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How to Build a Pet-Friendly Home: Safety & Comfort Tips

How to Build a Pet-Friendly Home: Safety & Comfort Tips

  • From Flooring to Furniture

Our pets are family — and just like us, they deserve a safe, cozy space to call home. Whether you’re redecorating or moving into a new place, creating a pet-friendly home can help prevent accidents, reduce stress, and make your furry companion feel more at ease. 🐶🐱

1. Choose the Right Flooring 🪵

  • Best: Vinyl, tile, or laminate — durable, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean
  • Avoid: Hardwood (prone to scratches), carpet (traps hair and odors)

Tip: Use area rugs with rubber backing to protect flooring and provide traction for older pets.

2. Pet-Proof Your Furniture 🛋️

  • Opt for tightly woven fabrics like microfiber or leather alternatives
  • Use washable slipcovers and throws
  • Avoid glass tables and sharp edges — go for rounded corners!

3. Create Safe Zones 🛏️

Give pets their own space — whether it’s a cozy bed in the corner, a window perch, or a crate they can retreat to. Make sure it’s away from noisy appliances or high-traffic areas.

4. Use Pet-Safe Plants 🌿

  • Safe: Spider plant, bamboo palm, areca palm
  • Dangerous: Lilies, pothos, aloe vera, philodendron

Always double-check with ASPCA’s plant safety guide before bringing greenery into your space.

5. Keep Essentials Accessible 🚰

Place food and water bowls in low-traffic areas, install pet gates if needed, and keep cleaning supplies and medications securely out of reach.

Bonus Tips ✨

  • Add a pet cam to monitor when you're away
  • Use automatic feeders and water fountains for convenience
  • Install screens on windows and balconies

A pet-friendly home is one where both style and safety meet — and where tails wag happily every day. 🐕🐾