Bringing Pets into the Fold
As a proud pet owner, I can’t imagine our home without the pitter-patter of paws and the occasional sprinkle of fur. Our furry, feathered, and scaly companions are very much a part of the family. So, when it came time to renovate our house, you better believe I had our pets’ needs at the top of my mind.
Renovating with pets in mind can present some unique challenges, but the payoff is worth it. By creating a home that caters to our four-legged (and winged) friends, we’re able to keep them safe, comfortable, and integrated into our daily lives. And let’s be real – isn’t that what every pet parent wants?
Carving Out Cozy Nooks
One of the first things I insisted on when planning our renovation was designated sleeping spaces for our pups. I know how much they love curling up in their own little hidey-holes, so I worked with our contractor to build in some custom nooks and crannies just for them. These built-in pet beds integrate seamlessly into the cabinetry, providing a cozy retreat without taking up valuable floor space.
Our cats also needed their fair share of attention. After all, they spend the majority of their days (read: all of their days) lounging around the house. To give them their much-deserved outdoor time, we opted to install a catio – a screened-in enclosure that allows them to soak up the sunshine and fresh air without risking their safety. It’s the perfect compromise between indoor and outdoor living.
Cleaning Made Easier
Another top priority for our renovation was making pet care and cleanup a breeze. After all, who hasn’t struggled to wrangle a wet dog into the regular bathtub? Not this girl. Instead, we built a dedicated pet washing station complete with a low-entry shower and a handy dandy drain to catch all that fur and muddy paw water.
A mudroom was another game-changer, giving us a designated space to store leashes, towels, and other pet essentials. No more tripping over chew toys in the living room! And the best part? The floors and walls are designed to withstand the occasional shake-off or paw print.
Feeding Time, Simplified
Speaking of organization, our new kitchen renovation included a custom built-in feeding station for the pets. Gone are the days of spilled kibble and water bowls scattered around the room. Now, their dishes live in a handy cubby, complete with a water fountain feature. It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference in keeping our kitchen tidy and our pets happy.
Accessible Living
As our pack has grown older, we’ve also had to consider their mobility needs. Our newest addition is a pup with some joint issues, so we made sure to include ramps and low-rise steps to help her get around with ease. Even our able-bodied dogs appreciate having an easy way to hop up onto the couch or bed for cuddle time.
Designing for All
Ultimately, the goal of our pet-friendly renovation was to create a home that works for the whole family – two-legged and four-legged alike. By proactively addressing our pets’ needs, we’ve ended up with a space that’s not only functional but also stylish and comfortable.
And you know what they say – happy pets, happy life. Or something like that.
Of course, renovating with pets in mind isn’t always a straightforward process. There are plenty of factors to consider, from material choices to layout planning. But with a little creativity and the right team of professionals, it’s absolutely doable.
In fact, ABC Home, the renovation company we worked with in Aberdeen, was incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating when it came to our furry friends. They understood that our pets are just as much a part of the household as we are, and they worked diligently to ensure our renovation met all of our needs – both human and animal.
So, if you’re embarking on your own home reno journey and want to make sure your pets are included, don’t hesitate to lean on the experts. With a little planning and the right pet-friendly features, you can create a space that’s truly tailored to your whole family.
Putting Pets First
At the end of the day, our pets are our world. They bring us endless joy, unconditional love, and the occasional slobbery kiss. The least we can do is make sure they have a comfortable, safe, and enriching environment to live their best lives.
And who knows – maybe all this pet-friendly design will even inspire the rest of the neighborhood to follow suit. Imagine a world where every home was built with our furry friends in mind. A girl can dream, right?
So, if you’re gearing up for your next home renovation, don’t forget to factor in your four-legged (or winged, or scaly) family members. Trust me, they’ll thank you for it. And so will you, when you’re no longer tripping over dog toys or desperately trying to bathe your pup in the kitchen sink.
Happy renovating, pet parents!
