings, etc., to keep your pets cool on hot days.
Consider Covered Patios for Lounging, Even in Poor Weather
Covered patios or lanais extend your usable outdoor space, letting your pets enjoy fresh air even when it’s raining or too sunny. Furnish these areas with pet-friendly outdoor furniture and cooling mats.
Easy-to-Clean Layouts and Smart Storage
Keeping your home tidy when you have pets requires smart planning for cleaning and storage. Let’s look into some practical tips:
- Cleaning Areas: You should add a mudroom designed with pets in mind. For instance, you could add features like tiled floors and built-in pet wash stations. Ample draining will make it easier for pet parents to clean muddy paws and wet fur before letting animals enter the main living areas.
- Open-Floor Plans: Open-floor plans let you keep an eye on your pets, no matter where they are. Also, this layout gives your pets more room to roam and play safely indoors.
- Storage Rooms: Clutter can quickly gather with pet gear. So, you need to have ample storage for food, toys, leashes, and grooming supplies.
Bringing It All Together: Designing Your Perfect Pet-Friendly Home
We learned that pet friendly house plans aren’t just about accommodating your pets’ basic needs; your main goal should be creating a space where everyone can thrive. So, turn your home into a sanctuary for your furry little friends, because when your home works for your pets, it works better for you as well. At the House Plan Company, we can offer pet-friendly domestic plans to meet your diverse needs.
Whether you have dogs, cats, or other animals, our plans include thoughtful features to make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. We believe that your pets deserve a home that’s comfortable as well as well-designed. So, explore your collection of house plans to keep your animals happy & comfy.
